The dance "Kisen" is the fourth section of the five-role hengemono "Rokkasen Sugata no Irodori", which was staged in the 3rd lunar month of 1831 at the Nakamuraza. It starred Nakamura Shikan II in the five roles of Sôjô Henjô, Ariwara no Narihira, Bun'ya no Yasuhide, Kisen and Ôtomo no Kuronushi. His stage partner in the role of Ono no Komachi was Iwai Kumesaburô II. "Kisen" is performed with Kiyomoto and Nagauta ensembles.

The scene opens in the precincts of the Maruyama park, one of the most beautiful part of Kyôto, located close to the Gion pleasure quarter. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The priest Kisen comes to the temple to enjoy the flowers, a flowering branch tucked behind him in his sash. As he wanders by and enjoys the scenery, a tea-shop waitress, Okaji, beckons to him from under the trees. Kisen is attracted by her beauty. They engage in a kudoki, an intimate conversation while carrying on a casual flirtation with each other. Kisen maintains a light playful mood throughout, while never quite descending to the boorish. Okaji for her part shows the light coquetry and charm typical of the women of the pleasure quarters. Kisen proceeds to perform a chobokure, which is one of the highlights of this dance. Suddenly a group of priests enters the temple, looking for Kisen. All the priests including Kisen start a lively sumiyoshi odori, which is the last section of this beautiful and light-hearted dance.

"Kisen" is a 30-min long colorful and lively dance.

The actors Nakamura Tomijûrô II and Nakamura Fukusuke I playing the roles of Okaji and Kisen in the dance "Rokkasen Sugata no Irodori", which was staged in the 5th lunar month of 1854 at the Ichimuraza (print made by Utagawa Toyokuni III)