Atsuhime
Encyclopedia
, literally Princess Atsu, is the 47th NHK
Taiga drama
. It began on January 6, 2008 and aired throughout, completing its run with 50 episodes. The story chronicles the life of Tenshōin
, based on Tomiko Miyao's 1984 novel .
, the thirteenth shōgun
of the Edo shogunate
. It is the seventh Taiga drama to feature a female lead in just two years since the previous 2006 Kōmyō ga Tsuji.
Following the 2005 Yoshitsune, this is Miyao's second work to be turned into a Taiga drama. Following the 2004 Shinsengumi!
, it is also the second Taiga drama taking place at the end of the Edo shogunate
.
The character of Tenshō-in was previously taken up in the 2003 Fuji Television
series Ōoku (starring Kanno Miho).
The lead role is performed by Aoi Miyazaki
, for which it is her first Taiga drama lead. She is also the youngest to play the lead role. In May, 2008 she won a Galaxy Award
for her work in this role.
The first half of the story predominantly takes place in Kagoshima prefecture
, and as such many of the actors and music coordinators are from Kagoshima.
.
led by Matthew C. Perry. People in Satsuma are excited by the arrival of the heir to the domain, Shimazu Nariakira
, from Edo. Meanwhile, a long-awaited daughter is born in one of the cadet families of Shimazu clan, the Imaizumi Shimazu family. The father of the girl, Shimazu Tadatake, and the mother, Oyuki, name her “Katsu,” wishing the child’s happiness. Okatsu grew up as a tomboy, much stronger than her brothers, yet is warm-hearted and full of curiosity.
Before long, the Satsuma domain picks up its efforts at strict financial reform under the guidance of Karō
Zusho Hirosato
. Saigo Kichinosuke (Saigo Takamori
), witnessing the farmers’ harsh life, appeals to Tadatake. Hirosato receives this news and punishes Tadatake for allowing farmers to express their dissent, for it suggests lenient treatment of farmers on Tadatake’s part. Okatsu, unable to comprehend Hirosato’s action of punishing those who support farmers, recklessly decides to charge over to Hirosato’s house with her close friend Kimotsuke Naogorō (Komatsu Tatewaki) to demand a reason.
Episode 2: Vow at Sakurajima
By restraining himself and devoting his effort to the domain’s financial reform, Tadatake manages to avoid punishment. With Karō
Zusho Hirosato’s reform steadily gaining results, the domain’s debt, which at one point reached 5 million Ryō (Japanese coin), is cleared. Meanwhile, the lives of farmers and samurai
become extremely difficult, and their plight fuels animosity among young samurai like Saigō Kichnosuke and Ōkubo Shōsuke (Ōkubo Toshimichi
) toward Daimyō Shimazu Narioki
, who employed Zusho and his concubine, Oyura. Amid hostilities, Shimazu Nariakira
’s children have died one after another. What is more, a doll, supposedly used for a curse, is found under the room of these children. The hatred toward Oyura and Zusho peaks within the domain. With this as a backdrop, Okatsu is invited by Zusho to his house. She visits him with Kimotsuki Naogorō. In his house, Zusho tells Okatsu that he wants to share ideas with her before he goes off to Edo. Subsequently, Zusho goes to Edo but is suspected by Rōjū
Abe Masahiro
of illegal trade. To protect Satsuma from repercussions, he kills himself by taking poison.
Abe, enters Satsuma with huge ambitions.
) fears how Nariakira is going to punish its members, but he does not punish anybody. Saigō and other young samurai become frustrated because Ōkubo, who should have been pardoned right away, has not received clemency. Okatsu and Naogorō go over to Komatsu Kiyomichi and Ochika’s place and ask about Nariakira’s true intention. Kiyomichi, however, says that faith in Nariakira is the only way of loyalty, but this does not convince Okatsu. Meanwhile, Nariakira invites the Imaizumi family to the castle to meet members of branch families. Tadatake subjects Okatsu to practice in a lady-like manner to avoid embarrassment in the meeting. On the day of Okatsu's visit, Okatsu intensely presses Nariakira on why Ōkubo has not been pardoned. Nariakira, who has a different purpose for the meeting, is amused by Okatsu’s honest yet serious attitude and comes to have an interest in her.
Naogorō, who heard the story from Tadayuki, is gravely shaken. He asks Okatsu her thoughts on marriage, but she only tells him that she wishes to marry the best man in Japan. In the meantime, John Manjirō, who has just returned from the US, is invited to Satsuma. Naogorō meets him and is inspired by his story that marriage in the US is based on the agreement between the individuals, unlike in Japan, where it is decided by the two families. This gives him courage to openly tell Tadatake about his feelings for Okatsu. But the next day finds Tadatake called up to the castle. Against his fear that the proposal news might have reached Nariakira, he is informed of Nariakira's plan for adopting Okatsu.
In the overjoyed Imaizumi family, Oyuki detects strangeness in Kikumoto’s behavior. Okatsu, in the meantime, implores Tadatake for permission to have an audience with Nariakira to plead for explanations. On the morning of Okatsu’s visit to the castle, Kikumoto presses on Okatsu saying “A woman’s life is like walking on a long one-way path. It is a dishonor to turn back the path."
In response to Okatsu’s straightforward question, Nariakira explains that he wants to adopt her because she reminds him of his mother. Having learned his brimming affection for her, Okatsu finally comes to a decision to become his daughter. When she returns home, however, there is news waiting that Kikumoto has killed herself.”
’s daughter.
Meanwhile, news from Nagasaki Dejima
comes in to Edo
that an American naval fleet demanding trade with Japan is approaching. Leaders in the Tokugawa shogunate
face difficulty in how it should be dealt. Nariaki
supports the sweeping expulsion of foreigners from Japan
and does not yield. Facing this, Nariakira
comes to a realization the urgency of adopting Okatsu to implement his political scheme in this political turmoil.
While the day Okatsu moves to Tsurumaru Castle
closes in, Tadatake all of a sudden started to devote himself to constructing batteries for guarding the coastlines, behaving as if he has no interest in the adoption affair. Finally, the day for Okatsu to leave for the castle arrives.
, but has a hard time fitting into its restrictive customs. She is belittled by Hirokawa and other women serving under her as a girl from a branch family and starts to take a negligent attitude.
Okubo Shōsuke
is released from the house arrest of three years, and this makes Naogorō and Saigō feel relieved. Okatsu wants to share the joy but feels lonely when she finds herself at a high, distant social rank which prohibits them to even exchange words with her.
continue to antagonize to each other, little by little Kazunomiya and Iemochi became closer. Tensho-in was finally feeling relieved.
Then, commanding a force of a few thousand soldiers, Hisamitsu left for Kyōto with the intention of receiving the Emperor’s approval for reforming the Tokugawa Shōgunate.
Meanwhile, suspicion that Tenshō-in might be involved in the plot mounted in Edo.
The message that the Satsuma force headed to Edo reached Ōoku, and distrust directed to Tenshō-in further deepened. Amid this, even Iemochi, who had been on Tenshō-in’s side, came to suspect her. Crushed from everyone’s distrust, Tenshō-in started to burn her personal items that she brought with her from Satsuma. Seeing this, Iemochi realized how much she is hurt by his distrust and apologized to her that he would not doubt her from now on.
came to a dead end. Hisamitsu became extremely impatient and ordered Ōkubo to threaten the Rōjū side by force. While Tatewaki felt awkward toward such a forceful approach taken by his comrades, Satsuma succeeded in pressing on the reform plan. Tenshō-in, who was upset at Satsuma's cowardly move, sought an audience with Hisamitsu to ascertain his true intentions. With her unsuccessful meeting with Hisamitsu, she failed to exchange words with Tatewaki, who was in the company of Hisamitsu. Regretting this sour reunion with Tatewaki, Tenshō-in asked Iemochi to invite Tatewaki to Ōoku
. Playing igo like when they were still in Satsuma, Tenshō-in and Tatewaki engaged in friendly conversation and promised to each other that each would try their best to defend their own people: the Tokugawa clan for Tenshō-in and the people of Satsuma for Tatewaki.
reached Tenshō-in. Having learned the truth, she maintained that the Shogunate, together with Satsuma, needed to apologize to Britain. Meanwhile, in Kyoto, the Chōshū group came to dominate the political scene, defeating the Satsuma group and its leaders Shimazu Hisamitsu
and Iwakura Tomomi
.
