Tomoka Ike
Benkei
2002
Cloth Doll/Various Materials
81 cm

Available

Character Details:

Benkei (Yoshitsune’s Retainer) 

An unstoppable hero who was a monk warrior of Mount Hi-ei, the school of the highest renown at the time.  In Kyoto, Benkei decided he would collect 1000 swords.  He did this by challenging passers-by and other samurais.  He had collected 999 swords before he met Yoshitsune, a young boy at the time.  He challenged Yoshitsune for his sword and Yoshitsune defeated him; Benkei had met his match and became Yoshitsune’s life long retainer.  Benkei protected his master to the bitter end by dying standing up with numerous arrows piercing his large frame.  Hence the name, “Benkei’s Body-Block”.