Yoshitsune

The Koshigoe-Jo Letter (1x39)

: 02, 2005

Forbidden by Yoritomo to enter Kamakura, Yoshitsune stays with his retainers at Koshigoe, a town in the outskirt of Kamakura. He waits to hear from Yoritomo but no message comes from Kamakura. Around that time in Kamakura, Yoritomo sees Munemori and his son Kiyomune to question them about the whereabouts of the imperial treasures. Masako hears that Yoshitsune is staying at Koshigoe and attempts to let him come into Kamakura secretly because her daughter Oohime is eager to see him. Though he is moved by the news that Oohime is suffering from mental illness, Yoshitsune refuses Masako’s request since he hesitates to go against Yoritomo’s will. Losing his patience with Yoshitsune who blindly puts faith in Yoritomo, Benkei urges Yoshitsune to face reality. At first, Yoshitsune gets angry at Benkei as he himself has been depressed by Yoritomo’s cruel treatment. However, Benkei’s thoughts get across to Yoshitsune later on and Yoshitsune makes up his mind to write a letter to Yoritomo.