Section 1
Over seven centuries past, upon Dan-no-ura's expanse, nestled within the Shimonoséki straits, ensued the final encounter of the protracted strife amidst the Heiké, renowned as the Taira clan, and the Genji, esteemed as the Minamoto clan. It was there that the Heiké met their irrevocable demise, their women and offspring alongside, including the tender emperor, who is now immortalized as Antoku Tennō. For the span of seven centuries, the encompassing sea and hallowed shore have remained a realm of spectral presence. An intriguing species of crustaceans known as Heiké crabs, discovered in those very waters, bear countenances resembling those of humans upon their carapaces. It is whispered that these peculiar creatures embody the ethereal essence of the valiant Heiké warriors themselves. However, along that shoreline, a multitude of enigmatic phenomena await the discerning observer. During moonless nights, a myriad of spectral flames dance and flicker along the expanse of the beach, or soar gracefully above the restless waves. These ethereal luminosities, commonly referred to by the fishermen as demon fires, cast a pallid glow. Furthermore, when tempestuous winds stir the depths, an echoing chorus of resounding shouts emerges from the very heart of the sea, akin to the clamorous tumult of a fierce conflict.
In bygone eras, the Heiké spirits exhibited a far greater restlessness than their present state. They would materialize around nocturnal vessels, striving to submerge them beneath the obscurity of the waves. Moreover, they maintained a constant vigilance, awaiting unsuspecting swimmers to ensnare and drag them into the depths. It was to placate these departed souls that the venerable Buddhist temple, known as Amidaji, was erected in the vicinity of Akamagaséki. Adjacent to the shoreline, a cemetery was established, adorned with monuments bearing the inscribed names of the submerged emperor and his illustrious retainers. With steadfast devotion, Buddhist rites were dutifully conducted within its hallowed grounds, offering solace to the lingering spirits. After the construction of the temple and the erection of the tombs, the restive nature of the Heiké souls abated to a considerable degree. However, sporadic peculiar occurrences persisted, serving as a testament to their yet unattained state of absolute serenity.
In epochs past, within the confines of Akamagaséki, there resided a sightless individual by the appellation of Hōïchi. This remarkable soul had attained great renown for his mastery of the art of poetic recitation and the melodic enchantment of the lute. Since his earliest days, he had been meticulously nurtured in the craft of recitation and musicianship, swiftly surpassing the very mentors who had guided his youthful steps. Esteemed as a virtuoso lute-priest, Hōïchi garnered widespread acclaim primarily for his captivating renditions of the illustrious chronicles about the Heiké and the Genji. Legend holds that when he unfurled the poignant melody recounting the epic clash at Dan-no-ura, it evoked such profound emotion that even ethereal entities, known as goblins, could not withhold their tears.
In the nascent stages of his artistic journey, Hōïchi grappled with destitution; however, he discovered a benevolent benefactor who extended a helping hand. The venerable priest of Amidaji, an ardent patron of poetry and melody, frequently extended invitations to Hōïchi, welcoming him to the temple where he could unleash his musical prowess and deliver his enthralling recitations.
Subsequently, deeply moved by the prodigious talent of the young prodigy, the priest extended a proposition for Hōïchi to take up residence within the sacred sanctuary of the temple—a proposition that was met with heartfelt gratitude and acceptance. Within the temple edifice, a room was graciously allotted to Hōïchi, where he could reside in exchange for sustenance and shelter. As an expression of reciprocal appreciation, Hōïchi was solely tasked with delighting the priest with his musical prowess during select evenings, when he found himself unoccupied by other engagements.
