○

×Yoshikata Saigo

In 1159, Heiji disturbance had happened. Yoshitomo, who was one of Genji clan, rebelled against Heike, and was killed at the incident. After the incident, Yoshikata, who was a younger brother of Yoshitomo, pretended to be sick. Because Yoshikata hoped to destroy the dictatorial government of Heike as much as Yoshitomo, Yoshikata needed to trick Heike.

But his disguised illness was proved and he was killed by Heike. “Yoshikata Saigo” is a story about Yoshikata of that time.

Yoshikata didn't participate to Heiji disturbance. How do you think about its reason? In fact, Yoshikata had died at that time already. So he couldn’t participate to the incident. But the drama needed him to live at that time, because Yoshikata had to be a hero as father of Yoshinaka.

Yoshitomo was one of the most famous persons in Japanese history. Also, Yoshikata's son whose name was Yoshinaka was one of famous persons. But Yoshikata wasn't famous enough himself, and he was well known as just Yoshinaka's father.

In the drama, Yoshinaka was born after Yoshikata died. But in Japanese history, Yoshinanaka was born two years before Yoshikata had died. It means Yoshikata lives completely different life in the drama. I thought why it was possible.

Yoshikata wasn't famous although he was one of the Genji clan. For amateur fans of Japanese history, it is difficult to study about Yoshikata's real life. I think it isn't wrong to say that almost fans of Kabuki don't know Yoshinaka was born before Yoshikata had died. Yoshikata lost the timing in his life when he should have lived or should have died.

Everyone of coming generations had hoped every person of Genji clan to have been a genius. I think Yoshikata might have been really ordinary person. Because he is known by this drama only, it became a tragic story for Yoshikata himself. After I watched this stage play, I thought so.