修禅寺物語The Tale of Shuzenji

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What you'll learn

At Yashaō's home, his daughters Katsura and Kaede argue about their station in life. Katsura aspires to serve a noble, while Kaede is content. Their argument escalates with Kaede's husband Haruhiko. Yashaō reveals that Katsura's mother was from Kyoto and passed on her pride. Later, Minamoto no Yoriie arrives demanding the mask he commissioned. After a tense confrontation, Katsura offers a completed mask and asks to serve Yoriie, who accepts.

Later that evening, Yoriie and Katsura walk along the river. Yoriie tells Katsura she reminds him of his late concubine Wakasa and names her as such. He expresses a desire to live peacefully but hints at danger from his uncle. His retainers set an ambush, but Yukichika fails to assassinate him. Yoriie dismisses Yukichika and leaves with Katsura.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～たる N1Classical attributive form of たり (exists), often used to modify nouns in formal/literary contexts. Equivalent to ～である.
  古色蒼然たるもの
• ～ぬ (negative) N3Classical negative ending for verbs, equivalent to modern ～ない.
  面目分明ならねど
• ～し (reason/listing) N4Used to list reasons or actions, often implying 'and' or 'so'.
  肩も腕も痺るるような。もうよいほどにして止みょうでないか。

Cultural notes

• Shuzenji Temple and the MaskShuzenji Temple in Izu is historically associated with Minamoto no Yoriie, who was confined and possibly assassinated there. The play references a famous mask (面) said to be kept at the temple, adding a layer of legend.
• Noh Mask CraftsmanshipNoh mask making (面作) is a traditional Japanese craft. The play highlights the spiritual aspect of carving, where the craftsman's soul is infused into the mask. Historically, famous masks were created by figures like Prince Shōtoku.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storyhistoricalghost storyartghosteeriephilosophicalaozora bunko〜ぬclassical negative (= ない)〜たるin the capacity of (literary)