ALEXCIOUS

Noh drama: Plot outlines of Poster Set E

HANAGATAMI

When prince Ohatobenomiko is suddenly called away to the imperial court, he leaves his lover a letter and a basket of her favorite flowers (Hanagatami). Teruhinomae’s feelings of love for the prince grow to the point where her mind becomes disturbed and she wanders off somewhere. In time, the prince becomes emperor (Mikado). One day, when he goes out to view the autumn foliage, he meets a shabby looking woman who turns out to be Teruhinomae. He calls her Hanagatami and they ride together to Miyako (Imperial City) in his sedan chair.

KISSHOUTENRYUJINZU (Not a Noh-e Painting)

The Great East Japan Earthquake of spring 2011 brought enormous damage.

“In a dream I had a revelation, I was told to paint a ‘reconstruction and relief requiem’. I painted Ryujin (the dragon god), and the goddess Laksmi (Kisshouten), symbols of wealth, prosperity and happiness. Wishes come true by chanting one Laksmi’s spells 10,000 times, “on maka shiri ei sowaka”.

TAEMA

A traveling monk meets a woman at Taemadera temple, but she disappears leaving the name ‘Chujyouhime’. While chanting sutra, the monk learns that the legend of Chujyouhime was woven in one night by the yarn of lotus into a mandala. After a short time, Chujyouhime appears in the light as an incarnation of Bodhisattva.

SHOUJYOU

Koufu is known for filial piety. While waiting to put a liquor pot at "Jinyounoe" on the most beautiful night of the month, Shoujyou appears and they hobnob together happily. Shoujyou admires the honest heart of Koufu and gives him a liquor pot that never empties. At first Koufu thinks it’s just a dream, until he sees the liquor pot. Since then, the house of Koufu has remained prosperous.