Amid this confusion, an Imperial Envoy came from Kyoto to Edo, demanding Iemochi to visit the capital and to implement a policy that would exclude foreigners. Upon discussing the matter with Tenshō-in, he made up his mind to tell the emperor in person that the implementation of such a policy would be unattainable. Princess Kazu, however, strongly opposed Iemochi’s decision.
Sakamoto Ryōma
visited Katsu Rintarō. Although he initially intended to kill Lintarō, after discussion, he changed his mind and asked Lintarō to become his mentor. In the meantime in Satsuma, Tatewaki got promoted to the position of Karō
.
In Edo castle
, where Iemochi’s departure was looming close, Tenshō-in and Lintaro argued with each other whether Iemochi should take a land route or a sea route. Meanwhile, Kazunomiya, who learned that Tenshō-in pushed Iemochi to visit the capital, came to harbor strong hostility toward Tenshō-in.
Tenshōin, who blamed herself for urging Iemochi’s visit to Kyoto, asked Kazunomiya to convince his brother, Emperor Kōmei
to arrange Iemochi’s return to Edo, but Kazunomiya adamantly refused it. Tenshōin sent Katsu Kaishū
to Iemochi, who fell ill from the exhaustion from the trip to Kyōto. Through the conversation with Katsu, Iemochi regained his spirits and learned his board perspective on the matter.
In the meantime, Chōshū Domain carried out the expulsion of foreigners, and word reached Satsuma. Hisamitsu and Tatewaki realized that war was imminent.
In Kyōto, Iemochi was permitted to return to Edo with Kazunomiya’s plea to the emperor. Tenshōin expressed her gratitude to Kazunomiya. Then, the news came in that the British Royal Navy staying in Yokohama
headed to Satsuma. The Anglo-Satsuma War was about to start.
, who had been exiled, came back. At the gathering where Saigo and his old friends reunited, Tatewaki met a geisho, Okoto.
The Chōshū domain, which is bent on regaining its political leverage in the capital, suddenly attacked the Imperial Palace. This is known as the Hamaguri Rebellion
. Tatewaki, who led the Satsuma forces, joined forces with the Shōgunate, along with Yoshinobu
, and defeat the enemy forces. In the meantime, in Ōoku
, Takiyama advised Tenshōin to let the Shogun have a concubine who could bear his heir, for she was purely concerned with the future of the Tokugawa clan and desired to consolidate the foundations of the Shugunate’s rule. Tenshōin, however, did not want to tear up the intimate relationship between Kazunomiya and Iemochi and flatly rejected the idea.
The Naval School established by Katsu Kaishū
was about to be shut down by the shōgunate, suffering the repercussions of the Hamaguri Rebellion
. Katsu sent his disciple Sakamoto Ryōma
to Tatewaki, who was the karo
of the Satsuma domain, to ask him to take care of the students.
Meanwhile, in Edo Castle
, Kazunomiya showed signs of pregnancy, and the entire Ōoku
was delighted with the news. Kangyōin—Kazunomiya’s mother—and Tenshōin both shared the excitement of expecting a grandchild. As it turned out, however, Kazunomiya’s pregnancy proved false.
Atsuhime Travel Sketches is a series of sketches that is assigned to the last few minutes of each episode. In each sketch, A few historical sites relevant to the drama are introduced with a short video clip and brief comment.
Sketch 10: Achievements of Tokugawa Nariaki
Sketch 12: My Homeland, Sakurajima
Sketch 14: Ii Naosuke
Sketch 15: The Temple Remembered in Connection with Saigō Takamori
<Meguro, Tokyo
>
Sketch 16: Birth Place of Yoshinobu
>
Sketch 40: Hamaguri rebellion
NHK
NHK is Japan's national public broadcasting organization. NHK, which has always identified itself to its audiences by the English pronunciation of its initials, is a publicly owned corporation funded by viewers' payments of a television license fee....
Taiga drama
Taiga drama
is the name NHK gives to the annual, year-long historical fiction television series it broadcasts in Japan. Beginning in 1963 with the black-and-white Hana no Shōgai, starring kabuki actor Onoe Shōroku and Takarazuka star Awashima Chikage, the network has hired a producer, director, writer, music...
. It began on January 6, 2008 and aired throughout, completing its run with 50 episodes. The story chronicles the life of Tenshōin
Tenshōin
, also known as , was the wife of , the 13th Shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan.Her father belonged to the family of the Shimazu clan in Satsuma....
, based on Tomiko Miyao's 1984 novel .
Background
Based on Tomiko Miyao's novel Tenshō-in Atsuhime. The protagonist is Tenshō-in (Princess Atsu), the wife of Tokugawa IesadaTokugawa Iesada
Tokugawa Iesada Tokugawa Iesada Tokugawa Iesada (徳川 家定 (May 6, 1824 – August 14, 1858) was the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan who held office for only 5 years, from 1853 to 1858. He was physically weak and therefore unfit to be shogun in this period of great challenges...
, the thirteenth shōgun
Shogun
A was one of the hereditary military dictators of Japan from 1192 to 1867. In this period, the shoguns, or their shikken regents , were the de facto rulers of Japan though they were nominally appointed by the emperor...
of the Edo shogunate
Tokugawa shogunate
The Tokugawa shogunate, also known as the and the , was a feudal regime of Japan established by Tokugawa Ieyasu and ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family. This period is known as the Edo period and gets its name from the capital city, Edo, which is now called Tokyo, after the name was...
. It is the seventh Taiga drama to feature a female lead in just two years since the previous 2006 Kōmyō ga Tsuji.
Following the 2005 Yoshitsune, this is Miyao's second work to be turned into a Taiga drama. Following the 2004 Shinsengumi!
Shinsengumi!
is a Taiga drama television series produced by Japanese broadcaster NHK. It was a popular drama about shinsengumi, the Japanese special police from the Shogun period....
, it is also the second Taiga drama taking place at the end of the Edo shogunate
Late Tokugawa shogunate
, literally "end of the curtain", are the final years of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end. It is characterized by major events occurring between 1853 and 1867 during which Japan ended its isolationist foreign policy known as sakoku and transitioned from a feudal shogunate...
.
The character of Tenshō-in was previously taken up in the 2003 Fuji Television
Fuji Television
is a Japanese television station based in Daiba, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, also known as or CX, based on the station's callsign "JOCX-DTV". It is the flagship station of the Fuji News Network and the ....
series Ōoku (starring Kanno Miho).
The lead role is performed by Aoi Miyazaki
Aoi Miyazaki
is a Japanese actress. She is best known for her pure image and roles such as in Nana and Virgin Snow. Her brother Masaru Miyazaki is an actor, and they starred together in the film Hatsukoi. She married Sosuke Takaoka on June 15, 2007, her partner since she was fifteen.-Career:Miyazaki started...
, for which it is her first Taiga drama lead. She is also the youngest to play the lead role. In May, 2008 she won a Galaxy Award
Galaxy Award
is a Japanese production award for television, radio and commercials.- Television :*2006 NHK Special working poor *2005 Tiger & Dragon *2004 Waratte Koraete! Bunkasai Special All-Japan Band Competition...
for her work in this role.
