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Yoshitsune senbon-zakura

("The Thousand Cherry Trees of Yoshitsune"). Popular title Sembon-zakura. Kabuki play of the jidai-mono (historical drama) category; written by Takeda Izumo II, Miyoshi Shōraku, and Senryū. Originally written as a puppet play; first performed in 1747. The play's ostensible hero is Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who defeats the Taira clan in the Taira-Minamoto War only to be forced to flee because of the wrath of his elder brother, who is angered when the supposed heads of three Taira generals sent him by Yoshitsune prove to be false. The play is particularly known for its brilliant dance scenes. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)

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