Samurai Crab

It is nearly a millennia since the year 1185, when Japan is ruled officially by a young emperor named Antoku. Antoku, only 7 years old, is a beautiful boy with long flowing hair who possesses much wisdom beyond his years. His grandfather makes most of the decisions for him, and his grandmother, Lady Nii, serves him as his beloved nurse. Antoku and his family are part of the samurai clan Heike, and are engaged in a long and bloody war with another samurai clan, the Genji. The Heike are engaged in battle with the Genji at Danno-ura. The emperor and his clan are on board ship, and from signs shown to them by the way of the dolphin, now know that they face certain death. Samurai warrior tradition dictates in times like this to take their own lives rather than be captured. Antoku's grandmother takes him by the hand and leads him soflty into the sea, telling him "In the depths of the ocean is our capitol,"

Antoku and his Heiki clan brave death, leaving only a few women of the clan who are taken by the enemy. These women serve as ladies-in-waiting of the imperial court and are forced to sell flowers and other favors to the fishermen near the scene of the battle. Today the descendants of these women still celebrate this courageous battle at the Akama shrine, which contains the mausoleum of the devoted Emperor.

Photo: Chieko_photo