Pathway to Japanese Literature

Court Lady Tamamushi

Her younger sister Tamakoto

Nasu no Yoichirou Muniharu Wandering Monk Ugetsu Court Lady Kureha no Tsubone

Court Lady Aya no Tsubone Beach Woman Oshio Nasu clan retainer Yatouji Additionally, Nasu clan retainers. Beach children and others

(1)

May of Juei 4 [1185]. Twilight at Dan-no-ura in Nagato Province. The area was a sandy expanse, with large shore-hugging pines standing here and there. Straight ahead across the sea, Mojigaseki loomed distant. The sound of waves; the cries of waterbirds.

(After the Heike's downfall, the court ladies fell into ruin and wandered this shore; pitiful were they who sustained themselves through base occupations. Kureha no Tsubone and Aya no Tsubone—both senior court ladies around thirty years of age, past their bloom—gathered seaweed into baskets along the shore.) Kureha: "You there, Lady Aya. If we've gathered this much, there should be no shortage for tomorrow's needs. Should we not be returning now?" Aya: "Having stood through this endless day, we've exhausted each other most harshly."

“Though it be mere complaint to say so now,” Kureha began, her voice heavy with the weight of memory, “in our cloud-palace days of yore, never did we dream we would eke out our existence through such base labors.” She let out a shuddering breath that seemed to carry decades of lost grandeur. “Neither ‘shameful’ nor ‘sad’ suffice to name this wretched state.” Aya’s gaze drifted toward the crashing waves as if seeking answers in their foam. “The younger ones still paint over tear-stained faces,” she murmured, “trading fleeting courtesies with passersby to scrape together some semblance of days.” Her knuckles whitened around the seaweed basket’s rim. “But we who’ve weathered time’s cruel passage? Without even pitying glances to sustain us, we must choose between living as specters of our former selves or perishing from hunger’s slow bite.”

Kureha: “Though we work like this hoping to live even one more day, who knows how long it can last...” (Sighing while gazing upward.) “Ah, while we linger over such talk, daylight will soon fade.”

“The sky has indeed grown overcast,” said Lady Aya. “With these recent weather patterns—when a cold sea wind blows in—rain inevitably follows as is customary. We should return before getting drenched.” “We must mend the torn eaves to keep rain from leaking into the thatched hut,” Lady Kureha replied. “Our humble dwelling—bereft even of servants—is fraught with endless vexations,” Lady Aya lamented. (The two women walked away, baskets in hand, trudging wearily.) On the beach were three children: Child A, Child B, and Child C. Child B held a red crab bound with string.)

Child B: “How’s this? Are there still Heike crabs around?”

Child A: “The evening tide’s come in full—ill timing indeed. With this swell, even crabs shan’t crawl ashore!” Child C: “Then let us return at dawn’s ebb tomorrow to catch them!” (Munehiro Saemon no Jō—now called Ugetsu since taking Buddhist vows—appeared in traveler’s garb, though bearing neither hat nor staff.) Ugetsu: “Ah... So this is the Heike crab... What manner of creature might it be?” Child B: “Here! Look upon it!”

(Shows the crab. Ugetsu gazes intently.) Ugetsu: "Why do they call this crab Heike?"

Child A: “Ever since the Heike perished at Dan-no-ura here, crabs unlike any ever seen before came swarming in great numbers.”

Child B: "On the crab's shell, you can see a person's face." Child C: "This one here—it's got a face like this, all twisted up angry-like."

As the child pointed it out, Ugetsu gazed intently and shuddered involuntarily. “Ah! Truly,” he said, “upon the crab’s shell there vividly appears a human face…” “And what a fierce expression of wrath it bears…” “After the Heike perished here, such strange crabs…” “That’s right! That’s right!” chorused the children. “White belongs to Genji… red to the Heike’s banner hues…” “The faces imprinted upon crimson shells…” “Could the noble souls of the Heike clan dwell within these crabs—wandering lost?”

Child A: “That’s why they’re called Heike crabs.” (Ugetsu gazed silently at the crab.) Ugetsu: “Here, children. Though you call yourselves shore-raised, you mustn’t commit needless slaughter. Release this crab into the sea. In return, I shall give you something fine.”

Child B: “If you give us something good, we’ll release it right away.” Ugetsu: “Ah, such obedient children! What would serve as proper recompense? This should do.” (Feeling around his waist, he produced a hemp bag containing dried rice.) “Here—take this in exchange. Now release the crab at once.”

(The child scooped out some dried rice from the bag and examined it.) Child B: “What is this?” Ugetsu: “That is called dried rice. You soak it in water or hot water to eat.” Child B: “Thank you very much.”

(The child untied the crab’s string and released it into the sea behind them.) Ugetsu: “You must not catch those crabs hereafter. For Heike spirits possess them, and no one can say what dreadful curses may befall you.” The three children: “Aye.” “Aye.” (The children departed.) Ugetsu watched them depart.)

