Act 2 Scene 1 "The Journey" from Sugawara's Secrets of Calligraphy

Michizane's daughter Lady Kariya with Prince Tokiyo (younger brother of Emperor Daigo). According to the Kabuki play, their illicit love affair is the pretext for Shihei's accusations of treason against Michizane. Shihei claims that Michizane plans to put Tokiyo on the throne, but in fact Shihei is planning to overthrow Emperor Daigo and make himself emperor. Because Sakuramaru (Prince Tokiyo's retainer) acted as a go-between for the affair, in Act 3 Scene 2 ("Sata Village") he takes responsibility for Michizane's exile by committing ritual suicide (seppuku).