Ataka [Noh Song]

Ataka
There are only voice parts in this recording.
Script (English/Modern Japanese)
www.the-noh.co...
noh-sup.hinoki...
Togashi (waki), the warden of the Ataka Barrier in Kaga Province (Ishikawa Pref.), orders his retainer (ai) to guard the barrier station. The barrier was set up in order to capture Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who is suspected to be traveling disguised as a mountain hermit. Yoshitsune had fallen out with his brother, the Shogun Yoritomo, and was known to be fleeing toward Hiraizumi in Ōshu Province (Iwate Pref.). Yoshitsune (ko-kata), Musashibō Benkei (shite) and Yoshitsune's retainers arrive in front of the barrier of Ataka. In order to conceal Yoshitsune's identity, Benkei dresses him up as the group's mountain porter and sends the real porter (ai) to scout the barrier station.
As Benkei and his men are about to go through, Togashi orders them to stop. Benkei claims that they are a group of hermit-monks soliciting donations for their temple. However, Togashi threatens that he shall kill any mountain hermit that dares pass. Benkei takes out his praying beads to conduct his last Buddhist service and prays fervently. Togashi orders him to read out loud the prospectus for donations. Benkei takes out a blank scroll of paper and improvises, pretending to read the prospectus. Convinced by his determination, the barrier guards allow the group to pass. However, Togashi notices Yoshitsune and stops them again.
Deliberately blaming Yoshitsune for the delay, Benkei takes out his stick and starts beating him. Yoshitsune's retainers also get upset with Togashi and Benkei desperately tries to restrain them. At long last, Togashi relents and grants them safe passage. The group goes through the barrier undisturbed.
Further down the road, Benkei apologises to his master for beating him and both lament their sad lot. Suddenly, Togashi appears together with his retainer, carrying a bottle of rice wine as a token of apology for his rudeness. At the improvised banquet, Benkei performs a dance while urging the retainers to be vigilant. Eventually the group continues their journey.
Sung by Kanze School