Tōru

融 Tōru

1 Source and/or Related Material

Tales of Ise, Kokinshū, Konjaku mongatari shū, Gōdanshō

2 Author

Zeami

3 Repertoire

Kanze, Hōshō, Komparu, Kongō, Kita

4 Synopsis

A monk from the wild East (waki) is visiting the capital when he stops by the villa at Rokujō-Gawara (Kyoto), where an old salt maker (maeshite) appears and exchanges a few words with the priest. The old man says that the illustrious courtier Tōru modeled this villa on the scenery near Shiogama Bay in the far Northeast and would use the space to host dancing and festivities. He tells the visitors about several landmarks in the area, and the old man leaves to draw saltwater. A local man (ai) arrives and tells about Tōru in plain speech. Then Tōru (nochishite) appears before the monk in his true form and dances. As day breaks, Tōru disappears with the moon.