Join us at Jesus College, Cambridge, for ‘The Boy on Goj? Bridge’ – a performance by Yui Shikakura and Laura Sampson.

About the performance

Japanese art has long been captivated by Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the brilliant samurai of the Genji clan whose military genius led to decisive victories over the Heike in the 11th century Genpei wars. His life was one of triumph and tragedy, history and legend – with stories of his exploits shot through with supernatural encounters, magical journeys … and profound friendships.

‘The Boy on Goj? Bridge’ retells the story that made many of those famous victories possible: how Japan’s most famous ‘double act’ – Yoshitsune and the warrior monk Benkei – came into being. From their first meeting as foes in the ancient capital Kyoto, to the blossoming of what would become an alliance of love, skill and brotherhood; a pairing which continues to inspire Japanese performing arts to this day. Fighting talk, brilliant swordplay, and supernatural encounters with long-nosed Tengu will be brought to life in a vivid mix of dramatic narration and elements of kabuki music, including Nagauta song and live shamisen.

About Dr Yui Shikakura

Dr Yui Shikakura is a shamisen artist, musicologist, and educator whose work bridges performance and scholarship. Trained at Tokyo University of the Arts (PhD, MA, BA in Traditional Japanese Music), she specialises in Nagauta and early years music education, combining rigorous academic research with an active practice in traditional performance.

Her work explores the narrative and expressive depth of shamisen music, bringing historical repertoire into dialogue with contemporary audiences through storytelling, lecture-performances, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Alongside international performances in Japan and the UK, she serves as Assistant Professor of Practice at Lingnan University and leads major cultural and STEAM initiatives that connect heritage, technology, and inclusive education.

About Laura Sampson

Laura has practised noh (a 700-year-old Japanese art form) since 2011, and her storytelling often incorporates elements of the form. She has had work commissioned by Quiet Music Ensemble (Ireland); Noh Reimagined Festival (Mu:Arts), and British Library. She holds a Japanese Studies MA (SOAS), and is co-author of Moon Snow Blossom: Wintry Folktales from across Japan (Elliott & Thompson) out in Oct 2026.