Benkei on the Bridge

is a Japanese Noh play from the 15th century, by Hiyoshi Sa-ami Yasukiyo.A Waley, The Noh Plays of Japan (1976) p. 52

Theme The play centres around the encounter between the giant warrior monk Benkei and the youthful Minamoto no Yoshitsune, in which the slighter and younger man defeated the elder.L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12 The hand-to-hand bridge combat forged a lasting bond between the pair.L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12 Thereafter Benkei served as Yoshitsune’s second in commandH McAlpine, Japanese Tales and Legends (London 1960) p. 56 - as what Basho would describe as “his faithful retainer, Benkei”.Basho, The Narrow Road to the Deep North (Penguin 1983) p. 109

Later developments Buson created a haiku and a haiku painting, Benkei and Young Bull, around the themes of the play, quoting from it in his haiku:L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12-13

Benkei on the Bridge

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