Ugetsu: "Dusk has fallen with none about—for this humble monk in hiding, most fortunate indeed. Shall I offer memorial prayers from this distant shore to the noble spirits of your clan who sank beneath the waves?"

(Ugetsu kneeled on the beach, fingers moving through his prayer beads as he offered memorial prayers toward the sea. Court Lady Tamamushi, twenty years old with loose hair, emerged wearing a hooded robe and stood watching from the pine tree's shadow as Ugetsu finished his memorial prayers and began to rise.)

Tamamushi: “Ah, if I may...” (Ugetsu stopped and peered intently.)

“Who might you be?”

“Oh, Lord Munekiyo…” “It is this one.” “I am Tamamushi.”

(Approaching, she removed the hooded robe.) No sooner had she done this than Ugetsu knelt again upon the earth.)

“Truly, Lord Munekiyo—to meet in such an unexpected place.” “What strangeness could there be? Here lies the sea where the Heike sank. Those with ties to the Heike—where could they go if they leave here? When I look upon you now, you’ve changed your guise and become a disciple of the Buddha, have you not?” “After the Heike’s downfall, I was invited by my nephew Kiyotsune and hid in mountain dwellings of Higo. But to offer memorial prayers for the departed, as you see before you, I have changed my appearance—now renouncing the world and abandoning my warrior status, I wander through various provinces solely chanting the name of Amida Buddha.”

“How commendable of you.” (Laughing mockingly.) “And what has become of Kiyotsune?”

Ugetsu: He resolved upon a certain course of action, and though this humble monk repeatedly tried to dissuade him, he secretly made his way down to Kamakura. Tamamushi: Hmm... To Kamakura... "He probably carried the renowned sword Iejūdai Azamaru on his person when he went." Ugetsu: Most likely so. Tamamushi: Truly Kiyotsune—a splendid man. "With that Azamaru... Genji blood—" "That is most likely so." Ugetsu: This humble monk did state as such. Tamamushi (nods contentedly.) "Truly valiant indeed to hear." "Even were it not Kiyotsune, a warrior must possess at least that measure of resolve." "Hark, Munekiyo." "On the twenty-fourth day of the past Third Month, the entire Heike clan sank beneath this sea." "Though it feels like yesterday, counting the days reveals two months have already passed—today marks the very anniversary of their passing." "There—beyond where...the pine grove appears dimly...stretching from Mojigaseki to Ōsato Beach—with that at our rear, our warships numbered some five hundred vessels deployed left and right like a great bird spreading its wings."

Ugetsu: "On this beach where this humble monk now stands, Genji's vast army once gathered like a dark tide." "Upon the sea floated warships numbering three thousand vessels—fivefold our own strength at least." "They surged forth all at once." "What could one say against such numbers..." (He sighs.) "A single day's battle..." "When I reflect upon it now—how utterly meaningless it all was." Tamamushi: "Yet the Heike fought valiantly till the bitter end." "Our swords shattered, arrows spent, ships smashed to splinters—not one coward surrendered as we sank beneath the waves, each cursing our foes with dying breath." (Her brows arch with malice.) "You've not witnessed it—when storm winds whip the sea at night, countless phantom fires dance upon the waves while drowned voices wail their grief." "The Heike who perished here—though their corpses rot in abyssal depths, their souls linger through centuries, nursing grudges that outlast time itself."

Ugetsu: “Though it is said that clinging thoughts span five hundred rebirths and a single thought immeasurable kalpas, the depth of sin resides in Asura’s delusions. Yet while the Lotus Sutra’s power may grant those beyond this world means to attain Buddhahood through their obsessions, what proves truly difficult to save… are the obsessions of those still living— “Though I have counseled my nephew Kiyotsune time and again to relinquish all worldly attachments and abandon schemes of revenge…”

“Did Kiyotsune consent?” “Ah—of course he did.” “Such half-enlightened sermonizing—this one would never accept it!”

“Then you too...” “I too am cursing the Genji.”

Ugetsu: “Cursing the Genji…” Tamamushi: “What cause for surprise could there be? “It is precisely because there are earthly desires and attachments that people live in this world. “Obsession is human life itself. “If one were to cast aside all earthly desires and attachments, it would be better to sleep beneath cold soil.” Ugetsu: “With all due respect, that is the delusion of ordinary beings…”

“Hmm, how you do prattle on.” “You and this one are of differing minds.” (A fine rain began to fall; Tamamushi gazed up at the sky.)

Tamamushi: “May’s customary weather—has it turned to rain again? Now, Munekiyo—you’ve no need to be in such haste to be on your way. You should stay here tonight and depart once the skies clear.”

