Imayo Kenshi Chushin Migawari Kashiwagi Kamen Oni

Inspired by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, from "Imayo Kashiwagi" or "The Tale of a Loyal Retainer Substitute" (1689)

This is a classic and most brutal scene in Joruri and Kabuki, in which a vassal offers his own child as a substitute for his lord and offers it to the enemy in his place (substitute). The enemy inspector (the person who confirms the act) also realizes that the child is not the lord but an imposter, but pretends to be deceived out of respect for the vassal's loyalty, in a sophisticated psychological battle.
This is a scene where "fake laughs" and "hidden tears" intertwine.

Excerpts from the actual script

"Is there anyone here?"
"Has the inspector left?"
"Close the sliding screens."
"Close the shutters."
"Turn off the lights."
"Become darkness."

"Suppress the voices."
"Bite my sleeve."
"Bite my teeth and bind me."
"Don't let your cries leak out."
"Don't let anyone find out."
"Loyalty." "I can't stand..."
"I was born into a samurai family..."
"It's fate..."

"It's painful..."
"It hurts..."

"Right now..."
"I want to return to my parents..."
"Take off my mask..."
"Did you call my name..."
"Forgive me... forgive me..."
"Call me a demon..."

"You're so sad..."
"You're so dear..."
"A keepsake..." "There is no trace... but..."
"The memory... will never fade..."
"Tears of blood... flow..."
"Let's join hands..."
"Substitute... substitute..."
"Namu Amida Butsu..."

"For my lord..."
"The duty of a foolish minister..."
"I understand..."
"I understand... but..."
"My organs..."
"My feelings are being torn apart..."
"You praised me..."
"The inspector's words..."
"They pierce my heart like a blade..."

"Who is it...?"
"Is it the wind..."
"Is it my child...?"

"I want to hold you..."
"I want to hold you..."
"Where is the warmth...?"

"A dream...an illusion..."
"Modern...Kashiwagi..."
"On a journey to the underworld..."
"...Farewell..."

"...Hold on..."