The play "Kanadehon Chûshingura" was originally written for the puppet theater (Bunraku) and staged for the first time in the 8th lunar month of 1748 in Ôsaka at the Takemotoza. It was adapted for Kabuki the same year and staged for the first time in the 12th lunar month of 1748 in Ôsaka at the Kado no Shibai [casting]. The "Nidanme" act (2nd act) was performed with the actors Kataoka Nizaemon IV and Yamamoto Koheiji in the roles of Kakogawa Honzô and Momonoi Wakasanosuke.

The "Nidanme" act, the second act of "Kanadehon Chûshingura", is made up of 2 scenes commonly called "Rikiya Jôshi" (literally "the Emissary Rikiya") and "Matsukiri" (literally "the Cutting of the Pine Branch"). This act is most of the times omitted for a tôshi kyôgen production of this drama.

Act II, Scene 1: Rikiya Jôshi
The Emissary Rikiya

Act II, Scene 2: Matsukiri
The Cutting of the Pine Branch

The actors Nakamura Jakuemon I (1st from left), Ichikawa Takijûrô II (second from left), Jitsukawa Enzaburô II (center), Kataoka Gatô II (second from right) and Nakamura Sennosuke (1st from right) playing the roles of Kakogawa Honzô, Momonoi Wakasanosuke, Konami, Ôboshi Rikiya and Tonase in the second act of the drama "Kanadehon Chûshingura" (mitate-e made by Nakai Yoshitaki in 1865)