Ugetsu: “And so, your ladyship’s residence…”

Tamamushi: Five or six chō along this beach... “Ah, that lone pine tree serves as the landmark.” Ugetsu: Then I shall first pay my respects at the late Emperor's mausoleum and then come to call upon you. Tamamushi: Return ere the rain grows fierce.

(Tamamushi parted and departed.) (Ugetsu watched her depart.)

Ugetsu: “They say women are sinful enough as it is—but for one to be so obsessively fixated on cursing and ritually subduing the Genji... ’tis terrifying beyond words.” “Taking advantage of your invitation to stay tonight, I shall meet with you once more and offer counsel to dispel these mists of delusion—such being a monk’s duty.”

(Contemplating) First, should I pay my respects at the Imperial Mausoleum before that?

(The sound of waves grew loud.)

Ugetsu: “Ah—the sun sets and waves grow fierce.” “The sky darkens; rain begins to fall...” “Such a night must bring forth wandering ghost-flames.” “Namu Amida Butsu... Namu Amida Butsu...” (He faces the sea and presses his palms together once more.)

(Two Nasu retainers stealthily appear.)

Retainer A: “That suspicious traveling monk…” Retainer B: “Hmm.” (The two retainers rushed forward to seize him.) Ugetsu: “What reason for this violence… This humble monk is by no means suspicious.” Retainer A: “Hmm… Performing memorial prayers toward the sea…”

“He’s Heike-affiliated, no doubt about it.”

(As the two tried to forcibly take him away, Ugetsu resisted, unwilling to go, and finally threw them down.) The two retainers, seeing they were no match, fled. Ugetsu brushed the dust from his robe and gave a bitter smile.)

Ugetsu: Once having entered the Buddhist priesthood, I should have abandoned my former self as a warrior—yet here I am forgetting myself and resorting to violent conduct. This priestly robe brings me nothing but shame. Ah, how difficult it is to attain enlightenment.

(II)

At the bay's thatched hut with its two-layered roof structure, the bamboo veranda had decayed. The upper front section had wooden siding; above it, an altar had been erected with a shimenawa rope hung. At the central entrance hung a torn reed curtain. The lower section likewise had wooden siding. At the lower part of the front garden stood a log gate alongside a fence studded with oyster shells. Outside the fence stood a large pine tree, while behind it stretched the nearby sea of Dan-no-ura.

(Oshio, the beach woman, lit a lamp made from a turban shell while muttering to herself.)

Oshio: Soon it would be dusk—what could those noble sisters be doing... This accursed May weather—seems the rain has started falling again...

(A light rain falls. Tamamushi returns.)

Tamamushi: "I have just returned." Oshio: "Ah, you have returned, my lady. How unfortunate that it has begun raining—you must be quite troubled."

Tamamushi: "This coming and going of showers follows May's customary weather—'tis no proper rain." (Removing her soaked cloak to step onto the veranda) "My gratitude for your constant watch over our empty home." "And has my sister still not returned?"

Oshio: "She has not yet returned, my lady." Tamamushi: "Lately she’s been restless and unable to settle down—turning inside out to wander outside. What could have come over her?" (When Tamamushi furrowed her brows, Oshio gave a forced laugh.)

Oshio: “That too is a livelihood—there’s no helping it.” Tamamushi: “Livelihood, you say...” Oshio: “Ah...” (She stammered.)

“What manner of livelihood has my sister been engaged in?” “Ah... This was my error for carelessly letting my tongue slip. I beg your forgiveness, my lady.” “Nay, there is no need for apologies—you need only speak plainly.”

Tamamushi's younger sister Tamakoto, seventeen or eighteen years old, emerged from the lower area wearing a hooded cloak and stood at the gate eavesdropping on the conversation inside. Tamamushi pondered for a moment when Oshio failed to respond. Tamamushi: "Lady Oshio, speak plainly without concealment." "After the Heike fell, court ladies were scattered to the winds—wandering these parts and living out meaningless lives." "Among them, I hear there are those who endure shame by trading their charms with travelers coming up and down the roads, with merchants from departing and arriving ships." "Could my sister too be among those who..."

“Who can say?” “You there—will you not give me a proper answer?”

(As Tamamushi pressed her questioning, Oshio grew increasingly distressed.) (Tamakoto opened the gate and rushed in.)

Tamakoto: “Elder sister… Please forgive me.” Tamamushi: “Hmm.” “So my conjecture proved true—while hiding it from your elder sister, you’ve embraced the ways of courtesans and shirabyōshi dancers, becoming one who trades her charms before I knew it?”

Tamakoto: “I’ve long known you would rebuke me thus, but given our changed circumstances from days of old—what would become of us two sisters if we simply idled about? When faced with starving to death, we’d not care about shame or reputation—’tis out of sheer need for daily sustenance that…” Oshio: “Oh, that too stands to reason—when you noble ladies raised in the capital find yourselves wandering these beaches, there’s no other means of survival. Making use of your fair looks to sell affection to passersby. ’Tis harsh work, but for your own sake. As they say—‘When pressed by necessity, one would slice off their own nose’—this must be what common talk means.”

