Commissioned by the Meiwa Junior High School Wind Ensemble in Kagoshima, Japan (Tohru Hashiguchi, director). They requested a composition based on the Noh play Shunkan, which is set in Kagoshima. I have written several pieces inspired by Noh before, mostly regarding female protagonists. This time, approaching a story centered on a male character allowed me to explore a different perspective. The original instrumentation was somewhat unconventional, but for publication, I reworked it so it could be performed with a standard ensemble.

The story takes place in the late Heian period, during the height of the Taira clan's power. Shunkan, a high-ranking monk who served at Hosshō-ji Temple, is exiled to Kikaigashima Island along with Fujiwara no Naritsune and Taira no Yasuyori for plotting to overthrow the Taira clan. Naritsune and Yasuyori, both devout men, spend their time in prayer on the island. One day, Shunkan offers them river water as if it were sake, reminiscing about the capital. At that moment, a pardon envoy arrives from the capital. However, the list of those pardoned does not include Shunkan's name. Overwhelmed with grief, Shunkan receives no words of comfort from those around him. Eventually, a boat carrying Naritsune and Yasuyori departs the island. Shunkan desperately clings to it, but is mercilessly left behind. The two call out, "The day will come when you too can return to the capital," but their voices fade into the distance, and the boat disappears from view.

The story of Shunkan raises many thought-provoking questions. In this composition, I hoped to portray the character's emotional journey. I would be delighted if performers could bring out the dramatic shifts between scenes and perform the piece on a grand, expansive scale.

(Tomohito Matsushita)