11. Sasameyuki (Oshichi-Kichiza)

GOZONJI ENKA NO BUTAI
We have selected popular or current hit Japanese songs (Enka), and matched the songs with actual Kabuki dramas of comparative themes to present an innovative arrangement of modern and traditional Japanese music and dance. Kabuki dramas of tragic love stories have been chosen for the Enka numbers.
(C) SASAMEYUKI
Oshichi: NISHIKAWA KOISHIYO
Kichiza: NISHIKAWA KOIKUMIE
Oshichi, a fashionable daughter of a successful merchant, is deeply in love with Kichisaburo, a temple page, whose master has lost a fmouse sword entusted to him. He leaves Oshichi a letter explaining that he is sentenced to die with his master because the sword was stolen due to their negligence. By fortunate chance and for her love of Kichisaburo, Oshichi recovers the sword and returns with it to the city to give to him. By the time Oshichi arrives at the city gates, she finds them locked and barred for the night. The only way to get the gates opened at that late hour was to sound the fire alarm bell on top of the lookout tower, but Oshichi knew that to sound a false alarm was punishable by death. Determined to get to Kichisaburo in time, she climbs the lookout tower and sounds the alarm. The gates are opened and she speeds through on her mission.