Yoroboshi

弱法師 The Stumbling Beggar

1 Source and/or Related Material

Influenced by historical narratives of Tennōji Temple

2 Author

Kanze Motomasa

3 Repertoire

Kanze, Hōshō, Komparu, Kongō, Kita

4 Synopsis

Saemon-no-jō Michitoshi (waki) of the village of Takayasu in Kawachi Province (Osaka), feels deep remorse for having disowned his son on false accusations, and so he is on a one-week trip to the temple of Tennōji to give alms for the poor. On Michitoshi’s orders, an attendant (ai) announces to those in the vicinity that today is the last day of his trip, and a boy (shite) called the Stumbling Beggar (Yoroboshi), since he is blind and must feel his way along. The Stumbling Beggar knows from the fragrance of the plum blossoms that it is the season when the petals fall, and he gives thanks to the Buddha of Tennōji for the flowers and their fragrance, then performs a dance and sings how Prince Shōtoku established this temple long ago. Just then, Michitoshi realizes that the Stumbling Beggar is none other than his own son, Shuntokumaru, so he resolves to reveal himself and take his son home with him once night falls, for it is the vernal equinox, when Tennōji believers watch the sunset and meditate on the Pure Land of Amida Buddha. With unseeing eyes, the Stumbling Beggar stands by the stone torii gate at the West entrance to the temple and, praying toward the setting sun, he catches a glimpse of all the things he saw back in Naniwa Bay before he went blind, and he raises his voice to tell of all the beautiful scenes in his memory. He remembers all the famous sights of Naniwa which can be seen from here, but the crowds jostle him, he loses his balance, and tumbles to the ground, but just then his father comes to him, and after a joyful reunion they head home to Takayasu.