“Elder sister, please try to understand,” Tamakoto entreated. “You must not scold her,” Oshio interjected. (Though Oshio spoke with a placating look, Tamamushi paid no heed.)

Tamamushi: “You there, sister. You spin plausible tales, but even reduced to such circumstances, do you still cling so desperately to life?” Tamakoto: “From this woman’s reluctant heart—life remains precious.” Tamamushi: “Do you wish to live even if it means exposing shame?” Tamakoto: “If I were to die, I would have done so this March, on the day the Heike fell.” Oshio: “That is indeed so. Since the fall of the Heike, many court ladies have drowned themselves in the sea, or so they say… To have safely endured through such circumstances must be due to truly divine fortune. If we’re speaking of good fortune… well, Lady Tamakoto. If I were to speak of that person, I doubt your elder sister’s mood would improve.”

Tamakoto: “No, no! That…” Oshio: “Come now—there’s no need to conceal it.” (Turning to Tamamushi.) “As they say—‘Fall seven times, rise eight’—after misfortune comes good fortune.” “Now do listen well.” “Among her many guests, your younger sister has formed a deep bond with a most distinguished warrior…” “In time, she may well ascend to become his noble wife.” “When that day comes, you too shall cast aside these present hardships and attain a station of comfort.”

Tamamushi: "And this warrior you speak of..." Oshio: "Yes, well..." Tamakoto: "Ah—" (She gestured frantically to silence her.)

Oshio: "A man called Nasu no Yoichiro..." Tamamushi: "Nasu no Yoichiro…"

(She pondered.) The Nasu faction still remained there to investigate Heike remnants, she had heard, having established an encampment. Yoichiro was likely one of their kin. Oshio: “I heard he is the general’s honorable younger brother.” “Well, Lady Tamakoto…” (Tamakoto did not answer, bowing her head as if terrified.) (Tamamushi’s countenance shifted markedly.) Tamamushi: “What? The general’s brother… Yoichi’s brother, you say…?” (Suddenly rising, she seized her sister by the collar.) “Of all people… the Genji… and not just any Genji, but the Nasu clan! To have grown intimate with such loathsome creatures…” “Not a moment longer shall you remain here!” “Come—out with you! Get out!”

“Yes…”

Oshio: “To think your wrath would be so intense...” “Now, now—do wait a moment.” Tamamushi: “This is no affair of yours.” “Tamakoto—I shall never meet you again.”

(Pushing her away, she attempted to rise.) Tamakoto clung to her elder sister's sleeve.) Tamakoto: "Then... you would sever our bond as sisters..." Tamamushi: "I have severed not only our bond as sisters but all human ties." "You beast…." "The very sight of you is filth."

(Tamamushi brushed her sleeve away and retreated deeper within.) Tamakoto collapsed in tears.

Oshio was appalled.)

“Oh dear, oh dear. This has turned into quite the outrageous affair,” said Oshio. “Thinking it might serve as apology’s seed, I carelessly brought up Lord Nasu’s name—only to further stoke her wrath.” She clasped her hands. “Now I know the tongue is misfortune’s gate—but regret comes too late for festival prayers.” Drawing closer, she implored: “Lady Tamakoto—I beg you to reconsider.”

“No, no—there’s no need for you to apologize,” said Tamakoto. “Sooner or later... she would have found out...” Though she had prepared various explanations—what to say here, how to phrase that—when the moment came, not a word left her lips. Having been disowned by her only sister—what in the world was she to do? Tamakoto sobbed inconsolably as Oshio attempted to console her. “Even if she rages so fiercely now,” said Oshio, “you’re sisters who share the same blood. Your hearts will surely reconcile in time.” “That said,” she continued, “given her terrible countenance, she won’t offer apologies this very moment.” “At any rate,” Oshio urged, “come to my lodging just for tonight.” “Now now,” she added, “crying won’t help matters.” “There there,” she soothed, “please do stand up.”

As she took her hand while soothing her, Tamakoto stood up dejectedly. Tamakoto: "Even so... I should offer my apologies once more..." Oshio: "Hmm... If I were to bring up this matter now, it would only provoke her temper further. Now, now, leave it to me."

(Taking Tamakoto’s hand and exiting the gate, they had walked but a few steps when from the opposite direction, the Nasu retainer Yatouji appeared swinging a torch to light their way.) (The two parties met.)

Yatouji: “Oh! Could it be Lady Tamakoto?” Oshio: “You are one of the Nasu clan’s honorable retainers...” Yatouji: “I have come to receive Lady Tamakoto.” (Tamakoto, who had been dejected until now, suddenly became bustling with activity upon hearing of the Nasu clan’s invitation.)

