The Golden Pavilion



A warrior attempts a hostage rescue against a ruthless insurgent, while a young woman aims to save her struggling husband

Daizen Matsunaga, aiming to overthrow the government, holds the shogun’s mother and Princess Yuki captive in the Golden Pavilion. The warrior Tokichi hopes to rescue them, while the princess, tied to a post, unlocks a miracle that helps save the household. A picturesque drama known for its spectacular setting against the blossoming cherry trees and the scenic beauty of Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion.


by Komiya Akiko

Game of Go

Matsunaga Daizen, who has imprisoned the shogun’s mother in the Golden Pavilion, is playing a game of Go with the vassal Tokichi. The latter wins and requests appointment as an officer as a reward. Daizen angrily challenges his qualification for the job. He throws a Go-stone container into a well, and orders Tokichi to pick it up without wetting his hands. Tokichi’s ingenious solution impresses Daizen, who forthwith employs him as an officer.

【Left】［from left］Konoshita Tokichi（Nakamura Kichiemon）、Matsunaga Kitota（Kawarasaki Gonjuro）、Matsunaga Daizen（Ichikawa Danjuro）　July 2010　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre
【Center】［from left］Princess Yuki（Nakamura Shibajaku）、Matsunaga Daizen（Nakamura Kichiemon）　May 2009　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre
【Right】Konoshita Tokichi（Nakamura Baigyoku）　January 2012　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre


Toe-drawn mouse

Princess Yuki and her husband are also held captive. Daizen tries unsuccessfully to win the attention of the princess. A jeweled sword reveals to her that Daizen is her father’s murderer, and she attempts to stab him. She fails and is tied to a cherry tree. Her husband is taken away to be executed. With cherry petals falling like a snow storm, the immobile princess, recalling an old legend, draws a mouse with flower petals using her toe. The mouse then comes to life and bites off the princess’s rope, allowing her to escape and pursue her husband.

【Left】[from left] Princess Yuki（Nakamura Fukusuke）、Kano-no-suke Naonobu（Nakamura Shikan）　July 2010　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre
【Center】Princess Yuki（Bando Tamasaburo）　January 2007　Kabukiza Theatre
【Right】［from left］Princess Yuki（Nakamura Shibajaku）、Konoshita Tokichi（Ichikawa Somegoro）　May 2009　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre


Jeweled sword

Tokichi has been sent by the shogun to recover the jeweled sword, which had been stolen from an important family. He manages to regain the sword and return it to the princess, then climbs to the top of the Pavilion and rescues the mother. He promises to face the furious Daizen on the battle field.

【Left】Konoshita Tokichi（Nakamura Baigyoku）、Keijuin（Nakamura Tozo）　January 2012　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre
【Right】［from left］Yamashita Mondo（Otani Keizo）、Uchimi Saburo（Nakamura Kichinosuke）、Konoshita Tokichi（Nakamura Kichiemon）、Toda Hayato（Nakamura Tanetaro）、Harukawa Sakon（Sawamura Yoshijiro）　January 2007　Kabukiza Theatre