Chikamatsu Monzaemon and "The Love Suicides of Imamiya": Love and Conflict in the Edo Period

Love suicides were common during the Edo period. Chikamatsu Monzaemon, a playwright who captured the hearts of the common people, wrote "Love Suicide Story" based on a true story. We will tell you about the conflict between love and obligation, which is still relevant today, and the world of beautiful words.

Chikamatsu Monzaemon and the Story of Love Suicide

It is not as well known as "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki," so I think many people are not familiar with "The Love Suicides at Imamiya."

But this story is also based on a true story.

At the time, double suicides had become a social issue and were a topic of great interest to ordinary people.

The story is then boldly turned into a Joruri play and performed.

Chikamatsu Monzaemon, a playwright active during the Edo period, had amazing ideas and the ability to execute them!

The Imamiya double suicide: A story based on a true story

To put it in modern news terms, the story simply goes that Jirobei, a servant at a kimono tailoring merchant called Hishiya, and Oki, a seamstress who was five years older than him, committed suicide together in the forest of Imamiya Ebisu Shrine.

However, the lives and customs of ordinary people in Osaka and Kyoto during the Edo period, which are depicted as the backdrop for the double suicide, are full of humanity that is relevant to us today, and the story is thrilling as it sees the man and woman pushed to their limits and ultimately lead to their suicide.

Actually...the translation hasn't progressed far enough yet that it feels that way.

The story begins with a scene of a boat ride down the river.

Namba is famous for boating, and both the river and the shore are bustling with activity.

A feast is being held on the boat, loaded with high-quality cargo that is rarely carried on regular trips. The cool autumn breeze is pleasant, and the boat slowly drifts along... but on the shore, a mill is being turned to produce oil.

The mortar used to extract this oil is reminiscent of the famous "Onna Goroshi Abura Jigoku" (a story of a murder that took place at an oil shop).

It suggests that the boat is drifting in an unpleasant direction, and suggests tragedy.

The appeal of Chikamatsu's works: beauty and humanity

Perhaps the reason why Chikamatsu's works are still read today is because of their realistic portrayal of human beings.

But not only that, the words are rhythmic and beautiful.

And then there's the humor.

I want to use the words as they are without translating them, and I wonder what words I can use that will at least preserve the rhythm.

The dialogue and narration itself is poetic, and many words have multiple meanings.

It is this choice of words that gives a sense of beauty to this tragic story of a double suicide.

Translation may be the same for all languages, but it feels like we're communicating by connecting our senses, and it feels like a truly luxurious experience.

The conflict between love and obligation: Real human relationships in the Edo period

Going forward, the characters will find themselves struggling between love, obligation and societal pressure.

The central theme of the story is how much sacrifice one must make for love.

Now and in the past, people have struggled with love and social pressures.

If you had to sacrifice something to stay in love, what would you do?

[Original text]

Hey, hey, hey,

Moon and cherry blossom viewing are the same everywhere

Among the famous places of interest from all over the country.

The best of Naniwa

boating

Old and young, servants and masters.

Men and women got into the boat.

It's cool. The river breeze is autumnal.

It's not a lie. It's not a joke.

When you start rowing, you will see the Tenma River.

I bought some early mulberry from the market and chilled it to keep it cool.

If you cut a melon in half, the two look alike, almost like irises.

The shadow of a man drawing water is reflected in the waters of the Shihasohoshi River.

A pole used to scoop up and carry cargo.

Doshobo's golden ladle with his shaved head shaking.

If you stroke it, it will quickly recover from the pain.

We go down on a tea boat.

Barrel snacks. A bride returning home from her hometown.

Funerals and other worldly happenings are sent by cargo.

Watching a boat ride at one time is always a great treat.

I would like to offer you one cup.

Then draw the lines of a ship.

I write ``I advance to you'' and play the shamisen in the boathouse.

He puts the millstone of oil in his barn.

---

Hey, hey, hey,

He began singing the Ebiyabushi song.

Moon viewing and cherry blossom viewing are the same everywhere,

Among the famous places of interest in various countries,

Especially the unique Namba

boating.

Men and women of all ages rolled up their sleeves,

The boats were crowded, crowded, and bustling as they went,

The cool autumn river breeze

This is no joke or lie, it's really comfortable.

Once you cross Honmachi Bridge, you will come across the wide, gently flowing Tenma River.

I bought some of the first Makuwa melons near the market and chilled them, and they were cool and refreshing.

If you cut the melon in half, you will find that they are very similar, just like iris flowers.

The men's purple hats are reflected in the river water, and they draw water, put it on a shoulder pole, and carry it along the river.

Shaking his shaved head, Doshobo holds a golden ladle in his hand and preaches and sells medicine.

If you stroke it and pass by, the pain will be immediately relieved.

Cries of celebration echo through the air as Itami sake is brewed.

Travel down the river on a tea boat.

The brides returning home are carried carrying barrels of snacks.

The piles are filled with funeral goods,

A variety of high-quality luggage, including gifts for celebrations.

During a short boat ride, you can enjoy rare delicacies,

There is one cup I can recommend to you.

The sound of the shamisen echoed through the ship's tatami rooms.

The character "sen" in the kanji for boat is said to represent a public advance.

And so the ship, as if gently guided by the current of fate,

Slowly, we move forward.

In a barn on the beach, a mill is being turned to produce oil.

• Genre: Romance

• First performance: Summer of 1711 (estimated)

• Premiere Theatre: Takemotoza