The first half of the story predominantly takes place in Kagoshima prefecture
Kagoshima Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu. The capital is the city of Kagoshima.- Geography :Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southwest tip of Kyushu and includes a chain of islands stretching further to the southwest for a few hundred kilometers...
, and as such many of the actors and music coordinators are from Kagoshima.
Staff
- Original: Tomiko Miyao (Tenshō-in Atsuhime, Kōdansha, 1984)
- The author of the original story, Tomiko Miyao, was born in KōchiKochi, Kochiis the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture on Shikoku island of Japan.Kōchi is the main city of the prefecture with over 40% of its population. As of May 31, 2008, the city had an estimated population of 340,515 and a density of...
. She received the in 1962 with her work “Ren”. In 1973, she received the Dazai Osamu Award with “Kai”. In 1979, her work “Ichigen no koto” won the renowned Naoki PrizeNaoki PrizeThe Naoki Prize is a Japanese literary award presented semiannually. The official name is Naoki Sanjugo Prize. It was created in 1935 by Kikuchi Kan, then editor of the Bungeishunjū magazine, and named in memory of novelist Naoki Sanjugo...
. The novel “Tenshōin Atsuhime” depicts the life of Atsuhime, who had been lost in the flow of history, and was discovered through Miyao's own research. The work “Tenshōin Atsuhime” is considered to be monumental among her works. This is the second time for NHK to create a Taiga Drama series after Yoshitsune in 2005.- Script: Kumiko Tabuchi
- Kumiko Tabuchi was born in Shimane PrefectureShimane Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūgoku region on Honshū island. The capital is Matsue. It is the second least populous prefecture in Japan, after its eastern neighbor Tottori. The prefecture has an area elongated from east to west facing the Chūgoku Mountain Range on the south side and to...
. She has produced scripts for “SakuraSakuraA cherry blossom is the flower of any of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese Cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is sometimes called sakura after the Japanese . Many of the varieties that have been cultivated for ornamental use do not produce fruit...
,” “Tsuma no Sotsugyōshiki,” and “Diamond no Koi,” among others. She is known for vividly illustrating women who positively face their lives. She offers scripts in a wide range of areas such as movies, musicals, rakugoRakugois a Japanese verbal entertainment. The lone sits on the stage, called the . Using only a paper fan and a small cloth as props, and without standing up from the seiza sitting position, the rakugo artist depicts a long and complicated comical story...
, play, and kyōgenKyogenis a form of traditional Japanese comic theater. It developed alongside Noh, was performed along with Noh as an intermission of sorts between Noh acts, on the same Noh stage, and retains close links to Noh in the modern day; therefore, it is sometimes designated Noh-kyōgen...
. This is her first script for Taiga dramaTaiga dramais the name NHK gives to the annual, year-long historical fiction television series it broadcasts in Japan. Beginning in 1963 with the black-and-white Hana no Shōgai, starring kabuki actor Onoe Shōroku and Takarazuka star Awashima Chikage, the network has hired a producer, director, writer, music...
.- Music: Ryō Yoshimata
- In the process of creating the music for this drama, Yoshimata went back after 30 years to his hometown KagoshimaKagoshima, Kagoshimais the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the Kyūshū island of Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture by some margin...
and stayed there for three weeks. While meeting his old friends and watching SakurajimaSakurajima, also romanized as Sakurashima or Sakura-jima, is an active composite volcano and a former island of the same name in Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyūshū, Japan...
, he was touched by the warmness, toughness, and generosity of the homeland. His deep feelings for his homeland became the basis of the 47 songs created for this drama.- Titling: Kinko Kikuchi
- Historical research: Manabu Ōishi
- Narrator: Tomoko NaraokaTomoko Naraokais a Japanese actress and narrator. The daughter of a painter, she was born in Komagome, Hongō , in what was then the city of Tokyo, Japan. She graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design....
- Production coordinator: Motohiko Sano
- Casting: Mineyo Satō
Cast
- Okatsu → Atsuhime → TenshōinTenshōin, also known as , was the wife of , the 13th Shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan.Her father belonged to the family of the Shimazu clan in Satsuma....
: Honoka Nagai → Chinami Iwamoto → Aoi MiyazakiAoi Miyazakiis a Japanese actress. She is best known for her pure image and roles such as in Nana and Virgin Snow. Her brother Masaru Miyazaki is an actor, and they starred together in the film Hatsukoi. She married Sosuke Takaoka on June 15, 2007, her partner since she was fifteen.-Career:Miyazaki started...
Shimazu Clan
- Hideki TakahashiHideki Takahashiis a Japanese actor. Born in Kisarazu, Chiba near Tokyo, he attended Ichikawa Gakuen and later Nihon University.- Filmography :He made his debut with Nikkatsu and acted in youth-oriented films. After becoming a star in television jidaigeki, he turned out hit after hit...
as Shimazu NariakiraShimazu Nariakirawas a Japanese feudal lord of the Edo period, the 28th in the line of Shimazu clan lords of Satsuma Domain. He was renowned as an intelligent and wise lord, and was greatly interested in Western learning and technology... - Yūichirō Yamaguchi as Shimazu Tadayuki/ Shimazu HisamitsuShimazu HisamitsuPrince , also known as ', was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period. The younger brother of Shimazu Nariakira, Hisamitsu served as regent for his underage son Tadayoshi , who became the 12th and last lord. Hisamitsu was instrumental in the efforts of the southern Satsuma, Chōshū, and Tosa clans...
- Hiroyuki Nagato as Shimazu NariokiShimazu Nariokiwas a Japanese feudal lord of the Edo period, the 27th in the line of Shimazu clan lords of Satsuma Domain 1809-1851. He was the father of Shimazu Nariakira and Shimazu Hisamitsu....
- Mayo SuzukazeMayo Suzukazeis a Japanese film and television actress from Ishinomaki. Suzukaze has also done some voice work as a voice actress, namely as the voice of Himura Kenshin in Rurouni Kenshin. She was previously a Takarazuka Revue stage actress and the Top Star of Moon Troupe...
as Oyura (Narioki's concubine, mother of Hisamitsu)
Imaizumi Shimazu Family
- Kyōzō NagatsukaKyōzō Nagatsukais a Japanese actor. He won the award for best actor at the 24th Yokohama Film Festival for The Laughing Frog.-Filmography:* The Laughing Frog * Atsuhime -References:...
as Shimazu Tadatake - Kanako Higuchi as Oyuki
- Yoshinori OkadaYoshinori Okadais a Japanese actor. He has starred several TV series such as Atsuhime and Nobuta. O Produce as well as movies such as Densha otoko . He is a high school graduate and does not have a college degree...
as Shimazu Tadayuki - Sumie Sasaki as Kikumoto
- Yasukiyo Umeno as Kurikawa Mochitune
- Yūsuke Shōji as Takuma Harumichi
Shogun’s Clan
- Masato Sakai as Tokugawa Iesachi/ Tokugawa IesadaTokugawa IesadaTokugawa Iesada Tokugawa Iesada Tokugawa Iesada (徳川 家定 (May 6, 1824 – August 14, 1858) was the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan who held office for only 5 years, from 1853 to 1858. He was physically weak and therefore unfit to be shogun in this period of great challenges...
- Shōta MatsudaShota Matsudais a Japanese actor. His parents are the actors Yusaku Matsuda and Miyuki Matsuda, his older brother is the actor Ryuhei Matsuda, and his aunt is the actress Mami Kumagai. Matsuda is 181 cm tall. His father, Yusaku Matsuda was half-Korean, thus Shota and Ryuhei are a quarter Korean.Matsuda has...
as Tokugawa Yoshitomi/ Tokugawa IemochiTokugawa Iemochiwas the 14th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, who held office 1858 to 1866. During his reign there was much internal turmoil as a result of Japan's first major contact with the United States, which occurred under Commodore Perry in 1853 and 1854, and of the subsequent "re-opening" of... - Takehiro Hira as Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu/ Tokugawa YoshinobuTokugawa Yoshinobuwas the 15th and last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. He was part of a movement which aimed to reform the aging shogunate, but was ultimately unsuccessful...
