Summary
"Sonezaki Shinjū" is a heartbreaking story about lovers set in the Edo period in Osaka. The central characters are Tokubei, a 25-year-old clerk, and Ohatsu, a 19-year-old courtesan. The two are deeply in love and have sworn to marry in the future. However, Tokubei is pressured by his uncle to marry another woman, leading him to live in anguish.
One day, the two reunite in front of the Ikutama Shrine. Ohatsu, concerned, speaks to him.
Ohatsu: "Tokubei-san, I was worried because I hadn't seen you for a while."
Tokubei: "I love you, but I am being forced to marry my uncle’s wife’s niece, and it troubles me."
Ohatsu feels sadness, but Tokubei also confesses that he has borrowed money from his friend Kuheiji.
Ohatsu: "Is it okay to rely on Kuheiji? What if he doesn't give it back...?"
Tokubei believes in himself confidently, but the promised day has already passed. At that moment, Kuheiji appears and surrounds the two, resorting to violence.
Kuheiji: "Tokubei, what are you talking about? You haven’t borrowed any money!"
Ohatsu desperately tries to help Tokubei, but they are pushed into a hopeless situation.
Ohatsu: "We've been pushed into an unavoidable predicament... I'm not afraid of dying. I would be happy to die with you!"
After a conversation at Tenmaya, the two firm up their resolve to commit shinjū (double suicide).
Tokubei: "Let’s make our vow as husband and wife on this bridge."
Ohatsu: "I will be your partner forever."
As their hearts connect, they choose the path toward death.
Ohatsu: "I brought a razor so we won’t lose each other on the way!"
Tokubei: "You are the best! We are a model for shinjū!"
Tokubei ties Ohatsu to a tree and exchanges parting words.
Ohatsu: "This is our farewell. Please, Namu Amida Butsu..."
Despite hesitating, Tokubei stabs Ohatsu, and then he takes his own life.
Tokubei: "I will go with you."
The two end their lives, pledging eternal love within the tragedy.
