Funa-Benkei (Benkei in a Boat) : PhotoStory

Minamoto no Yoshitsune has fallen out with his brother, Yoritomo. During his escape to the provinces west of Kyoto with his followers, including Musashibo Benkei, Yoshitsune arrives at Daimotsu Bay.

Shizuka, the mistress of Yoshitsune, has accompanied them. Benkei visits her to persuade her that she and Yoshitsune should part. He tells her Yoshitsune has also accepted this.

Shocked at Benkei's words, Shizuka goes before Yoshitsune to appeal directly to his heart. Yoshitsune tells her he is worried about the tough journey ahead and she should wait in Kyoto.

Holding back her feelings, Shizuka performs a dance to wish Yoshitsune good fortune for the journey before him. She wears the ceremonial robe and headgear of a male court noble.

In sadness at their parting, Shizuka breaks down in tears. Weeping, she throws off the robe and headgear. Choked with tears, she falls to the floor.

Still dazed by the parting with Shizuka, Benkei urges their departure. They put Daimotsu Bay behind them, setting out by boat on the evening sea.

On the surface of the rough sea can be seen the ghosts of the Heike clan who drowned here in the Western Sea.

Though the waves, Taira no Tomomori appears nearby.

The ghost of Tomomori brandishes his long sword, intending to send Yoshitsune to the bottom of the sea. Benkei, holding rosary beads, comes between them with words of prayer.

Tomomori, faced with the protection of the Buddhist kings, immediately falls back.

Every time he approaches the boat, he is forced away again. Eventually, he sinks beneath the waves of the ebbing tide, leaving only foaming waters behind.