The current version of "Kikujidô" was premiered in July 1892 at the Kabukiza, under the title "Makura Jidô", starring the Meiji star Onoe Kikugorô V in the role of Kikujidô.

This song is based on the Nô dance, "Makura Jidô" ("Pillow Jidô"). A young man named Jidô was under the special affection of the Emperor. Jidô is accused of stepping over the Emperor's pillow and flees deep into the mountains. While in the mountains, Jidô writes a Buddhist verse on a chrysanthemum leaf and recites it every morning. The dew from that chrysanthemum flower turns into a magical potion of eternal youth. With this potion, Jidô is able to maintain his youthful form for seven hundred years. As he remembers the days of old, he longs for the skies of the city. This dance is a tasteful mature performance with an old-fashioned air.

Source: Nihon Buyô

The actor Onoe Kikugorô V playing the role of Kikujidô in the dance "Makura Jidô",
which was staged in July 1892 at the Kabukiza
(print made by Utagawa Kunisada III)