Tenko : PhotoStory

Tenko, a boy who has a drum that fell from the celestial world, disobeys the Emperor's order and is drowned in the Rosui River. The drum is taken to the Imperial Palace, but it makes no sound. Ōhaku, the boy's father, is summoned.

Ōhaku has been ordered to play the drum, but he doesn't expect to be able to get a sound from it. He is resigned to being punished by death, and he weeps openly with love for Tenko, his dead son.

Urged by the imperial messenger to beat the drum, Ōhaku stands up. The evening moon illuminates the palace as he steps weakly forward, as though treading on thin ice.

The drum is a reminder of Tenko. Its enchanting voice echoes in the troubled hearts of men, and brings tears from the Emperor.

When the Emperor hosts a memorial ceremony with orchestral music for Tenko on the banks of the Rosui River, the joyful ghost of Tenko appears. In accordance with an order from the Emperor, he beats the drum he has missed so much.

Amid indications that celestial beings and Bodhisattva may be present, the voice of the orchestra fills the area. The exquisite heavenly sound rings out in harmony with the flowing water.

Tenko is lost in the joy of the dance.

It is autumn, when the stars Altaire and Vega meet. Under the cool moonlight pouring from the night sky, Tenko makes merry on the Rosui River.

A drum signals the coming of dawn. The dance of the night, between dream and reality, will soon be an illusion.