The first act
began with a battle scene, followed by a story of the politics of power
centered around aristocratic politician Soga no Umako performed by Ryoichi
Shimizu. Prince Shotoku found the situation wrong and revealed his resolution
to create an ideal nation based on respect for Buddha and order, to his wife
Tojiko no Iratsume, performed by soprano Hiroko Onuki, and Hata no Kawakatsu, performed
by baritone Koya Muramatsu.
The second act illustrated
how the prince put in place various policies based on the principles of
equality, peace and global perspective under the rule of Empress Suiko.
The prince declares
to Tojiko, “I have a dream. I want to make this country warless and peaceful.”
It also shows how
Soga no Umako began to see the prince as a political rival and a threat, and how
Tojiko, a daughter of Soga no Umako, was torn between her father and her
husband.
The third act portrayed
how the prince is grieving the loss of his wife and suffering from a loss of
confidence when he receives salvation from Guze Kannon, a deity of mercy, and
encouragement from his supporters. The Kannon performed a noh dance together with
Prince Shotoku. Finally, in the climax, the prince renews his commitment to
making an ideal nation with greater confidence and strength…
The performance
ended with warm applause from the audience, and the applause never seemed to
stop.
Dr.Handa left a
comment in the program saying that this opera is asking the people of today’s Japan
how they should respond to the message left by Prince Shotoku 1400 years ago at
a time when a globalized Japan is facing numerous challenges.
＠TTJ TACHIBANA PUBLISHING
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