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1. Swordsmith 小鍛冶 (Original Mix)
At the command of Emperor Ichijo (980-1011), who received an oracle in a dream, Tachibana no Michinari visits and orders Sanjō no Kokaji Munechika, a renowned

swordsmith, to forge a sword. Munechika insists that he cannot forge the sword because he does not have a partner swordsmith, who is as skilful as Munechika is. Michinari however refuses to accept his request. Munechika, who is caught between a rock and a hard place, visits Fushimi Inari Shrine where he prays and requests the assistance of the guardian deity of his clan.

夢のお告げを受けた一条天皇（980〜1011）の命により、勅使・橘道成は刀匠として名高い三條小鍛冶宗近（さんじょうのこかじむねちか）のを訪ね、剣を打つよう命じる。宗近は「自分と同様の力を持った相鎚がいないために打ち切れない、と訴えるが道成は聞き入れない。進退きわまった宗近は、氏神の伏見稲荷明神に助けを求め参詣する。

2. The Fox 霊狐 (Original Mix)
When Munechika dresses himself for smithing and prays on his platform, there appears before him the deity of Fushimi Inari who transforms into the spirit of a fox. The deity announces that he will work as the partner of Munechika.

宗近が身支度をすませ鍛冶壇で礼拝すると伏見稲荷明神のご神体である霊狐が現れ、「相鎚を勤める」と告げる。

3. Fullmetal Spirits 小狐丸 (Original Mix)
Munchak, who gained the deity as the smithing partner, successfully forges a sword. Finally, the noted sword ‘Kogitsune-maru’ which is engraved with two names – “Kokaji Munechika” on the face and “Kogitsune (Little Fox)” on the back of the blade as a proof that the deity apprenticed himself to Munechika – is completed. After offering the sword to the imperial messenger, the deity rides on a cloud to return to the peak of Mount Inari.

明神の相鎚を得た宗近は、無事に剣を鍛え上げ、表には「小鍛冶宗近」の銘、裏にはr霊狐が相槌を勤めた証の「小狐」という、ふたつ銘が刻まれた「名剣・小狐丸」が完成。明神は小狐丸を勅使に捧げた後、雲に乗って稲荷の峯に帰ってゆく。

Music Inspired by Traditional Performing Arts of Japan – Noh Play “Kokaji”
Co-Produced by Gecco Meco (Babie GION)
Produced, Written and Performed by Cam Lasky
Engineering and Mixed by Sonar Graham
P&C 2021 Cam Lasky  under exclusive license from KWAIOTO Records