What is the Kabuki play 'Kama-hige' (The Sickle Beard) about?

The simplest summary of Kabuki

We will introduce 'Kama-hige,' one of the famous stories in Kabuki.

The protagonist is an incredibly strong samurai. Believe it or not, even a sickle cannot cut his neck. It is an exciting story featuring such an invincible hero.

First, in a nutshell

It is a story about a strong samurai who sees through all of his enemies' schemes and remains composed.

The protagonist is 'Kagekiyo'

The protagonist's name is Kagekiyo.

He is an incredibly strong samurai who is powerful and unflappable no matter what happens. His full name is 'Akushichibyoe Kagekiyo.'

Although the character for 'aku' (evil) is in his name, he is not a bad person. In the language of the past, 'aku' meant 'extremely strong.'

The flow of the story

1. Arriving in disguise

Kagekiyo goes to a blacksmith shop disguised as a monk. A blacksmith is a shop that makes swords and other items.

However, the man at this shop was no ordinary person. In fact, he was Kagekiyo's enemy and was plotting to defeat him.

2. 'Shave my beard'

Kagekiyo says this to him himself:

'Won't you shave my beard?'

The man thinks to himself, 'Yes, this is my chance.' He plots to punish Kagekiyo while pretending to shave his beard.

3. Even a sickle cannot cut him!

The man raises a large sickle. He then tries to cut Kagekiyo's neck.

But—huh? No matter how many times he tries, it won't cut.

Kagekiyo is invincible. He was completely different from an ordinary person.

4. Actually, he knew everything

The surprising part is here.

Kagekiyo knew the man's scheme from the very beginning.

Even so, he pretended not to know and came on purpose. It was with the feeling of, 'Try it if you can.'

Kagekiyo does not panic at all until the end. He leaves with his head held high and with great dignity. That appearance is very cool.

The secret of the name

The reason this story is called 'Kama-hige' (Sickle Beard) is because there is a scene where he 'shaves his beard with a sickle.'

A sickle is actually a tool for cutting grass. It is surprising that he would shave his beard with one, isn't it?

This is what's amazing

The first point is the strength that makes one's neck impossible to cut. Making things that are actually impossible look intentionally grand and cool is what makes Kabuki interesting.

The second point is that there are many "actually" moments.

- Looks like a monk, but is actually Kagekiyo
- Looks like a blacksmith, but is actually an enemy
- Looks like a shave, but is actually a strategy

The audience is surprised again and again, thinking, "So that's how it was!"

Trivia

- "Kamahige" is an old story that has been passed down for about 250 years.
- It had not been performed for a long time, but Ichikawa Danjuro revived it in 2013.

Conclusion

Kagekiyo is cool not just because he is strong.

He does not panic. He does not make a fuss. He is composed at all times.

That calm strength is his greatest coolness.

You can see this "Kamahige" at the Kabukiza Theatre this summer!
[Would you like to join me?]
July 5th (Sun) 16:15 performance
Price: 5,000 yen
Number of tickets: I have 2 tickets available.
If you would like to join me, please feel free to leave a comment.