Yaoya Oshichi (八百屋お七 1667- 1683) is one of the Japanese historical figures who have been immortalised by many novels, kabuki/ bunraku plays, movies and songs including a book called ‘Kōshoku Gonin Onna’ (好色五人女) by the literary giant, Ihara Saikaku (井原 西鶴 1642-1693).
The title of this book translates as ‘Five Women Who Loved Love’. It is a compilation of 5 tragic love stories. I am captivated by this book and have deep respect and empathy for these women who chose love in the time when choosing true love wasn’t an option.
The story began during a great fire of Edo. Oshichi’s family escaped to Kichijo Temple, and they stayed there as a temporary shelter. There Oshichi fell in love with a temple worker called Kichizaburo.
Oshichi’s family house and business (greengrocer) were rebuilt, so they moved out of the temple.
These two lovers kept on kindling their love regardless of many obstacles.
However, one night, Oshichi missed Kichizaburo so much that she could no longer tolerate their circumstance.
As a fire had united them for the first place, she decided to cause another fire herself, hoping this would bring them together once again…
Fortunately, the fire was contained quickly.
Back then, arson resulted in death penalty, and the legal age to be convicted for arson was 16.
The judge was a kind man that he tried to save her by pretending that she was only 15:
“You must be 15 years old, are you not?” “No, I am 16 years old, Sir.”
Then, the judge asked her again:
“You must be 15 years old, are you not?”
Without picking up the hint, Oshichi answered, “I am 16 years old, Sir” once again.
Therefore, she was convicted and burnt at the stake.
Meanwhile, Kichizaburo had fallen sick and only learned about her death 100 days later.
Devastated by the passing of his love, he became a well-respected monk, and served the poor and even used his own money to build a bridge for the community.
English Rakugo NZ 