Ataka

安宅 The Ataka Barrier

1 Source and/or Related Material

legends of Minamoto Yoshitsune

2 Author

Unknown

3 Repertoire

Kanze, Hōshō, Komparu, Kongō, Kita

4 Synopsis

Pursued by assassins sent by his older brother, the shogun Yoritomo, Minamoto Yoshitsune (kokata) escapes the capital accompanied by his right-hand man Musashibō Benkei (shite) and other retainers (tsure), all disguised as mountain ascetics. At the Ataka Pass in Kaga Province (present-day Komatsu, Ishikawa ), the men are stopped by Togashi the border guard (waki) and his servant (ai). Benkei performs elaborate prayers to prove that he really is a mountain ascetic, then opens a random scroll and pretends to read from it a detailed account—improvised on the spot—of their mission to collect charitable donations. Thanks to Benkei’s quick wit, Togashi not only believes their cover story but treats them to a feast of food and drink. Benkei enjoys the festivities so much that he treats everyone to a masterful dance, after which Yoshitsune and his nervous retainers finally succeed in hurrying discreetly on their way.