Kenbu (sword dance) uses the shigin poem “Ekisui Soubetsu” (易水送別), a Chinese classical poem.
This article was written as a personal record after it became a required piece in my kenbu practice. I hope it also serves as an introduction for anyone curious about shigin and classical Chinese poetry.
Since ancient times, shigin — the Japanese art of chanting Chinese poetry — has been deeply loved in Japan. Among its many celebrated pieces, “Ekisui Soubetsu (Farewell at the Yi River),” which expresses a warrior’s tragic resolve and farewell to a friend, is one of the most cherished poems in the repertoire.
Here, I will introduce the historical background behind this poem, the remarkable life of the assassin Jing Ke (荊軻), and the appeal of this piece as shigin.
What Is Shigin “Ekisui Soubetsu”?
“Ekisui Soubetsu” is a Chinese poem set in the final years of the Warring States period.
It depicts the scene at the banks of the Yi River (易水), where the assassin Jing Ke bids farewell to his companions before departing on a mission to assassinate the King of Qin — later known as Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
The poem distills the overwhelming resolve of a man who has accepted he will not return, and the grief of those who see him off. In the world of shigin, it is celebrated as a masterpiece of hifun kougai (悲憤慷慨) — passionate grief and righteous indignation.
The Famous Lines: “The Wind Blows Cold, the Yi River Runs Chill”
The most iconic passage of this poem is:
風蕭蕭兮易水寒 (Fū shōshō to shite, ekisui samushi)
壮士一去兮不復還 (Sōshi hitotabi satte, mata kaerazu)
“The wind blows cold and desolate; the Yi River runs chill.
The warrior departs once — and shall never return.”
In just two lines, the poem conveys both the biting cold of the scene and the absolute, unshakeable resolve of Jing Ke.
Jing Ke — The Man and the Historical Background
Jing Ke was a celebrated assassin of the Warring States period.
At the time, the powerful state of Qin was expanding relentlessly, annexing surrounding kingdoms one by one in its march toward unification. Prince Dan of Yan (燕), facing this existential threat, hatched a plan to assassinate the King of Qin — and chose Jing Ke as his instrument.
A Fatal Departure
To gain an audience with the king, Jing Ke carried two offerings: the head of General Fan Yuqi (樊於期), a Qin defector sheltered in Yan, and a map of Yan’s most fertile territory — with a dagger hidden within.
Whether the assassination succeeded or failed, there was almost no chance of returning alive.
At the farewell banquet held on the banks of the Yi River, Jing Ke’s close friend Gao Jianli (高漸離) played the zhu (筑), a stringed instrument, while Jing Ke sang the now-immortal lines “風蕭蕭兮易水寒.” It is said that everyone present wept as they watched him go.
The Outcome of the Assassination
Jing Ke gained his audience with the King of Qin and made his attempt, but the assassination failed at the last moment.
He was struck down by the king. Though his mission ended in failure, Jing Ke’s willingness to give his life for a righteous cause has been celebrated across two millennia.
The Appeal of “Ekisui Soubetsu” as Shigin
What makes this poem so beloved in shigin is not only its content, but the extraordinary expressive range it demands:
- Emotional contrast: The piece requires conveying both heartbreaking sorrow and iron-willed determination
- Lingering resonance: Despite its brevity, the vivid imagery stays with the listener long after the final note
- Raw power: The line “壮士一去兮不復還” strikes the listener with visceral, chest-shaking force
Even for beginners, this is considered an accessible yet deeply rewarding piece, precisely because the emotions are so genuine and relatable.
Tips for Chanting
When performing “Ekisui Soubetsu,” first visualize Jing Ke’s state of mind — the cold river, the final farewell, the absolute certainty of death.
In the opening “風蕭蕭兮,” let your voice evoke the desolate wintry scene. In the closing “不復還,” channel the full weight of a decision from which there is no return. By shifting the color of your voice between these moments, you can give your listeners a profound and lasting impression.
Farewell at the Yi River — by Luo Binwang (駱賓王)
此地別燕丹 — At this place, I part from Prince Dan of Yan
壮士髪冠衝 — The warrior’s hair stands and lifts his cap
昔時人已没 — The men of that time are long gone
今日水猶寒 — Yet today, the river runs cold still
Conclusion
Shigin “Ekisui Soubetsu” is a timeless masterpiece — a poem of farewell, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve.
Though set over two thousand years ago, Jing Ke’s courage in the face of certain death continues to move people today.
Through shigin, we can experience the depth of classical Chinese poetry and connect with the profound human stories of ancient history.
Why not try chanting the line “Fū shōshō to shite, ekisui samushi” aloud?
You may find that Jing Ke’s resolve — and the sorrow of that final farewell — feels surprisingly close.
References
- Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian), “Biographies of Assassins” — Sima Qian
- Kotobank: “Jing Ke”
- Wikipedia: “Jing Ke”