- Shigeru Saiki as Tokugawa IeyoshiTokugawa IeyoshiTokugawa Ieyoshi was the 12th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan.He was the second son of the 11th shogun, Tokugawa Ienari, and appointed Mizuno Tadakuni to conduct the Tenpo reform....
- Reo Yoshitake as Tayasu Kamenosuke/ Tokugawa IesatoTokugawa IesatoPrince was the first head of the Tokugawa clan after the overthrow of the Tokugawa bakufu, and a figure in Japanese politics during the Meiji, Taishō and early Shōwa period Japan.-Early life:...
Elite Members of Shimazu Clan
- EitaEitais a Japanese actor from Tokyo, Japan. His birth name is . He has appeared in many Japanese television dramas and movies; most notable is the TV series Water Boys...
as Kimotsuki Naogorō / Komatsu Tatewaki - Mikijirō Hira as Zusho Hirosato
- Ikki SawamuraIkki Sawamurais a Japanese model, film and television actor, and television presenter signed to Ken-On.-Biography:Ikki Sawamura was born in Kagoshima in 1967. After graduating from the local high school, he moved to Tokyo and started his career as a fashion model. In 1996, Sawamura debut in a TV drama Matsuda...
as Komatsu Kiyomichi - Rie TomosakaRie Tomosakais a Japanese actress and pop star from Mitaka-shi, Tokyo, born on October 12, 1979 in Nagano-shi, Nagano.She works for Itoh Company. From 1996 to 1997, she has also released music under the name .-Profile :She is 168 cm in height....
as Ochika
Low Members of Shimazu Clan
- Yukiyoshi Ozawa as Saigō Kichinosuke / Saigō TakamoriSaigo Takamoriwas one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. He has been dubbed the last true samurai.-Early life:...
- Taizo Harada as Ōkubo Shōsuke / Ōkubo ToshimichiOkubo Toshimichi, was a Japanese statesman, a samurai of Satsuma, and one of the three great nobles who led the Meiji Restoration. He is regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan.-Early life:...
Ōoku 大奥
- Keiko MatsuzakaKeiko Matsuzakais an actress.Born in Ōta, Tokyo, her father was a naturalized South Korean while her mother was Japanese. Active as a child actress in the 1960s, she came into her own as an adult with Daiei, then in 1972 with Shochiku....
as Ikushima 幾島 - Izumi InamoriIzumi Inamoriis a Japanese actress signed to Burning Production.-Biography:Izumi Inamori was born and grew up in the city of Kagoshima. After graduating from the local high school, Inamori went to University of Texas at Arlington to study English abroad...
as Takiyama 滝山 - Atsuko TakahataAtsuko Takahatais a Japanese voice actress.-Live-action:* Space Witch Gilza in Juspion* Maribaron in Kamen Rider Black RX* Calra/Miyuki Fukano in Tokkei Winspector * Hidemi Takeuchi in Tokusou Exceedraft...
as Honjuin - Maki HorikitaMaki Horikitais a Japanese actress and endorser. She debuted in 2003 as a U-15 idol and has since starred in Japanese television dramas, television and magazine advertisements, and movies.- Childhood:...
as Princess Kazu 和宮
Shogun's Advisors
- Masao Kusakari as Abe MasahiroAbe Masahirowas the chief senior councillor in the Japanese government at the time of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry. Against the shogun's wishes, and the wishes of many other government officials, he worked to open Japan to the West, signing the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, and other unequal...
- Takurō Tatsumi as Hotta MasayoshiHotta Masayoshiwas a Japanese daimyo in the Edo period; and he was a prominent figure in the Tokugawa shogunate.-Rōjū:the Shogun's advisor from 1837 to 1843, and again from 1855 to 1858...
- Baijaku Nakamura as Ii NaosukeIi Naosukewas daimyo of Hikone and also Tairō of Tokugawa Shogunate, Japan, a position he held from April 23, 1858 until his death on March 24, 1860. He is most famous for signing the Harris Treaty with the United States, granting access to ports for trade to American merchants and seamen and...
- Akira Shirai as Andō NobumasaAndo Nobumasawas a Japanese daimyo of the late Edo period, who ruled the Iwakidaira Domain. He was a rōjū in the Tokugawa shogunate, and was active in the wake of Ii Naosuke's assassination...
- Kazuyuki Matsuzawa as Matsudaira Tadakata
- Seishirō Nishida as Itakura KatsukiyoItakura Katsukiyowas a Japanese daimyo of the late Edo period. Famed for his tenure as rōjū, Itakura later became a Shinto priest.-Biography:Itakura, born to the Hisamatsu-Matsudaira of the Kuwana Domain, was adopted by Itakura Katsutsune, the lord of the Matsuyama domain...
- Tōgo Shimura as Matsudaira KatamoriMatsudaira Katamoriwas a samurai who lived in the last days of the Edo period and the early to mid Meiji period. He was the 9th daimyo of the Aizu han and the Military Commissioner of Kyoto during the Bakumatsu period. During the Boshin War, Katamori and the Aizu han fought against the Meiji Government armies, but...
Others
- Hiroshi Tamaki as Sakamoto RyōmaSakamoto Ryomawas a leader of the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate during the Bakumatsu period in Japan. Ryōma used the alias .- Early life :Ryōma was born in Kōchi, of Tosa han . By the Japanese calendar, this was the sixth year of Tenpō...
- Jumpei Suzuki as Katsura KogorōKido Takayoshi, also referred as Kido Kōin was a Japanese statesman during the Late Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji Restoration. He used the alias when he worked against the Shogun.-Early life:...
- Natsuki Harada as Okoto
Imperial Family
- Hideki Tōgi as Emperor KōmeiEmperor Komeiwas the 121st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōmei's reign spanned the years from 1846 through 1867.-Genealogy:Before Kōmei's accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was ;, his title was ....
- Terunosuke Takezai as Prince Arisugawa TaruhitoPrince Arisugawa Taruhitobecame the 9th head of line of shinnōke cadet branches of the Imperial Family of Japan on September 9, 1871. He was a career officer in the Imperial Japanese Army.-Early life:...
- Maki HorikitaMaki Horikitais a Japanese actress and endorser. She debuted in 2003 as a U-15 idol and has since starred in Japanese television dramas, television and magazine advertisements, and movies.- Childhood:...
as Kazunomiya Chikako - Mayumi WakamuraMayumi WakamuraMayumi Wakamura is a Japanese actress. She decide to be an actress at age sixteen when she saw a stage show which was made by a famous professional actor's stage production. Later she joined his stage production to be an actress...
as Kangyōin
Plot
The episodes largely fall into two parts. The first half of the series revolves around Atsuhime's life in Satsuma. The latter half mainly proceeds with the politics around the Tokugawa Shogunate after she moved to Edo to marry Tokugawa IesadaTokugawa Iesada
Tokugawa Iesada Tokugawa Iesada Tokugawa Iesada (徳川 家定 (May 6, 1824 – August 14, 1858) was the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan who held office for only 5 years, from 1853 to 1858. He was physically weak and therefore unfit to be shogun in this period of great challenges...
.
