Shōzon

正尊 Shōzon

1 Source and/or Related Material

“The Execution of Tosabō,” Heike monogatari book 12, Gempei jōsuiki, Ballad of Yoshitsune

2 Author

Unknown

3 Repertoire

Kanze, Hōshō, Komparu, Kongō, Kita

4 Synopsis

The warrior monk Shōzon of Tosa (shite) has arrived in Kamakura on orders from the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. Benkei (waki), also a warrior monk and the right-hand man of Yoritomo’s estranged younger brother Yoshitsune, suspects that Shōzon has come to assassinate Yoshitsune. Benkei leads Shōzon to Yoshitsune (tsure), who is accompanied by his mistress Lady Shizuka (kokata) and his retainers Eda no Genzō (tsure) and Kumai Tarō (tsure). When Yoshitsune asks the reason for Shōzon’s visit, Shōzon says that he is on a pilgrimage to the Kumano shrines and reads out a vow to the Gods as proof. Although Yoshitsune knows that Shōzon is lying, he is impressed by the literary quality of the oath. He pours Shōzon a cup of wine, and Lady Shizuka dances for them. Afterwards, the men retire to their quarters, and Benkei sends a servant girl (ai) to spy on Shōzon. The girl returns, saying that Shōzon is preparing to attack Yoshitsune. Benkei takes up arms and lies in wait for Shōzon, who arrives flanked by Anewa Mitsukage (nochitsure) and several other retainers (nochitsure). A fierce battle ensues, but Shōzon’s men are all struck down, and Shōzon is taken captive.