TAIGA DRAMA
Restore Imperial rule?
The Shogunate should return political powers to the Court
as soon as possible.
Yoshinobu returned the political powers that were held
RESTORATION OF IMPERIAL RULE
by the Tokugawa for nearly 260 years.
THE EDO SHOGUNATE MUST RETURN POLITICAL POWERS TO THE GOVERNMENT
SATSUMA, 770 000 KOKU
TOKUGAWA, 4 MILLION KOKU
KAGA, 1 MILLION KOKU
However, the Tokugawa remained strong for they held four million koku
in fiefs across the country.
The Tokugawa head family holds the most power in this country.
Do you think you can overthrow the Shogunate government?
It's not a matter of whether or not we can do it. We have to do it.
Saigo and Okubo plot to restore Imperial rule.
RESTORATION
NARRATOR: NAMERIKAWA KAZUO (ANNOUNCER)
This meant the Emperor would personally govern the country.
The other thing they attempted to throw at Yoshinobu,
JIKAN-NOCHI
was the return of the court ranking he received from the Emperor
as well as some fiefs.
I have made my resolve, too... The resolve to fight.
What is the fate of the Tokugawa and Lady Tenshoin,
who are faced with a crisis?
PRINCESS ATSU
EPISODE 45: A LETTER FROM MOTHER
WRITTEN BY: MIYAO TOMIKO
SCREENPLAY: TABUCHI KUMIKO
MUSIC: YOSHIMATA RYO
NARRATOR: NARAOKA TOMOKO
DIRECTOR: WATANABE YOSHIO
November, 1867...
The Ooku was faced with a harsh winter.
It was very delicious.
How is everyone lately?
They were deeply moved by your firm resolve.
I shall protect the Ooku and the Tokugawa family.
The Ooku lacks the presence of His Excellency and Her Ladyship.
I wonder how long they can all persevere...
Please do not worry. They all understand your feelings.
That is a relief.
Lady Tenshoin...
What is it?
Well...
Will it turn out the way you stated before?
Will Choshu and Satsuma join forces and attack the Shogunate?
I don't know.
But, we'll have to be prepared for it.
I wonder what that person is doing.
Who?
Sir Komatsu Tatewaki.
Why don't you ask him?
I can't do that.
If he already is our enemy, he won't know how to respond.
I'll just end up cornering him.
Corner him?
That is my consideration for my friend.
Please forgive me.
Please do not apologize.
I was thoughtless on that. Please forgive me.
Komatsu Tatewaki... I wonder how he's doing.
As for Tatewaki...
KOMATSU RESIDENCE, SATSUMA
Manjiro, won't you stay in Satsuma, after all?
I appreciate the thought, but now that Ryoma is dead...
I'm worried about the future of the Tosa clan.
I see.
You are most suited to succeed Ryoma's mission.
Let's work together in changing Japan.
I would love to do that, but I hurt my leg...
I can barely walk now.
I know I have to head to Kyoto as soon as possible.
It's not good to rush your recovery process.
It's frustrating!
Why now, of all times?
Please bear it.
We just have to believe in Saigo and the others.
He's right. Please relax until you are fully well.
Saigo and the others, huh?
This happened a month ago.
It's only in formality that political powers
were returned to the Court.
The administrative powers remain with the Tokugawa.
If we want to change Japan, we must overthrow the Tokugawa.
Why don't we seek a "jikannochi" from Yoshinobu?
JIKAN-NOCHI
Meaning, we have him return his court ranking and fiefs?
There is no way Yoshinobu will agree to that.
Please make an effort to make him agree to it.
We must avoid war at all costs.
What if he doesn't agree to it?
We'll use force to overthrow him.
Another thing...
Sir Komatsu, we want you to stay in Satsuma.
Stay in Satsuma?
That's right.
Why?
Well, with this leg...
In the event that we should lose in war,
we need you to hold Satsuma together.
Do you think we'll go to war, after all?
It's just a precautionary measure.
I have no choice but to believe in your words now.
Shortly after this...
Saigo and Okubo led an army to Kyoto.
KYOTO
Is that right? So Sir Komatsu is ill now.
It just made it easier for us.
His kindness... or his wish to avoid war...
IWAKURA MANSION
deters our resolution.
I see.
Well, putting that aside...
