The Love Suicide at Sonezaki

(Lovers’ Sanctuary — Tokubei and Ohatsu of Tsuyunoten Shrine: illustAC)

Tokubei was a young man who worked at a soy sauce shop in Osaka. He was kind, honest, and loyal. He lived a simple life and had a gentle heart. He fell deeply in love with Ohatsu, a beautiful courtesan who worked at a pleasure house in the busy city.

Even though her job brought her close to many rich men, she cared only for Tokubei. When she met him, she could forget her sad life and feel truly loved.

Their love was difficult; Ohatsu could not leave her house because of her debt, and Tokubei worked hard, saving money little by little, dreaming of buying her freedom so they could live together.

But one day, his relative Kuheiji came to him and begged for help. Kuheiji said he needed money for an important reason and promised to return it soon. Tokubei trusted him and lent him the money. He believed Kuheiji was a good man. However, Kuheiji was not a true friend.

Later, when Tokubei asked for the money back, Kuheiji denied everything. He said, “I never borrowed any money!” and told people that Tokubei was lying.

The story spread quickly. Everyone believed Kuheiji and laughed at Tokubei. His good name was ruined. He felt ashamed and hopeless. People began to avoid him, and his master grew angry. In those days, losing one’s honor meant losing everything.

Ohatsu heard what happened. Her heart was filled with sorrow. She still loved Tokubei deeply and could not bear to see him suffer.

One night, she met him secretly at the Sonezaki Shrine, near a quiet forest outside the city. Under the pale light of the moon, the two lovers talked about their pain and despair.

Tokubei said that living had no meaning anymore. Ohatsu said she could not live without him. They realized that the world would never allow their love.

They made a promise to die together and be united forever in the next life. They prayed to the gods for forgiveness and held each other tightly.

Then, in the silent night, they began their last walk — a journey toward death. They walked through the trees of Sonezaki, hand in hand, remembering the happy moments they had shared.

The moonlight shone softly on their faces. They smiled through their tears and said goodbye to this world.

At dawn, their bodies were found near the shrine. People were shocked, but they also felt moved. They saw not only death, but true love — a love so pure that even death could not destroy it.

Their story spread across Osaka, and many came to the shrine to pray for love and faithfulness. A playwright named Chikamatsu Monzaemon later wrote their story as The Love Suicide at Sonezaki, so their names would never be forgotten.

Even today, there is a shrine in Osaka called Ohatsu Tenjin, near the place where they died. Couples visit it to pray for strong love and to remember Tokubei and Ohatsu — two lovers who chose to stay together forever, even beyond death.