Have you ever heard the Tale of the Heike told to the accompaniment of the heike biwa?
It is called heike or heikyoku, and you may have opportunities to hear it at shrines, temples, and Noh theaters. There are people involved in research and performers all over the country, so if you have a chance, I hope you will listen to them. I would also like to listen to many heikyoku told by various people.
Today, I would like to introduce the sounds of a scene in which Yoichi is called by Minamoto no Yoshitsune and a scene showing a scene and scenery of the sea where Yoichi is located, from the well-known Tale of the Heike, Volume 11, Nasu noyoichi.
But first, a brief synopsis of Nasunoyoichi…
The Tale of the Heike, Vol. 11 “Nasunoyoichi”
At the time of the battle of Genji and Heike, just as the sun was about to set, a small boat of the Heike clan appeared. A young woman emerged from one of the boats, holding a fan by the side of the boat and beckoning to the boat. Thereupon, the Minamoto clan’s great general, Kurohougan Yoshitsune, called for NasunoYoichi, an excellent archer, and ordered him to shoot down the fan. At first, Yoichi hesitated to take on the monumental task, but he obeyed Yoshitsune’s order and accepted the challenge. As the armies of both Minamoto and Taira watched with bated breath, Yoichi prayed to the gods and drew his bow with all the courage he could muster.
*Please note the volume.
[Audio only]
The Tale of the Heike, Vol. 11 “Nasunoyoichi “
Recorded at rehearsal on January 9, 2024
Scene in which Yoichi is called by Minamoto no Yoshitsune
Narrative *From Heike mabushi
yoichi sonokorowaimada nijiubakanno onokonari kachiniakajinonishikiwomotte ookubihatasode iroetaruhitatareni moyoginioinoyoroikite ashijironotachiwohaki nijiushisaitaru kiriunoyaoi usugirifunitakanohawariawasete haidarikeru notamenokaburawozo sashisoetaru shigedounoyumi wakinihasami kabutowoba nuide takahimonikake hougannoonnmaeni kashikomaru
*Please note the volume.
[Audio only]
The Tale of the Heike, Vol. 11 “Nasunoyoichi “
Recorded at rehearsal on January 9, 2024
Scenes showing scenes and views of the sea where Yoichi is.
Narrative *From Heike mabushi
korowaninga jyuhachinichi torinokokubakannokotonareba orifushikitakaze hageshikute isoutsunamimo takakarikeri
If you are interested in other Heike stories, please click here.
You can listen to it from the menu “See the Sound”.
https://morinorijapan.com/see-the-sound/
The simple sound of the heike biwa and the unique narration. The sound and voice of the biwa may be different from what you have expected. It is because of its simplicity that you can taste the depth of the Tale of the Heike with your own senses. I believe it is a time to confront your own feelings and senses. Imagine and construct the invisible scene by yourself, and travel into the story. I will continue to practice so that I can guide you through the world of the Tale of the Heike with you for a long time to come.