To put an end to the Tokugawa rule,
RESTORATION OF IMPERIAL RULE
we will announce the restoration of Imperial rule.
We'll issue an Imperial edict to Yoshinobu
to resign as the Shogun.
On that day, we'll have these gates at the Imperial Palace
guarded by Satsuma forces.
Will Yoshinobu agree to the restoration of Imperial rule,
as well as the return of the court ranking and fiefs?
He probably will.
After all, it's a direct order from His Majesty.
What if he doesn't?
That's where you come in.
I have a plan devised.
Plan?
On December 9, 1867...
KEIŌ PERIOD, 3rd YEAR. DECEMBER, 1867
IMPERIAL PALACE
Having troubled the preceding Emperor as known to all...
Damn Iwakura... He had all of this schemed...
Yoshinobu should've been present for this...
While Yoshinobu was absent, the announcement of the restoration
of Imperial rule was done, and an Imperial edict to return
NIJŌ CASTLE
the court ranking and fiefs was issued to Yoshinobu.
So Iwakura and the Satsuma clan are behind this.
Please follow the Imperial Court's order.
The Tokugawa fiefs were not given by His Majesty.
They were won and obtained by the Tokugawa.
It is unreasonable of them to ask for them back.
Still...
I am retreating to Osaka Castle to devise a plan.
We must avoid a skirmish with Satsuma and Choshu.
A few days later in Edo...
Katsu, I do not understand it at all.
What do you mean?
When you consider the Tokugawa's efforts in stabilizing the country
and revering the Imperial Court, how can they strip the Tokugawa of
their court ranking and fiefs? Isn't that too merciless?
I agree with you, my Lady.
However, with things left as is, the Tokugawa will remain too strong,
and it will affect the future administration.
I can understand that, but... Isn't there another way to do it?
Another way?
Will war be avoided if Yoshinobu offers the Tokugawa fiefs?
That is not for certain.
Are Satsuma and Choshu set on attacking the Shogunate?
That all depends.
Yoshinobu's actions will have an impact on it, too.
We cannot have any war... We must avoid it at all costs.
That is what I am praying for.
Whether we win or lose...
There will not be any happiness for the people.
Even I know that.
However, Yoshinobu continued to represent himself as the main
OSAKA CASTLE
authority of Japan, to the various foreign ambassadors.
Please understand that it falls under my authority.
How foolish can he be?
Is he trying to anger Satsuma and Choshu?
Forces across the lands are heading for Osaka Castle
to aid the Tokugawa family.
How will Satsuma react to it?
Komatsu Tatewaki...
We may not be able to avoid war this time.
I must go to Kyoto as soon as possible.
But you can't go in that condition.
No, I must go by all means.
Damn!
Aren't you trying to save Lady Tenshoin?
That's part of it.
She is Satsuma's benefactor.
In that case, follow through with it.
What?
I will be your legs.
Let us go now.
Wait. Where are you planning to go?
To the person who can move Lady Tenshoin's heart.
Let us go now.
Hey, Chika!
Where are we going?
SHIMAZU RESIDENCE, IMAIZUMI
Please sit comfortably.
I'm sorry. I will do so.
What brings you here today?
I have a request to make of your mother.
Of me?
What is it?
Well...
Will you please persuade Lady Tenshoin in Edo
to return to Satsuma?
To Satsuma?
At the rate things are going, there will be war between
the Tokugawa and Satsuma.
Okubo and Saigo may end up attacking Edo Castle.
Of all things...
Please!
I appreciate your concern for her, but...
If that is the situation... I cannot do it.
I highly doubt she will return to Satsuma.
Mother, her life could very well be in danger.
She is a Tokugawa woman.
Still...
And I am a Shimazu woman.
Still...
Mother...
Satsuma women have their way of drawing the line.
I understand.
No...
- It's all right.
Please pardon my sudden visit.
Thank you for your concern.
Then Tatewaki headed to...
TSURUMARU CASTLE
Lady Tenshoin went to Edo for Satsuma's sake.
If it turns to war, we may end up attacking Edo Castle,
where she resides.
That's true.
Please, Sir! Even if you can't stop the war...
you should at least save Lady Tenshoin!
Satsuma owes that to her!
What are you suggesting that I do?
I would like your permission...
Permission?
CLAN IMAIZUMI - YUKI-DONO
I received this from Sir Hisamitsu.
Why, this is...