Episode 1: Child of Destiny (1/6/2008)
The episode starts off in Satsuma in 1835, 20 years prior to the arrival of the Black ShipsBlack Ships
The Black Ships was the name given to Western vessels arriving in Japan in the 16th and 19th centuries.In 1543 Portuguese initiated the first contacts, establishing a trade route linking Goa to Nagasaki...
led by Matthew C. Perry. People in Satsuma are excited by the arrival of the heir to the domain, Shimazu Nariakira
Shimazu Nariakira
was a Japanese feudal lord of the Edo period, the 28th in the line of Shimazu clan lords of Satsuma Domain. He was renowned as an intelligent and wise lord, and was greatly interested in Western learning and technology...
, from Edo. Meanwhile, a long-awaited daughter is born in one of the cadet families of Shimazu clan, the Imaizumi Shimazu family. The father of the girl, Shimazu Tadatake, and the mother, Oyuki, name her “Katsu,” wishing the child’s happiness. Okatsu grew up as a tomboy, much stronger than her brothers, yet is warm-hearted and full of curiosity.
Before long, the Satsuma domain picks up its efforts at strict financial reform under the guidance of Karō
KARO
KARO is a radio station licensed to serve Nyssa, Oregon, USA. The station is owned by the Educational Media Foundation.It broadcasts a Contemporary Christian music format as part of the Air 1 network.-History:...
Zusho Hirosato
Zusho Hirosato
was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period, who served as karō of the Satsuma Domain. Also known as .-Biography:Zusho was born in the Kagoshima castle town in 1776, the son of Satsuma samurai Kawasaki Motoaki. At age 12 he was adopted by Zusho Kiyonobu; at 22, he was sent to Edo as a tea...
. Saigo Kichinosuke (Saigo Takamori
Saigo Takamori
was one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. He has been dubbed the last true samurai.-Early life:...
), witnessing the farmers’ harsh life, appeals to Tadatake. Hirosato receives this news and punishes Tadatake for allowing farmers to express their dissent, for it suggests lenient treatment of farmers on Tadatake’s part. Okatsu, unable to comprehend Hirosato’s action of punishing those who support farmers, recklessly decides to charge over to Hirosato’s house with her close friend Kimotsuke Naogorō (Komatsu Tatewaki) to demand a reason.
Episode 2: Vow at SakurajimaSakurajima, also romanized as Sakurashima or Sakura-jima, is an active composite volcano and a former island of the same name in Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyūshū, Japan...
(1/13/2008)
By restraining himself and devoting his effort to the domain’s financial reform, Tadatake manages to avoid punishment. With KarōKARO
KARO is a radio station licensed to serve Nyssa, Oregon, USA. The station is owned by the Educational Media Foundation.It broadcasts a Contemporary Christian music format as part of the Air 1 network.-History:...
Zusho Hirosato’s reform steadily gaining results, the domain’s debt, which at one point reached 5 million Ryō (Japanese coin), is cleared. Meanwhile, the lives of farmers and samurai
Samurai
is the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning to wait upon or accompany a person in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau...
become extremely difficult, and their plight fuels animosity among young samurai like Saigō Kichnosuke and Ōkubo Shōsuke (Ōkubo Toshimichi
Okubo Toshimichi
, was a Japanese statesman, a samurai of Satsuma, and one of the three great nobles who led the Meiji Restoration. He is regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan.-Early life:...
) toward Daimyō Shimazu Narioki
Shimazu Narioki
was a Japanese feudal lord of the Edo period, the 27th in the line of Shimazu clan lords of Satsuma Domain 1809-1851. He was the father of Shimazu Nariakira and Shimazu Hisamitsu....
, who employed Zusho and his concubine, Oyura. Amid hostilities, Shimazu Nariakira
Shimazu Nariakira
was a Japanese feudal lord of the Edo period, the 28th in the line of Shimazu clan lords of Satsuma Domain. He was renowned as an intelligent and wise lord, and was greatly interested in Western learning and technology...
’s children have died one after another. What is more, a doll, supposedly used for a curse, is found under the room of these children. The hatred toward Oyura and Zusho peaks within the domain. With this as a backdrop, Okatsu is invited by Zusho to his house. She visits him with Kimotsuki Naogorō. In his house, Zusho tells Okatsu that he wants to share ideas with her before he goes off to Edo. Subsequently, Zusho goes to Edo but is suspected by Rōjū
Roju
The ', usually translated as Elder, was one of the highest-ranking government posts in Tokugawa Japan. The term refers either to individual Elders, or to the Council as a whole; under the first two shoguns, there were only two Rōjū...
Abe Masahiro
Abe Masahiro
was the chief senior councillor in the Japanese government at the time of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry. Against the shogun's wishes, and the wishes of many other government officials, he worked to open Japan to the West, signing the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, and other unequal...
of illegal trade. To protect Satsuma from repercussions, he kills himself by taking poison.
Episode 3: Satsuma Divide (1/20/2008)
In Satsuma, Oyura—Narioki’s concubine—is trying to make her son heir to the clan and antagonizing the group that stood by Nariakira. Okatsu is curious about the domain’s politics, but Tadatake chides her that politics is not something children should be involved in. In connection with the family quarrel, Ōkubo Tadasuke (Toshimichi) is punished by the domain. Okatsu, who heard the news from Naogorō, worries about Tadasuke’s family and starts to bring in food to the family from her home. Tadasuke is deeply moved by the kindness of Okatsu, Naogorō, and Saigō. Having seen Tadasuke’s sisters busy with their side jobs, Okatsu tries to give her expensive comb and hair ornament to Tadasuke’s mother, Fuku. Fuku, however, flatly refuses to accept them. To Okatsu, who is worried if her kindness hurt Fuku, Oyuki explains about the pride of women in Satsuma. Meanwhile, Nariakira, who succeeded as the head of the clan with the help of rōjūRoju
The ', usually translated as Elder, was one of the highest-ranking government posts in Tokugawa Japan. The term refers either to individual Elders, or to the Council as a whole; under the first two shoguns, there were only two Rōjū...
Abe, enters Satsuma with huge ambitions.
Episode 4: A Wise Lord Angered (1/27/2008)
In the wake of the family quarrel, the new clan head Nariakira arrives at Satsuma from Edo and takes the lead in the reform of rice prices. The group who sided with Tadayuki (Shimazu HisamitsuShimazu Hisamitsu
Prince , also known as ', was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period. The younger brother of Shimazu Nariakira, Hisamitsu served as regent for his underage son Tadayoshi , who became the 12th and last lord. Hisamitsu was instrumental in the efforts of the southern Satsuma, Chōshū, and Tosa clans...
) fears how Nariakira is going to punish its members, but he does not punish anybody. Saigō and other young samurai become frustrated because Ōkubo, who should have been pardoned right away, has not received clemency. Okatsu and Naogorō go over to Komatsu Kiyomichi and Ochika’s place and ask about Nariakira’s true intention. Kiyomichi, however, says that faith in Nariakira is the only way of loyalty, but this does not convince Okatsu. Meanwhile, Nariakira invites the Imaizumi family to the castle to meet members of branch families. Tadatake subjects Okatsu to practice in a lady-like manner to avoid embarrassment in the meeting. On the day of Okatsu's visit, Okatsu intensely presses Nariakira on why Ōkubo has not been pardoned. Nariakira, who has a different purpose for the meeting, is amused by Okatsu’s honest yet serious attitude and comes to have an interest in her.
Episode 5: The Best Man in Japan (2/3/2008)
Japanese history books have been sent to Okatsu’s place from Nariakira. Kikumoto tells Okatsu, who were overjoyed and busily reading the books, that the happiness of women lies in marriage. Meanwhile, Shimazu Tadayuki comes with news to Tadatake that his son fell in love at first sight with Okatsu and that he wants to marry her. Fearing the risk that Nariakira might misunderstand the connection between his family and Tadayuki's family, Tadatake, however, could not view the marriage proposal in a positive light.Naogorō, who heard the story from Tadayuki, is gravely shaken. He asks Okatsu her thoughts on marriage, but she only tells him that she wishes to marry the best man in Japan. In the meantime, John Manjirō, who has just returned from the US, is invited to Satsuma. Naogorō meets him and is inspired by his story that marriage in the US is based on the agreement between the individuals, unlike in Japan, where it is decided by the two families. This gives him courage to openly tell Tadatake about his feelings for Okatsu. But the next day finds Tadatake called up to the castle. Against his fear that the proposal news might have reached Nariakira, he is informed of Nariakira's plan for adopting Okatsu.