Tamakoto: “Oh, Lord Yatouji… How kind of you to come meet me.” Yatouji: “Lord Yoichiro has been waiting most impatiently. Make haste!” Tamakoto: “I shall accompany you at once.”

“Just in time for the arrival,” said Oshio. “Then—are you off to the honorable encampment?” “I shall go on ahead, Oshio,” replied Tamakoto. “Now, come along,” urged Yatouji.

Yatouji led the way, with Tamakoto following close behind as they hurried off. Oshio, left behind, watched them depart.

Oshio: Lady Tamakoto too is so pragmatic... When she heard of the Nasu clan's summons, her tearful face turned suddenly into a smile, and she promptly departed. Given that, it's no wonder she was disowned by her elder sister. Oh, I hear a bell. "This must be the demon-haunted hour." "Well then, let's hurry back."

(Oshio leaves while muttering.)

The sound of rain fell mournfully as Tamamushi emerged from the rear wearing a white underrobe, scarlet hakama, and small outer robe—different from before—holding a sandalwood fan. The sound of a distant temple bell could be heard. Tamamushi counted the bell tolls on her fingers, muttering to herself.)

Tamamushi: “The bell now tolls the Hour of the Rooster...” “It is time when the Heike dignitaries appear.”

(She stepped onto the veranda and surveyed her surroundings.) (A massive Heike crab crawled out from the shadow of the fence.) Tamamushi: “Oh, Lord Shin-Chūnagon...” “You’ve arrived precisely on time again tonight.” “Come... Come...” (Beckoning with her hinoki cypress fan, she guided the crab beneath the veranda.) “What delayed you noble ones?” “You’re later than usual.” (From the shadow of the upper trees emerged another Heike crab.) Tamamushi: “Ah, Lord Noto!” “Tonight Lord Tomomori has beaten you to it.” (She laughed scornfully.)

(From both sides came two or three, then four or five crabs emerging in succession.) Tamamushi: “Oh, Lord Norimori, Lord Yukimori... Lord Ariie, Lord Tsunemori, Lord Narimori... How splendid you’ve all gathered here before me.” (She sat on the veranda. The crabs swarmed about her feet.) “Though they call these May nights brief, dawn remains distant still. What tales shall we share tonight?” (Addressing the crabs with a nod.) “Night after night, our stories ever return to Heike’s grudge. Speak we of it for one year—two years—five or ten—still this hatred would remain unspent.” (Her gaze fell upon the crabs as she nodded.) “Yes... yes. So long as Genji thrives, Heike’s wrath shall never fade.” “Ah! This reminds me—when I met Munekiyo earlier upon the shore... He spoke of Kagekiyo altering his form to infiltrate Kamakura, staining his clan’s ancestral birthmark with Genji blood.” “Hoho! What fierce resolve! Yet even should Kagekiyo falter...” (She began then checked herself with a nod.) “Ah—need I say it? First Yoshitsune we’ll destroy... then Noriyori... next Yoritomo...” “Oh—there’s more still! Yoritomo breeds a whelp called Yoriie... Him too we’ll curse to death—no mercy for Genji spawn!” “His brother next... then his child... then his grandson...”

“With relentless curses through generations—second, third, fourth, even to their furthest descendants—I shall exterminate every last soul bearing Genji blood, men and women alike!” (Her voice grew increasingly hoarse, her hair fluttering, her complexion ghastly, as Ugetsu emerged stealthily from the shadows of the lower trees, holding his breath as he peered inside.) Tamamushi, unaware of this, pointed further toward the altar. Tamamushi: “Ah, behold! “I have gathered every last clan of Ashura from Tang, Tenjiku, and Japan—sealed them all in one place—and night after night do I curse our enemies thus! “Soon you shall witness its wondrous efficacy…”

(At this moment, a sudden wind blew in, and the lamp's flame extinguished abruptly.) (In the darkness, Tamamushi's voice could be heard.) Tamamushi: "Ah! The Genji's fate is but a lamp-flame before the wind!" "In an instant, it shall be snuffed out thus!" "Hohoho."

(From ahead appeared Nasu no Yoichirou Muniharu, twenty years old, wearing an eboshi court cap and hitatare robes with a straw raincoat over them, holding a torch; from behind followed Tamakoto, also wearing a straw raincoat, accompanying him.) At the sight of this torchlight, Tamamushi rose and retreated into the inner chambers while Ugetsu concealed himself among the tree shadows. All Heike crabs vanished as well.

(Yoichiro and his men came to the gate and peered inside.) Yoichiro: “Hmm... How strange!” “The inside of the house is true darkness!”

Tamakoto: “Where has my elder sister gone? First things first—do come inside.”

Yoichiro: Hmm.

(The two entered the interior, illuminated their surroundings, and looked around.)

