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*Please note the volume.
Posted on July 15th.
Thanks to everyone, the July 26th reading session has reached capacity. Thank you for your applications. The next session will be on September 27th, Kisosaigo (Part 1). For details, please see here.
https://morinorijapan.com/lecture-and-performance/20240927
Why not come and read the Tale of the Heike in Kamakura? In July, we will be reading “Atsumorisaigo” from the ninth volume of the Tale of the Heike. The venue is the KamakuraKomachian study hall, located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, about a 5-minute walk from Kamakura Station.
Click here for the 2024 Reading Class @ KamakuraKomachian schedule.
https://morinorijapan.com/recitation-class-at-kamakurakomachian
![](https://morinorijapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/komachian-yuminagashi240531-2.jpg)
![](https://morinorijapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/komachian-yuminagashi240531-5.jpg)
KamakuraKomachian is a place for learning located behind Komachi Street, where various classes and club activities are held.
Kamakura Komachian
2-6-16-2 Komachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
WEB
https://r.goope.jp/kamakurakomachi/
Access to the Venue
https://r.goope.jp/kamakurakomachi/men
[about this course].
The KamakuraKomachian offers a reading course.
The structure is such that everyone reads aloud together, and then listens to a recitation of The Tale of the Heike Listened to by Heike biwa accompaniment. This is not a course that teaches singing or Heike biwa, but you may find yourself making some of the memorable turns of phrase sound a little like everyone else.
I will be providing a text in hiragana. I will speak first, so after that, let’s read it out together slowly. I’m not sure if we’ll be able to do it all due to time constraints, but after reading it out together at each section, I plan to have you listen to a Heike biwa narrative.
How to proceed
Click here to listen to the audio of the June 2024 reading class “Chikubushimamoude” (please be careful with the volume).
Click here for a report on this course.
https://morinorijapan.com/lectures/kamakura-komachian-eventreporte20240628
The July 2024 reading class will be on Atsumorisaigo.
The Tale of the Heike, Vol. 9 “Atsumori Saigo”
Kumagai Jiro Naozane, a warrior of the Genji clan, was defeated at the Battle of Ichinotani and followed the fleeing Heike nobles to the coast. There he encounters a young warrior wearing luxurious armor. Kumagai succeeds in capturing him, but realizes that the young warrior is about the same age as his own son. Kumagai feels compassion for him and wants to save his life, but the young warrior refuses. Kumagai grips his sword in a conflicted grip, knowing better than to fall into the hands of his allies, who are closing in behind him.
The full story has been published in two parts: the first part and the second part.
A summary of the modern translation of Atsumorisaigo and a narrative using the Heike biwa.
Click here for the first part.
https://morinorijapan.com/tale-of-the-heike/atsumori-saigo-part1
Click here for the second half.
https://morinorijapan.com/tale-of-the-heike/atsumori-saigo-part2
This is a small course with a maximum of 6 students each time. It is held in a tatami room, but chairs are provided so there is no need to sit on the floor. People of any age or gender are welcome, even if you are not familiar with the Tale of the Heike or only want to participate in this particular episode. Please feel free to apply.
![](https://morinorijapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/komachian-heikebiwa-20240726-2.jpg)
【Date and time】
Date: Friday, July 26, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:30 Doors open 9:40
Capacity: 6 persons
Program: “Atsumorisaigo” from The Tale of the Heike, Vol. 9
Type: Recitation + Storytelling (everyone listens to a recitation followed by Heike Biwa performance and storytelling)
Fee: 2200 yen (tax included)
Payment: Advance payment (credit card payment on the reservation website)
Application:https://select-type.com/ev/?ev=BogKkkxDKOQ
Application deadline: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Sorry, but this course is by appointment only. Due to miscommunication, we are not accepting reservations by email, phone, or at the venue. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please make reservations through the application website.
![](https://morinorijapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/kamakura-komachian-nasunoyoichi240426-4.jpg)
It is a secluded place, so please check the KamakuraKomachian website for directions.
We look forward to meeting you.