One feudal lord (“Daimyo” in Japanese) who believed in Benzaiten visited Nashima Shrine in Chikuzen (former Fukuoka prefecture) with his followers. A soft and warm wind was blowing through the Chikushigata (former sea of Ariake), and small boats were coming and going peacefully. It was spring (“Haru” in Japanese).
At a tea house in front of shrine, they started to drink Sake enjoying the beautiful spring view.(“Harugeshiki” in Japanese) They got drunk and then felt into a doze.
They ware dreaming a dream….
Benzaiten in a kimono appeared with her Konzai-douji. They flew over Atado Miya, Miyazaki-Hachiman, and Chiyo-no-matsubara which was pine tree grove in front of Hakata bay in ancient time. They fell down to Nashima Shrine finally. In the shower of cherry blossom petals, Benzaiten and Konzai-douji enjoyed dancing ever and ever.
Note: Benzaiten: She is Indian beautiful goddess who controls speech, music, fortune, and wisdom. She plays Biwa very well. Benzaiten has come to Japan from India though China in ancient time .and was worshipped as a deity of fortune. Benzaiten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japan.
Note: Konzai-douji: He is one of the sixteen (or fifteen) god children who serve Benzaiten. He has a balance with his hand and he is in charge of judging people’s virtue and vice and measure the value of people’s fortunes.
This story sounds not unique because it has no excitement. We would like to watch the Chapponpon puppet show based on this story. If we could, we understand why this story selected for this puppet show. Even though a certain story of four stories is held once four years. we might wait it for at least 2 or 3 years from now.
We checked the some information regarding this story in web site. Please visit this web site. Sorry for in Japanese but you can find the picture of puppet show.