組解説
Priest Seigen is involved in a love affair with a young acolyte named Shiragiku. Due to this homosexual attachment, Seigen has neglected his priestly duties to such an extent that the pair have decided to commit suicide together by leaping off a cliff at Enoshima.
At the edge of the cliff, they each take part of a small incense container, Shiragiku taking the lid that is inscribed with Seigen's name and Seigen taking the lower part of the box that bears the name of Shiragiku. Shiragiku prays to be born a woman in his next life so that he will be able to become Seigen's lawful wife, and he leaps into the water. An eerie light rises up from the sea and a white heron flies up from the shadow of the cliff. Seigen is frightened and draws back, losing his chance to join Shiragiku in death. Seventeen years later, when princess Sakura, who since birth her left hand has been closed in a tight fist, a serious handicap for a young lady of her social position. Due to her misfortunes Princess Sakura has decided to become a nun. She approaches Seigen, who is now head priest of Hase Temple, and asks him to perform her investiture ceremony. In response, Seigen murmurs a prayer and Princess Sakura's hand miraculously opens, dropping the incense box lid that bears Seigen's name. https://www.kabuki21.com/sakura_hime.php
個別解説
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