Yoichiro: “Ah, the lamp stands yonder.” “Kindle its flame.” Tamakoto: “As you command.” (The two shed their straw raincloaks. Tamakoto ascended the veranda and transferred the torch’s fire to the lamp.) Yoichiro smothered his torch’s embers, likewise mounted the veranda, and both claimed their seats.

Yoichiro: “I wonder where Elder Sister has gone.” Tamakoto: “Well... Might she have gone to buy something nearby?” “Though perhaps in the inner chambers…” (She rose to peer into the inner chambers.) The inner chambers too lay shrouded in darkness, impossible to discern clearly.

“Elder Sister... Honored Elder Sister...”

“Who speaks thus?” Tamamushi demanded. “This one resides here.” (Tamamushi removed her outer robe and emerged from the inner chambers wearing a white under-robe and scarlet hakama.)

Tamakoto: “Oh, Elder Sister... Have you been there all along?” Tamamushi: “You call me sister again? I have already severed ties with you.” (While speaking, she composed herself and sat back down.) (Yoichiro edged forward on one knee and offered a courteous bow.) Yoichiro: “I hereby declare my understanding of your will for the first time, Elder Sister. This warrior is a resident of Shimotsuke Province, younger brother to Nasu no Yoichi Munetaka, of the same lineage: Yoichirou Muniharu.” Tamamushi: “For what purpose has Lord Yoichiro come here?” Yoichiro: “I have come for your sister. You are likely already aware of the particulars. After the Heike’s downfall, those connected to them lost their footholds—their princesses, ladies-in-waiting, and noblewomen of peerless rank fell into destitution. Powerless, they endured shame, sank into the sorrows of floating river reeds, and joined the ranks of courtesans and prostitutes. Moved by such pitiable circumstances, what began as compassion blossomed into love, and thus have I unexpectedly formed a profound bond with Lady Tamakoto here.”

Tamamushi: “Hmm... So that is why you come demanding my sister?” “Once ties are severed with my sister, I have no cause to speak on such matters.” “Take her away as you will.”

(Tamakoto also stepped forward.) Tamakoto: "Well... Concerning that matter, I humbly have a request. For the crime of having long deceived your eyes, now that I offer countless apologies..." Tamamushi: "You dare tell me to forgive your disownment?" Tamakoto: "Lord Yoichiro will abruptly withdraw from here by tonight and return to his home province of Nasu. I am to be taken along as well, thanks to Lord Yoichiro's gracious words. Therefore, I humbly beg forgiveness for my disownment, and ask that you come with us to Kanto as well..."

Tamamushi: “What? I... to Kanto as well...? Are you daring to tell me to go together to Nasu?” Tamakoto: “Could I possibly rise in station alone and abandon you?” Yoichiro: “Should you deign to come together, to this warrior you would be an honored sister-in-law—never would I treat you with neglect. In accordance with Tamakoto’s earnest wish, we beseech you to pardon her disownment, descend to our homeland with us, and spend your days in peace. Nasu may be a village deep in grasses, but it lies not far from the Shirakawa Barrier celebrated in poetry, and within Nasuno Field stands the historic site of Sesshoseki. At Futarasan Shrine, spring brings cherry blossoms; at Shiobara Hot Springs, autumn offers maple leaves. The vistas vary splendidly with each season, and you shall want for nothing in any regard.”

Tamamushi: “I am profoundly grateful for your gracious kindness.” “Now then, Tamakoto.” “First, I have a question to ask you.” “If I were to persist unrelentingly in refusal, what would you do?”

Tamakoto: "Well..." Tamamushi: "Even were you to abandon me, still would you go with Lord Yoichiro, would you not?"

(Tamakoto remained silent, offering no answer.) (Tamamushi nodded.) Tamamushi: "Your silence answers plainly enough." "Very well." "Two who love so deeply cannot be torn asunder now." "I shall grant you marriage." Tamakoto: "Oh?" "Then... you lift my disownment...?" Tamamushi: "This elder sister shall officiate your cup-binding." Tamakoto: "My deepest gratitude."

Tamamushi: “Now wait a moment.” (Tamamushi rose and withdrew into the rear chambers again.) (Yoichiro and Tamakoto exchanged glances.) Tamakoto: “All along the path returning here, I had agonized over what might transpire—yet Elder Sister’s temper has mended swifter than imagined. No joy could surpass this.” Yoichiro: “Had you persisted in refusal, this warrior would have severed sisterly bonds by blade’s right and borne you away—but Lady Tamamushi’s resolve dissolved with haste. This satisfies me.” “Though proper nuptials should follow in time, how dare we oppose Elder Sister’s decree in this hour?” “Regardless—let us exchange vows through the cup here.”

Tamakoto: “Please do so.”

Yoichiro: “Since it’s your wish, I’ll grant anything.”

“Yes. We sisters, with none to rely upon in this world—you must never cast us aside, even at this final extremity.”