Episode 6: Women’s Path (2/10/2008)
Nariakira’s plan to adopt Okatsu has stirred Tadatake. Kikumoto, who had raised her since she was little, is overjoyed by this honor. Taken by surprised, Okatsu, however, is hesitant, not knowing what to do. It is only certain that she could not turn down the offer. Naogorō, who has learned the news, grows desperate, for it would be impossible to marry Okatsu once she is adopted. Emotionally charged, he starts to cry at Saigō’s home, but Saigō’s compassion cheers him up.In the overjoyed Imaizumi family, Oyuki detects strangeness in Kikumoto’s behavior. Okatsu, in the meantime, implores Tadatake for permission to have an audience with Nariakira to plead for explanations. On the morning of Okatsu’s visit to the castle, Kikumoto presses on Okatsu saying “A woman’s life is like walking on a long one-way path. It is a dishonor to turn back the path."
In response to Okatsu’s straightforward question, Nariakira explains that he wants to adopt her because she reminds him of his mother. Having learned his brimming affection for her, Okatsu finally comes to a decision to become his daughter. When she returns home, however, there is news waiting that Kikumoto has killed herself.”
Episode 7: The Father's Tears (2/17/2008)
Okatsu is gravely shaken from Kikumoto’s taking her own life. What is more, she starts to hold ill feelings for her father, for he got rid of Kikumoto’s body as if treating criminals. That night, Okatsu learns from Oyuki that Kikumoto left a will. In it, she wrote that her choice to kill herself was motivated by her wish to erase the blemish that someone of a low status like herself raised Okatsu, who is now facing a bright future. Okatsu realized Kikumoto’s considerations and expectations for her future and learned the true meaning of becoming NariakiraShimazu Nariakira
was a Japanese feudal lord of the Edo period, the 28th in the line of Shimazu clan lords of Satsuma Domain. He was renowned as an intelligent and wise lord, and was greatly interested in Western learning and technology...
’s daughter.
Meanwhile, news from Nagasaki Dejima
Dejima
was a small fan-shaped artificial island built in the bay of Nagasaki in 1634. This island, which was formed by digging a canal through a small peninsula, remained as the single place of direct trade and exchange between Japan and the outside world during the Edo period. Dejima was built to...
comes in to Edo
Edo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
that an American naval fleet demanding trade with Japan is approaching. Leaders in the Tokugawa shogunate
Tokugawa shogunate
The Tokugawa shogunate, also known as the and the , was a feudal regime of Japan established by Tokugawa Ieyasu and ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family. This period is known as the Edo period and gets its name from the capital city, Edo, which is now called Tokyo, after the name was...
face difficulty in how it should be dealt. Nariaki
Tokugawa Nariaki
Tokugawa Nariaki was a prominent Japanese daimyo who ruled the Mito domain and contributed to the rise of nationalism and the Meiji restoration.- Clan leader :...
supports the sweeping expulsion of foreigners from Japan
Sonno joi
is a Japanese political philosophy and a social movement derived from Neo-Confucianism; it became a political slogan in the 1850s and 1860s in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa bakufu, during the Bakumatsu period.-Origin:...
and does not yield. Facing this, Nariakira
Shimazu Nariakira
was a Japanese feudal lord of the Edo period, the 28th in the line of Shimazu clan lords of Satsuma Domain. He was renowned as an intelligent and wise lord, and was greatly interested in Western learning and technology...
comes to a realization the urgency of adopting Okatsu to implement his political scheme in this political turmoil.
While the day Okatsu moves to Tsurumaru Castle
Kagoshima Castle
is a Japanese castle in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The other name of this castle is Tsurumarujo.-History:This castle was constructed by Shimazu Iehisa in 1601. In 1600 Shimazu Yoshihiro, the father of Iehisa, was defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara as a daimyo of the western...
closes in, Tadatake all of a sudden started to devote himself to constructing batteries for guarding the coastlines, behaving as if he has no interest in the adoption affair. Finally, the day for Okatsu to leave for the castle arrives.
Episode 8: How to be a Princess (2/24/2008)
Okatsu moves into Tsurumaru CastleKagoshima Castle
is a Japanese castle in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The other name of this castle is Tsurumarujo.-History:This castle was constructed by Shimazu Iehisa in 1601. In 1600 Shimazu Yoshihiro, the father of Iehisa, was defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara as a daimyo of the western...
, but has a hard time fitting into its restrictive customs. She is belittled by Hirokawa and other women serving under her as a girl from a branch family and starts to take a negligent attitude.
Okubo Shōsuke
Okubo Toshimichi
, was a Japanese statesman, a samurai of Satsuma, and one of the three great nobles who led the Meiji Restoration. He is regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan.-Early life:...
is released from the house arrest of three years, and this makes Naogorō and Saigō feel relieved. Okatsu wants to share the joy but feels lonely when she finds herself at a high, distant social rank which prohibits them to even exchange words with her.
Episode 36: Satsuma or Tokugawa (9/7/2008)
While the Edo group and the Kyōto group inside the ŌokuOoku
The refers to the harem of Edo Castle, the section where the women connected to the reigning Shōgun resided. Similar areas in the castles of powerful Daimyō were also referred to by this term.This included the shōgun's mother, wife, and concubines...
continue to antagonize to each other, little by little Kazunomiya and Iemochi became closer. Tensho-in was finally feeling relieved.
Then, commanding a force of a few thousand soldiers, Hisamitsu left for Kyōto with the intention of receiving the Emperor’s approval for reforming the Tokugawa Shōgunate.
Meanwhile, suspicion that Tenshō-in might be involved in the plot mounted in Edo.
The message that the Satsuma force headed to Edo reached Ōoku, and distrust directed to Tenshō-in further deepened. Amid this, even Iemochi, who had been on Tenshō-in’s side, came to suspect her. Crushed from everyone’s distrust, Tenshō-in started to burn her personal items that she brought with her from Satsuma. Seeing this, Iemochi realized how much she is hurt by his distrust and apologized to her that he would not doubt her from now on.
Episode 37: Parting of Friendship (9/14/2008)
The Satsuma force led by Hisamitsu entered Edo accompanying an Imperial envoy. His aim was to reform the Tokugawa Shogunate. Meanwhile, Tenshō-in was anxious if Tatewaki also came to Edo accompanying Hisamitsu. Against Hisamitsu's wish, the negotiation between the envoy and RōjūRoju
The ', usually translated as Elder, was one of the highest-ranking government posts in Tokugawa Japan. The term refers either to individual Elders, or to the Council as a whole; under the first two shoguns, there were only two Rōjū...
came to a dead end. Hisamitsu became extremely impatient and ordered Ōkubo to threaten the Rōjū side by force. While Tatewaki felt awkward toward such a forceful approach taken by his comrades, Satsuma succeeded in pressing on the reform plan. Tenshō-in, who was upset at Satsuma's cowardly move, sought an audience with Hisamitsu to ascertain his true intentions. With her unsuccessful meeting with Hisamitsu, she failed to exchange words with Tatewaki, who was in the company of Hisamitsu. Regretting this sour reunion with Tatewaki, Tenshō-in asked Iemochi to invite Tatewaki to Ōoku
Ooku
The refers to the harem of Edo Castle, the section where the women connected to the reigning Shōgun resided. Similar areas in the castles of powerful Daimyō were also referred to by this term.This included the shōgun's mother, wife, and concubines...
