Tomoakira

知章 Tomoakira

1 Source and/or Related Material

Tale of the Heike book 9, Gempei jōsuiki book 38

2 Author

Unknown

3 Repertoire

Kanze, Komparu, Kongō, Kita

4 Synopsis

A monk (waki) from the western provinces and his companions (wakitsure) visit Suma Bay (Hyōgo) on their way to the capital. They find a memorial tower on which are written various sutras and the name of Tomoakira. Wondering who this person might have been, the priests conduct a memorial service for him. Just then, a man (maeshite) appears, explaining that today is the death anniversary of the Heike warrior Tomoakira, son of Tomomori, and he asks the monks to perform more commemoration rituals. They ask about how Tomoakira died, and he replies that Tomoakira died saving his father’s life. They ask him who he is, and he reveals that he is a member of the Heike clan, then vanishes. A villager (ai) come and retells the story in plain speech, and when he hears the monks’ story he recommends that they hold a memorial service for Tomoakira. They recite more sutras, and sure enough, Tomoakira (nochishite) appears in his true form, relates the last moments of his life, thanks the monks for their prayers, and departs.