Yoichiro: “Eastern warriors are not only skilled with bow and arrow—in compassion too does our resolve stand unyielding. Words once sworn shall never waver through all eternity.” Tamakoto: “Oh...”

(Tamakoto took Yoichiro’s hand and pressed it down; Tamamushi emerged from the rear carrying a sanpō tray and earthenware.) Tamamushi: "In days of yore when such things existed, there would have been numerous ceremonies—but here in this desolate thatched hut on a shore bereft of blossoms or autumn leaves... A mere token of the three-times-three cups ceremony."

(When the sanpō tray was placed between them, the two formally adjusted their posture and bowed.) Tamamushi then took down a jar filled with sacred sake from the altar, reverently held it aloft, and for a moment muttered something under her breath. Tamamushi: "In a household where only women dwell, we have no store of ordinary sake—but fortunately, sacred sake is here." "It would be fitting for such an auspicious occasion." "The sake cup comes from the women…" Tamakoto: "Yes." (Tamakoto first took the earthenware cup; Tamamushi stood to pour the sake.) Next, Yoichiro also drank. (They exchanged cups in the customary manner.)

Tamamushi: “Ah! Now the nuptial rites are concluded. Now then, to further enliven the occasion, this one shall perform a ceremonial dance.”

(Tamamushi rose holding a hinoki cypress fan and began to dance quietly.)

The world lay tranquil, the Western Sea's waves calm; shore pines spread their green branches while pale forms of gulls danced offshore. As far as the eye could see, mountains and sea stretched into the distance—a vista painted by divine hands. (From this point, the dance gradually intensified.) Song: Ah! How strange—the heavens suddenly darkened; tides roared furiously; hundreds upon thousands of demonic fiends rose from the sea’s depths. (Tamamushi stamps her feet forcefully, advancing steadily toward the two.) Yoichiro and Tamakoto, their bodies stricken by the poisoned sake, found flesh and spirit alike wrenched into chaos.

Song: Fiery breath blasted from their mouths; black-metal spears brandished in their hands—driving all grudge-laden enemy hordes, sparing not a soul, into hell’s boiling pools and sword mountains, herding them onward, ever onward. A fearsome spectacle it was.

(Tamamushi danced while raising her hinoki cypress fan and struck Yoichiro repeatedly—clang! clang!) As Tamakoto crawled closer to support him, Tamamushi struck her in the same manner. Yoichiro drew his longsword and staggered forward to strike, but his body betrayed him; he fell repeatedly and finally tumbled over the veranda edge. Tamakoto tried to save him and similarly tumbled into the garden. Tamamushi finished her dance and looked down with satisfaction.

“Yoichiro! Tamakoto! Does it pain you?” “The moment...I drank that sake...my body and spirit...were thrown into chaos...Neither of us...can endure this torment...” “The wedlock cup...was poisoned wine...to cut short our lives?” “To prevent interference with my designs—keeping it hidden even from my own sister though we share this roof—Tamakoto could never have known.” “To repay the Heike’s grudge sunk beneath the Western Sea, I built a sacred altar to curse the Genji in secret—offering divine sake to enshrine legions of demons and rakshasas.” “The wine you drank was precisely that brew.”

Tamakoto: "So... that sacred sake was poison..." Tamamushi: "I split open the shells of Heike crabs, steeped their flesh in wine, and offered it as sacrifice to the gods." Tamakoto: "Ah!" Tamamushi: "The man being Genji scum, and the woman a traitor who abandoned her own flesh-and-blood sister to consort with the enemy—when I first took up that sacred wine, I prayed in secret: 'Should my curse prove true, let this draught turn to venom and steal both their lives before my eyes.' All to test my spell's potency. And so the wine became poison." "Ahahahaha!"

“To test the efficacy of subduing the Genji... you served us poisoned sake...” “Drawn by a woman’s love... this warrior let down his guard—a fatal miscalculation…” “Be that as it may... this wretch who dares oppose the Genji...” “You wretch... I won’t let you...”

(He tried to use his sword as a crutch to rise but collapsed again.)

Tamamushi: “Enough – I’ll not stir trouble.” “There remain truths you must hear.” “At Yashima’s battle long past, our Heike lords of refined taste ordered a fan target raised upon their ship. Though many court ladies attended, I alone was chosen to stand at the prow – hinoki fan aloft – baiting enemy archers to strike.” “Then came a Genji rider through crashing waves – armor dyed spring-onion green, black steed bearing gold-edged saddle.” Yoichiro: “Ah! That... that was my brother... Nasu no Yoichi Munetaka...”

