The Tokiwazu-based matsubamemono dance-drama "Suminuri Onna" was premiered in March 1907 at the Meijiza [more details].

After WWII, it fell into oblivion. No staging for 77 years! Then, it was revived in March 2026 for a Spring Tour of the Nakamuraya brothers Nakamura Kankurô and Nakamura Shichinosuke.

Fukutoku Mannojô, a daimyô (feudal lord), having successfully concluded a legal dispute in Kyôto, prepares to return to his home province. Before departing, however, he visits his beloved concubine, Hanano, to bid her farewell. Outwardly devoted, Hanano begs him not to leave, appearing overcome with sorrow. In truth, she is a calculating and cold-hearted woman. Though she pretends to weep, no tears fall; instead, she secretly moistens her eyes with water from a teacup to simulate genuine grief.

Tarôkaja, the daimyô's attendant, observes this deception and reports it to his master. The daimyô, moved by compassion, refuses to believe the accusation. Determined to expose the truth, Tarôkaja devises a clever scheme: he replaces the water in the teacup with ink. Unaware of the substitution, Hanano once again attempts to feign tears. This time, however, the ink stains the area around her eyes, dramatically revealing her deceit and unmasking her true nature in the course of the dance.

Illustration from a tsuji banzuke for the staging of "Suminuri Onna" in March 1907 at the Meijiza

Prints & Illustrations