He permits you to write a letter to Lady Tenshoin.
He said we can ask her to return to Satsuma.
Please excuse me.
Thank you very much...
ONOSHIMA
SHIMAZU FAMILY ELDER
"It's been a while since I wrote to you.
"I have just one thing to say to you.
"I want you to return to Satsuma.
"It's not that I've become meek with age.
"However, I would love to gaze at Sakurajima with you,
"and spend family time with you again
"If after reading this, your heart wavers,
"then please don't hesitate to come home.
"Please heed this request from your mother in Satsuma."
Lady Tenshoin, please heed her request.
I appreciate my mother's feelings, but I am not leaving here.
Why?
I am a Tokugawa woman.
I will not move from here until you agree to go home...
Or should I say, I cannot move from here.
Onoshima.
I won't tolerate any unreasonable conduct.
I am here under the strict orders of the Shimazu family councillor,
Komatsu Tatewaki.
Under Tatewaki's orders?
Please understand! Please say you'll go back!
Despite who wishes it, I cannot go back.
Please heed her request! Lady Tenshoin!
I will protect this Ooku as a Tokugawa woman.
Onoshima, please understand.
Please...
You want to send Lady Tenshoin back to Satsuma?
She'll be placed in a harsher position from now.
I want to send her home before that happens.
That is an impossible request.
Lady Tenshoin would never agree to it.
She has family in Satsuma.
A woman should die in her wedded home, not her family home.
That is why she refuses to leave here.
She only said that in pride.
It's her resolution, not pride.
A part of it is pride.
She chose to stay in the Ooku!
Excuse me...
May I interrupt?
What is it?
If Lady Tenshoin isn't here, no one will follow us.
She's right.
You say that, but...
In any event, I'm sure she wants to go home.
And the Tokugawa may go down at any time now.
What do you mean by that?
If it should turn to war, and the Tokugawa lose...
There's no chance that this Edo Castle will fall.
What will you do if that unlikely chance happens?
It is in her best interest to go home.
She would rather stay in the Ooku!
Excuse me...
Why don't you consult the Princess on it?
The Princess?
If anything, she should go back to Kyoto.
That's true, too...
Why don't you ask Lady Honjuin then?
If Satsuma and Tokugawa go to war,
what is Lady Tenshoin planning to do?
She said she would protect the Tokugawa family at all costs.
I'm sure she will follow through on her words.
Lady Takiyama, I am pleading with you on this.
If Lady Tenshoin should die by the hands of the Satsuma army,
it will be too cruel.
Well, I guess...
Please save Lady Tenshoin's life and her love for Satsuma.
I'm pleading with you!
Lady Tenshoin, I have a great favor to ask of you.
Please leave the Ooku.
What are you saying out of the blue?
At a time when the Tokugawa may go to war with Satsuma...
we can't have the head of the Ooku be from the Shimazu family,
or it will affect the morales of our allies.
That will not happen.
You were crying when you received a letter from your mother.
I was just overcome with nostalgia, that's all.
In any event, please go home to Satsuma.
What's wrong?
Lady Tenshoin...
In the beginning, I wanted you to stay here.
However, when I thought about it further...
I realized that you've done more than your share already.
If I were to count all of the things you've done one by one...
There would be no end to it.
We will protect the Ooku from hereforth.
So please go back to Satsuma.
I understand your feelings very well.
Will you do as we ask then?
No... I am not going back.
Why?
For you all are my family.
Family?
Lady Tenshoin...
My home is here... in the Ooku.
I am staying with you until the end, no matter what...
That is, if you don't mind...
We are very honored...
My mind is set in stone now.
If Satsuma should come at us with their military force...
Then I will fight them.
Like a samurai woman should...
As the bride of the Tokugawa head family...
I will fight them until the very end.
I am really grateful for your feelings. Thank you.
No... we are grateful to you..
Karahashi, you are acting like a child.
Yes, truly.
Mother, what is the matter?
She probably won't come home.
What makes you say that?
I know so... as her mother.
Still, I couldn't help but write to her...
And that's because she's my child...
Then on December 23rd...
The Ninomaru Wing in Edo Castle went up in flames.
Some Satsuma men snuck in and set the place on fire.
Or so the rumors had it.
Angry voices to punish Satsuma are getting louder.
If Satsuma is truly responsible, I cannot forgive them for it.