Tamamushi: “Ah! I only learned later that he was Nasu no Yoichi. In any case—if he was a warrior of repute—as I watched to see how he would shoot—he took a whistling arrow, nocked it, drew the bow fully, and let it fly with a swift release.” Her voice trembled with bitter resentment. “True to his repute, the aim did not err. Having pierced the fan’s pivot, it whirled into the sky and fell seaward, tossed by the winds. This became our battle’s omen of defeat—our allies grieved... while our enemies took heart.” She clutched her sleeves. “I too resolved to sink beneath the waves with that fan—unable to endure my shame—yet reconsidered and have lived on in disgrace until this day. Now that this wretch claiming to be Yoichi’s brother has come unbidden—do you imagine I’ll let him depart unharmed?”

“So it was because of your grudge over the fan target…”

Tamamushi: “You are the final dregs of our foes!” “That accursed brother of yours—Yoichi—sooner or later I’ll hurl you both into hell!”

(She laughed with ever-deepening satisfaction.) Though Yoichiro gnashed his teeth in bitter frustration, the pain only grew more intense, leaving him to gasp in agony. Tamakoto crawled closer.)

Tamakoto: “Lord Yoichiro...” “Had you not lured me here... this would never have come to pass...” Yoichiro: “Ah! Then there remains no choice—she declares she shall live to curse the Genji... I shall die cursing her.” “Tamamushi...” “You too shall come to know this ere long.”

Tamamushi: “There exists no person without obsession.” “If I resent others, others shall resent me.” “In the end, it’s fifty-fifty.” “If you must resent, then resent! Curse me through seven rebirths if you will!”

Yoichiro: “You…”

(As he tries to rise but staggers， Tamakoto clings to support him.) Yoichiro: “It’s already over…” “Tamakoto…”

Tamakoto: “Lord Yoichiro...” (Yoichiro took up his sword again, stabbed Tamakoto in the chest, turned the blade upon himself to pierce his own abdomen, twisted it, and collapsed.)

From the shadows of the lower trees, Ugetsu emerged once more, knelt outside the fence, and pressed his palms together in prayer.

(Tamamushi notices.)

“Who goes there?”

Ugetsu: (Calmly.) “It is this humble monk.” Tamamushi: “Hmm... Munekiyo?” Tamamushi: “No need for formalities. Come here.”

“Nay, I shall not come,” Ugetsu declared. “I am one who serves the Buddha. The Buddhist path and the demonic path lie a million leagues apart—this humble monk shall not approach Your Ladyship’s side.” Tamamushi’s voice sharpened like drawn steel. “Am I so fearsome to you?” “I do not consider Your Ladyship fearsome,” he replied, prayer beads clicking through his fingers, “but one whose wrathful attachments have congealed until you fell alive into the demonic path cannot be saved through the power of those like us with shallow training.” The sea wind caught his robes as he bowed. “Though my heart aches for Your Ladyship, I shall now take my leave.”

Having coldly declared his piece, Ugetsu purified himself with prayer beads, tilted his sedge hat, and quietly walked away. Once again, the rain lashed down.

Tamamushi stood up and looked down at the two corpses. "The curse's mark has manifested—here I arranged two sacrifices." "The Genji's fortune too shall not endure—one generation... two..." (Counting on her fingers.) "By the third generation's end at latest..." "I shall surely see them utterly eradicated!" (With a ghastly smile.) "Though my sister's fate matters little—Yoichiro was Nasu blood." "Having slain him thus, the enemy will grant no peaceful respite." "Soon the archer's true target shall be known..." "As for where this one must conceal herself..."

(The waves roared loudly; a single Heike crab crawled out and climbed onto the veranda.)

Tamamushi: “Oh… Heike crab…” “Will you guide this one?” “So… where to…?” “To the sea?” “Very well, very well.”

(The Heishi Crab disappeared.) (The sound of the waves grew ever louder.) Tamamushi: "Ah! The Heishi Crab has vanished without me noticing..."

(Looking around.) “Oh... Lord Shin-Chūnagon...” “Lord Governor of Noto...” “Have you appeared again?” “Come, let us go together... This one too shall descend to the sea.” “Ah, yes!” “Beneath the waves lies a capital.” “This one has fulfilled her duty—now comes service at court.” “Come, I shall accompany you.”

(As if conversing with invisible beings, Tamamushi descended into the garden while soliloquizing, and just as she attempted to wander out toward the front, the Nasu retainer Yatouji appeared again from the opposite direction bearing a torch.)

Yatouji: “Young lord...” “I’ve come to receive you...”

(As he spoke while trying to open the gate, he collided with Tamamushi in their sudden encounter.) Tamamushi did not utter a word and wrested the torch from him. Yatouji, startled, moved to steady her—but Tamamushi shoved him back without speech, brandishing the torch aloft while her scarlet hakama trailed long behind her, steps faltering wildly as she staggered away. Yatouji stood dumbfounded watching her departure.

(The sound of waves, the sound of rain.) —Curtain—

(Written September 1911 / First performed April 1912 at the Naniwa-za)