. Playing igo like when they were still in Satsuma, Tenshō-in and Tatewaki engaged in friendly conversation and promised to each other that each would try their best to defend their own people: the Tokugawa clan for Tenshō-in and the people of Satsuma for Tatewaki.
Episode 38: Heart of the Mother-In-Law, Heart of the Wife (9/21/2008)
A letter from Tatewaki recounting what really took place in Namamugi IncidentNamamugi Incident
The was a samurai assault on foreign nationals in Japan on September 14, 1862, which resulted in the August 1863 bombardment of Kagoshima, during the Late Tokugawa shogunate...
reached Tenshō-in. Having learned the truth, she maintained that the Shogunate, together with Satsuma, needed to apologize to Britain. Meanwhile, in Kyoto, the Chōshū group came to dominate the political scene, defeating the Satsuma group and its leaders Shimazu Hisamitsu
Shimazu Hisamitsu
Prince , also known as ', was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period. The younger brother of Shimazu Nariakira, Hisamitsu served as regent for his underage son Tadayoshi , who became the 12th and last lord. Hisamitsu was instrumental in the efforts of the southern Satsuma, Chōshū, and Tosa clans...
and Iwakura Tomomi
Iwakura Tomomi
was a Japanese statesman in the Meiji period. The former 500 Yen banknote issued by the Bank of Japan carried his portrait.-Early life:Iwakura was born in Kyoto as the second son of a low-ranking courtier and nobleman . In 1836 he was adopted by another nobleman, , from whom he received his family...
.
Amid this confusion, an Imperial Envoy came from Kyoto to Edo, demanding Iemochi to visit the capital and to implement a policy that would exclude foreigners. Upon discussing the matter with Tenshō-in, he made up his mind to tell the emperor in person that the implementation of such a policy would be unattainable. Princess Kazu, however, strongly opposed Iemochi’s decision.
Sakamoto Ryōma
Sakamoto Ryoma
was a leader of the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate during the Bakumatsu period in Japan. Ryōma used the alias .- Early life :Ryōma was born in Kōchi, of Tosa han . By the Japanese calendar, this was the sixth year of Tenpō...
visited Katsu Rintarō. Although he initially intended to kill Lintarō, after discussion, he changed his mind and asked Lintarō to become his mentor. In the meantime in Satsuma, Tatewaki got promoted to the position of Karō
KARO
KARO is a radio station licensed to serve Nyssa, Oregon, USA. The station is owned by the Educational Media Foundation.It broadcasts a Contemporary Christian music format as part of the Air 1 network.-History:...
.
In Edo castle
Edo Castle
, also known as , is a flatland castle that was built in 1457 by Ōta Dōkan. It is located in Chiyoda in Tokyo, then known as Edo, Toshima District, Musashi Province. Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate here. It was the residence of the shogun and location of the shogunate, and also...
, where Iemochi’s departure was looming close, Tenshō-in and Lintaro argued with each other whether Iemochi should take a land route or a sea route. Meanwhile, Kazunomiya, who learned that Tenshō-in pushed Iemochi to visit the capital, came to harbor strong hostility toward Tenshō-in.
Episode 39: Buring Satsuma (9/28/2008)
The news that Shōgun Iemochi arrived at Kyoto came to Ōoku and lightened her mind. Kazunomiya, on the other hand, worried about Iemochi and became more restless. Her fear became true when radicals led by a Chōshū Domain group supporting the expulsion of foreigners dominated the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Mired in the quandary, Iemochi was forced to promise to the court the enforcement of expelling foreigners.Tenshōin, who blamed herself for urging Iemochi’s visit to Kyoto, asked Kazunomiya to convince his brother, Emperor Kōmei
Emperor Komei
was the 121st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōmei's reign spanned the years from 1846 through 1867.-Genealogy:Before Kōmei's accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was ;, his title was ....
to arrange Iemochi’s return to Edo, but Kazunomiya adamantly refused it. Tenshōin sent Katsu Kaishū
Katsu Kaishu
was a Japanese statesman, naval engineer during the Late Tokugawa shogunate and early Meiji period. Kaishū was a nickname which he took from a piece of calligraphy by Sakuma Shōzan. He went through a series of given names throughout his life; his childhood name was and his real name was...
to Iemochi, who fell ill from the exhaustion from the trip to Kyōto. Through the conversation with Katsu, Iemochi regained his spirits and learned his board perspective on the matter.
In the meantime, Chōshū Domain carried out the expulsion of foreigners, and word reached Satsuma. Hisamitsu and Tatewaki realized that war was imminent.
In Kyōto, Iemochi was permitted to return to Edo with Kazunomiya’s plea to the emperor. Tenshōin expressed her gratitude to Kazunomiya. Then, the news came in that the British Royal Navy staying in Yokohama
Yokohama
is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second largest city in Japan by population after Tokyo and most populous municipality of Japan. It lies on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, in the Kantō region of the main island of Honshu...
headed to Satsuma. The Anglo-Satsuma War was about to start.
Episode 40: Son Taking the Field (10/05/08)
SaigoSaigo Takamori
was one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. He has been dubbed the last true samurai.-Early life:...
, who had been exiled, came back. At the gathering where Saigo and his old friends reunited, Tatewaki met a geisho, Okoto.
The Chōshū domain, which is bent on regaining its political leverage in the capital, suddenly attacked the Imperial Palace. This is known as the Hamaguri Rebellion
Hamaguri rebellion
The rebellion at the Hamaguri Gate of the Imperial Palace in Kyōto took place on August 20, 1864 and reflected the discontent of pro-imperial and anti-alien groups...
. Tatewaki, who led the Satsuma forces, joined forces with the Shōgunate, along with Yoshinobu
Tokugawa Yoshinobu
was the 15th and last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. He was part of a movement which aimed to reform the aging shogunate, but was ultimately unsuccessful...
, and defeat the enemy forces. In the meantime, in Ōoku
Ooku
The refers to the harem of Edo Castle, the section where the women connected to the reigning Shōgun resided. Similar areas in the castles of powerful Daimyō were also referred to by this term.This included the shōgun's mother, wife, and concubines...
, Takiyama advised Tenshōin to let the Shogun have a concubine who could bear his heir, for she was purely concerned with the future of the Tokugawa clan and desired to consolidate the foundations of the Shugunate’s rule. Tenshōin, however, did not want to tear up the intimate relationship between Kazunomiya and Iemochi and flatly rejected the idea.
The Naval School established by Katsu Kaishū
Katsu Kaishu
was a Japanese statesman, naval engineer during the Late Tokugawa shogunate and early Meiji period. Kaishū was a nickname which he took from a piece of calligraphy by Sakuma Shōzan. He went through a series of given names throughout his life; his childhood name was and his real name was...
was about to be shut down by the shōgunate, suffering the repercussions of the Hamaguri Rebellion
Hamaguri rebellion
The rebellion at the Hamaguri Gate of the Imperial Palace in Kyōto took place on August 20, 1864 and reflected the discontent of pro-imperial and anti-alien groups...
. Katsu sent his disciple Sakamoto Ryōma
Sakamoto Ryoma
was a leader of the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate during the Bakumatsu period in Japan. Ryōma used the alias .- Early life :Ryōma was born in Kōchi, of Tosa han . By the Japanese calendar, this was the sixth year of Tenpō...
to Tatewaki, who was the karo
KARO
KARO is a radio station licensed to serve Nyssa, Oregon, USA. The station is owned by the Educational Media Foundation.It broadcasts a Contemporary Christian music format as part of the Air 1 network.-History:...
of the Satsuma domain, to ask him to take care of the students.
