"Shunkinsho", or "A portrait of Shunkin" () is a film adaptation of a short story by

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki was a Japanese author who is considered to be one of the most prominent figures in modern Japanese literature. The tone and subject matter of his work range from shocking depictions of sexuality and destructive erotic obsessions to subtle portr ...

. Released in 1976, it stars

Momoe Yamaguchi , known by her maiden name , is a Japanese former singer, actress, and Japanese idol, idol whose career lasted from 1972 to 1980. Often simply referred to by her given name "Momoe", Yamaguchi is one of the most successful singers in Japanese musi ...

and

Tomokazu Miura is a Japanese actor. Life and career Miura attended Hino high school in Tokyo. He was originally a member of rock group RC Succession, but was asked to leave the group by their management when they signed a record contract. However, impressed b ...

. The director of the film is Katsumi Nishikawa. The film is a part of a series of love stories featuring Miura and Yamaguchi, who eventually married in real life.

Plot summary

Set in 19th-century Osaka, the film tells the story of a love affair between Sasuke (Miura) and blind koto teacher Shunkin (Yamaguchi), who lost her sight at the age of nine. Despite her blindness, Shunkin demonstrates extraordinary skill in playing traditional Japanese instruments such as the three-stringed shamisen and thirteen-stringed koto. Renowned as a musician, she also teaches music to others. The film delved into the psychological study of Shunkin, and her struggles as a young woman aware of the experiences she will never have due to her blindness. Her life takes a significant turn when she agrees to teach music to Sasuke, a young man who also serves as her student and servant. Sasuke's attempts to please Shunkin lead to a unique and melancholic romantic relationship between them. Despite Shunkin's initial resistance, the two are drawn closer together. Shunkin becomes aware of Sasuke's feelings for her but is hesitant to accept them. However, she finds herself unable to live without his love. Tragedy strikes when Shunkin's face is disfigured by boiling water thrown at her while she sleeps, orchestrated by a rejected suitor. Losing her beauty, which has been a source of pride and strength in coping with her blindness, leaves Shunkin feeling vulnerable and scared. She hides her scarred face behind bandages and forbids Sasuke from looking at her. As their bond deepens, Sasuke blinds himself to fully immerse himself in Shunkin's world and offer her unwavering support. Shunkin eventually surrenders to Sasuke's love, and they embrace their feelings openly. They continue to live together, studying and performing music in harmony, united by their love and dedication to each other.

Cast

as Okoto *

as Sasuke *

Ikue Sakakibara is a Japanese actress and a J-pop singer. Biography In 1976, Sakakibara took part in the Talent Scout Caravan organised by Horipro, and won the competition. She made her musical debut on January 1, 1977, with the single ''"Watashi no Sensei"'' ...

as Okichi * Akira Nagoya as Zensuke *

Masahiko Tsugawa , born Masahiko Katō (加藤雅彦 ''Katō Masahiko''; January 2, 1940 – August 4, 2018) was a Japanese actor and director. Career Tsugawa was born January 2, 1940, in Kyoto, Japan. After acting as a child, he made his major debut at 16 in t ...

as Minoya

References

External links

* 1976 films Films based on short fiction Films based on works by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki Films scored by Masaru Sato 1970s Japanese films {{1970s-Japan-film-stub