Ranjatai, the much acclaimed precious Koh passed down from ancient times, is 150 centimeters of its length and 12 kilograms in weight, rather large as Kohboku. Evidence and cut marks on the wood show that small pieces of precious Koh were cut off several times, and given to Yoshimasa Ashikaga (1436~1490), Nobunaga Oda (1534~1582) and the Emperor Meiji (1852~1912). It is no coincidence that a portion of the wood was given to Shogun Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of Muromachi shogunate. Yoshimasa was well versed in and protected artistic culture that arose in the Muromachi era, such as Koh-do, Sa-do (tea ceremony), Ka-do (flower arrangement) and Noh plays, all of which constitute a major part of Japanese history and culture.

The author of Kanatehon-Chushingura must have understood the significance of Kohboku and reflected it effectively in the play. Not only did the playwright, but also the audience of Kabuki must have been familiar with the name of Ranjatai and could imagine how important and how fragrant it was, even if they had never actually had an opportunity to partake in delightful fragrance of the wood.

It is not only in Chushingura that we can find scenery where Koh is used as a prop in the Kabuki Theater. Meibokusendaihagi is another well-known Kabuki play. The Chinese letters "meiboku" also means Kyara, the most precious Koh wood.

Focusing on Koh in interpreting the Tale of Genji gives us different insights on this famous story. Likewise, we will discover different dramatic aspects in Kabuki when we focus on Koh when we see the performance.