TOYOHARA, Kunichika “Kabuki Juhachibanouchi Kanjincho Musashibo Benkei Ichikawa Danjuro”

The original "Kanjincho" was performed by Danjuro Ichikawa I, but it was Danjuro Ichikawa VII who perfected it as a play, performing it at the Kawarazaki-za Theater in 1840. Yoshitsune was played by his eldest son, Danjuro VIII. Yoshitsune and his friends were chased by Yoritomo and were captured at the Ataka-no-seki barrier on their way to escape. In this popular play, Benkei plays the role of Yoshitsune's rival, and Togashi, the barrier guard, notices Yoshitsune and his men, but misses them.