That might've been a strategy of Satsuma's.
What do you mean?
They're picking a fight with the Tokugawa.
Satsuma men are causing trouble in town as well.
How dirty...
If we fall for their dirty tricks and instigate a fight...
we'll give them a just cause to war.
A just cause to war?
The Satsuma and Choshu are very desperate.
They think this is their only opportunity.
They believe they have to crush the Tokugawa authority
with their military force.
In that case, we must get desperate, too.
We must avoid a war.
Yes, my Lady.
I won't let them draw this into a war...
So this is your strategy...
IWAKURA MANSION, KYOTO
If only the Tokugawa will bite, it'll be to our advantage.
As much as Yoshinobu may try to tolerate it,
if all this chaos occurs in Edo, under the nose of the Tokugawa,
his vassals won't stand for it.
I have something to show you.
What do you think of it?
That's the Imperial standard!
It's a symbol to punish the Imperial rebel.
IMPERIAL STANDARD - SIGN OF A GOVERNMENT ARMY
When Yoshinobu sees this, he'll be forced to submit to us.
Shosuke...
This is for the sake of creating a new Japan.
Cut down all the unneeded trees. In an emergency situation,
make sure everyone knows where the escape route is.
Yes, my Lady.
Lady Tenshoin, I have bad news.
What is it?
The Satsuma mansion in Mita was burned down.
What?
Angered with the Satsuma's actions, the Elders ordered it.
Of all things...
We can't avoid war now...
Lady Tenshoin...
Fools! How rash can they be?!
Takigawa!
We'll ask the Court for permission to punish Satsuma!
Head to Kyoto immediately early next year!
Damn Satsuma... Just wait. I'll teach you a lesson!
What have I accomplished so far?
What did I go to Edo and Kyoto for?
What have I fought for?
What did I meet with Katsu, Lord Yoshinobu, and Sakamoto for?
What were all those repeated discussions for?
Saigo and Okubo are engrossed in overthrowing the Shogunate
and Lord Yoshinobu.
If there's a war, people will die...
A war that promises no future for Japan will mean that those who die
in it will die in vain...
I fought desperately to prevent that from happening, but...
I will fight here, too.
Please protect the Tokugawa family and the Ooku...
260 years had passed since the Tokugawa won the battle at Sekigahara.
A final battle that would overturn the country was about to start.
EPISODE 45: A LETTER FROM MOTHER END
NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW
A war will break out? - The war will start.
If I were Saigo...
I would give them the final blow.
I am going to war.
The one with the just cause will win!
Hoist the Imperial standard!
The Imperial standard?
He fled back here.
I cannot forgive him, too.
EPISODE 46: YOSHINOBU RESCUED
If his life would save the Tokugawa family...
Family?
Which means, I must stake my life to protect you.
ATSUHIME'S JOURNEY
OSAKA PREFECTURE / OSAKA CITY
THE LAST TOKUGAWA FORTRESS
During the Edo period, Osaka was a fief under the Shogun.
SENGAN TOWER
When 14th Shogun Iemochi entered Osaka Castle, it had been
230 years since a shogun, Shogun Iemitsu, had entered it.
OTEMON GATE (MAIN GATE)
GOLD WATER WELL
This is the castle well that Iemochi quenched his thirst from.
SITE OF THE INNER PALACE
After Iemochi died in the main wing,
Yoshinobu entered this Osaka Castle.
TOKUGAWA YOSHINOBU'S INTERVIEW WITH THE FOREIGN MINISTER
ILLUSTRATED, LONDON, COPY FROM A YUSHODO NEWS PUBLICATION
He gathered the various countries' ambassadors and told them
the Tokugawa family was the authoritative family Japan.
Osaka Castle was one of the military strongholds of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
OCTOPUS STONE (THE FIRST BOULDER OF THE CASTLE)
The great stone walls show its impregnability.
NARRATOR: NAITOU HIROKO (ANNAUNCER)
TENPOZAN
A fort was built on Tenpozan to protect Osaka's sea.
SIGNAL GUN (IN OSAKA CASTLE PARK)
In the bay of Tenpozan, were the Shogunate's latest warships.
MUSIC BY YOSHIMATA RYO AND GEN ITTETSU
The Tokugawa deepened their animosity with Satsuma-Choshu
from Osaka Castle where they prided themself of their impregnability.