The kabuki play Kanjinchō (The Subscription List) was first staged in 1840 at the Kawarasaki-za in Edo, with Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Benkei. It adapts the Noh play Ataka. Benkei and his lord Yoshitsune, fleeing in disguise, are stopped at the Ataka barrier.
When one of Togashi’s men suspects Yoshitsune, Benkei beats his own lord with his staff to hide who he is. The barrier keeper Togashi senses Benkei’s anguish and lets the party pass.