Funa Benkei

Funa Benkei is a Japanese Noh play written by Kanze Kojirô Nobumitsu, eventually adapted to Kabuki by Kawatake Mokuami in 1885.

It was staged for the first time in November that year and starred Ichikawa Danjūrō IX.

Yoshitsune decides to escape and meet up with his retainer Benkei at Daimotsu no Ura port.

Yoshitsune continues his journey the next day and boards the boat, where they are struck by a dangerous storm.

Eventually, Benkei realises that the only way to defeat a vengeful spirit is through prayer, and in a cathartic sequence the storm dissipates as his prayers dispel the still pursuing spirits:[3] “Then on the tide they drift away/ Leaving no trace upon the foaming wave”.