Kanjincho is one of the Kabuki Juhachi ban, the 18 favourite plays chosen by Ichikawa Danjuro VII. 

The story is set in the Kamakura era (1185 - 1333) and at the Ataka checkpoint in Kaga (Ishikawa prefecture). It relates to Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159-1189), who is a fugitive from Minamoto no Yoritomo, and his small band of followers, of which one is Benkei.  

The play is acted on a simple stage with only pine trees as a backdrop. 

Tadamasa, Benkei, 1950

The play main characteristic is the pompous acting in aragoto style, expressed in his portrayal of Benkei, especially when Benkei walks off the stage with his Tobi roppoh (flying walk) style using the hanamichi (passageway to the stage) to give the audience a wonderfully exciting impression.

However, the essence of this play is not just its pompous quality. The elegance and affability of Yoshitsune, the vigor and shrewdness of Benkei, and the loyalty and compassion of Togashi, are qualities exalted in the play. 

Togachi Saemon appears, accompanied by his men, and explains that he is the guardian of the barrier and enjoins his men to be vigilant in their attempt to intercept Yoshitsune and his party, who are believed to be fleeing north disguised as wandering priests.

Togashi asks Benkei, since he claim to be collecting funds, about the kanjincho or list of contributors. Benkei is rather taken aback by this request, and momentary confusion confirms Togashi's suspicions. Benkei then goes to the back of the stage and returns with a blank scroll, which he unwinds and begins reading aloud. 

Togashi deliberately advances towards him. and, suddenly starting forward, glances at the scroll. Benkei realizes that Togashi has seen that there is nothing written on it. Nevertheless, Togashi appreciates Benkei's courageous ingenuity and says nothing, being prepared to let him go on with the deception. So, Togashi asks Benkei about the costume and equipment of a priest and the meaning of some difficult Buddhist terms. Benkei answers all these questions correctly.

Impressed by the knowledge demonstrated by Benkei, Togashi decides to let the party go through. He thanks Bankei for the opportunity to clarify some of his doubts about the Budhist doctrine, and asks him to accept his own contribution to the fund.

Just as Benkei's party is about to go through the barrier, however, one of Togashi's soldiers calls his attention to the porter in the rear, saying the porter resembles Yoshitsune. Togashi can't ignore this. Benkei tries to prove that the porter is not Yoshitsune, but in vain.  Benkei then pretends to be angry and beats Yoshitsune bitterly, declaring that if he is suspect, Togashi is welcome to detain him. 

Togashi is sure that the porter is Yoshitsune, yet as he watches Benkei beat his master, he realizes deeply what a predicament it must be for his loyalty. When Benkei offers to beat him to death, if necessary, Togashi begs him to restrain himself.

The crisis over, Benkei's party goes on with their journey. Once out of sight, Yoshitsune thanks Benkei for saving his life and the retainers extol Benkei's courage and resourcefulness. Benkei, however, apologizes for beating his master. He says he would rather die than beat his master, on whom he sets a higher value than his own life. Finally, for the first time in his life, Benkei bursts into tears.