Meanwhile, in Edo Castle
Edo Castle
, also known as , is a flatland castle that was built in 1457 by Ōta Dōkan. It is located in Chiyoda in Tokyo, then known as Edo, Toshima District, Musashi Province. Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate here. It was the residence of the shogun and location of the shogunate, and also...
, Kazunomiya showed signs of pregnancy, and the entire Ōoku
Ooku
The refers to the harem of Edo Castle, the section where the women connected to the reigning Shōgun resided. Similar areas in the castles of powerful Daimyō were also referred to by this term.This included the shōgun's mother, wife, and concubines...
was delighted with the news. Kangyōin—Kazunomiya’s mother—and Tenshōin both shared the excitement of expecting a grandchild. As it turned out, however, Kazunomiya’s pregnancy proved false.
Atsuhime Travel Sketches is a series of sketches that is assigned to the last few minutes of each episode. In each sketch, A few historical sites relevant to the drama are introduced with a short video clip and brief comment.
Sketch 1: Atsuhime’s Homeland
- The <Kagoshima CityKagoshima, Kagoshimais the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the Kyūshū island of Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture by some margin...
>
- Kagoshima City, Kagoshima PrefectureKagoshima Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu. The capital is the city of Kagoshima.- Geography :Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southwest tip of Kyushu and includes a chain of islands stretching further to the southwest for a few hundred kilometers...
, is the hometown of Atsuhime. It was a castle townCastle townA castle town is a settlement built adjacent to or surrounding a castle. Castle towns are common in Medieval Europe. Good example include small towns like Alnwick and Arundel, which are still dominated by their castles...
of the 770, 000 kokuKokuThe is a Japanese unit of volume, equal to ten cubic shaku. In this definition, 3.5937 koku equal one cubic metre, i.e. 1 koku is approximately 278.3 litres. The koku was originally defined as a quantity of rice, historically defined as enough rice to feed one person for one year...
Satsuma Domain. In 1835, Okatsu (later Atsuhime) was born in one of the ShimazuShimazu clanThe were the daimyō of the Satsuma han, which spread over Satsuma, Ōsumi and Hyūga provinces in Japan.The Shimazu were identified as one of the tozama or outsider daimyō clans in contrast with the fudai or insider clans which were hereditary vassals or allies of the Tokugawa clan,The Shimazu were...
branch families, the Imaizumi Shimazu family, as the eldest daughter. Her birthhouse was located in the area close to Kagoshima CastleKagoshima Castleis a Japanese castle in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The other name of this castle is Tsurumarujo.-History:This castle was constructed by Shimazu Iehisa in 1601. In 1600 Shimazu Yoshihiro, the father of Iehisa, was defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara as a daimyo of the western...
, where upper-class samurai lived. - Ibusuki, KagoshimaIbusuki, Kagoshimais a city in Kagoshima, Japan, that was founded on April 1, 1954.Following the incorporation of Kaimon and Yamagawa on January 1, 2006, the city has an estimated population of 45,039 and a population density of 302 persons per km²...
is located 40 km south of Kagoshima City. The northern section of the city was the Imaizumi Shimazu family’s territory. In the Imaizumi family’s residence site still remains a chōzubachiChozubachiis a vessel originally designed to keep water for rinsing one’s mouth and cleansing one’s body before worshipping gods or Buddhas. It subsequently evolved into what is called and became a fixture of the Japanese tea ceremony found within the yard surrounding the tea house....
that is known to have been used by Atsuhime. - Direction to the Imaizumi family’s residence site: JR Satsuma Imaizumi Station
Sketch 2: Naogorō’s Homeland
- Komatsu Tatewaki Statue <Kagoshima CityKagoshima, Kagoshimais the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the Kyūshū island of Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture by some margin...
>
- Kagoshima City, Kagoshima PrefectureKagoshima Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu. The capital is the city of Kagoshima.- Geography :Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southwest tip of Kyushu and includes a chain of islands stretching further to the southwest for a few hundred kilometers...
is the hometown of Kimotsuki Naogorō (later Komatsu Tatewaki). Naogorō was born in 1835, the same year as Atsuhime was born. He was the third son of Kimotsuki Kaneyoshi and grew up close to the birthhouse of Atsuhime. - At the age of 23, Naogorō was adopted by the Komatsu family and afterwards became politically influential in the tumultuous period prior to the Meiji RestorationMeiji RestorationThe , also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, Reform or Renewal, was a chain of events that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868...
as karōKAROKARO is a radio station licensed to serve Nyssa, Oregon, USA. The station is owned by the Educational Media Foundation.It broadcasts a Contemporary Christian music format as part of the Air 1 network.-History:...
of the Satsuma Domain.
Sketch 3: The Strongest Samuraihood
- Izumi, KagoshimaIzumi, Kagoshimais a city located in Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan.On March 13, 2006, the towns of Noda and Takaono from Izumi District merged into the city. As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 56,205 and a density of 170 persons per km². The total area is 330.06 km².The city was founded on April...
, is the birthplace of the Shimazu clan. The first head of the clan, Shimazu TadahisaShimazu Tadahisawas the founder of the Shimazu samurai clan.According to a record of his life, he was reportedly born in Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka. He was initially Koremune Tadayoshi but after being given the territory of Shimazu, Hyūga Province to rule from by Minamoto no Yoritomo, he took the name of...
, established the castle in the Kamakura periodKamakura periodThe is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
and built the clan’s foundation. In Kannōji Temple, the first five heads of the clan are resting peacefully. During that time, travelers and shipments passing through Izumi were strictly searched, for the location was on the border between Satsuma and Higo. On the foot of the hills still remain numerous residences of samurai.
Sketch 4: Nariakira’s Achievements
- Shimazu NariakiraShimazu Nariakirawas a Japanese feudal lord of the Edo period, the 28th in the line of Shimazu clan lords of Satsuma Domain. He was renowned as an intelligent and wise lord, and was greatly interested in Western learning and technology...
established the first modern factories at a location called Iso 5 km northeast of central Kagoshima city. With the incorporation of western technology, great efforts were made at the development of ironworks and shipbuilding, along with the foundation of the glass handcraft industry and the cotton mill industry. In Senganen, Shimzau’s villa, Nariakira succeeded in lightening a gas lamp. He was enshrined in and is still known by many.
Sketch 5: Manjirō’s Homeland
- Nakahama (Tosashimizu, KōchiTosashimizu, Kochiis a city located in Kōchi, Japan.As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 17,232 and a density of 64.7 persons per km². The total area is 266.54 km².The city was founded on August 1, 1954....
), located on the eastside of Ashizuri Peninsula, is the homeland of Nakahama ManjirōNakahama Manjiro, also known as John Manjirō , was one of the first Japanese people to visit the United States and an important translator during the Opening of Japan.-Voyage to America:...
. Manjirō, who lost his father when he was young, started working early to make ends meet. It was at the age of 14, when he was cast away during his fishing trip. He was saved by an American whaling ship and spent 10 years in the foreign land of America. The knowledge that Manjirō brought from abroad gave a significant impact on later developments in Japan.
Sketch 6: Satsuma’s
- Kajiya Town, located on Kōtsuki River in Kagoshima, produced many leaders of the new Meiji government such as Saigō TakamoriSaigo Takamoriwas one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. He has been dubbed the last true samurai.-Early life:...
and Ōkubo ToshimichiOkubo Toshimichi, was a Japanese statesman, a samurai of Satsuma, and one of the three great nobles who led the Meiji Restoration. He is regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan.-Early life:...
. The Satsuma Domain had a unique educational system named . The territory was divided roughly into 30 areas, and within each area the senior educated the junior. Saigō and Ōkubo were also educated by teachings of their seniors.
Sketch 7: The Port Town Deeply Connected to Atsuhime
- Ibusuki, KagoshimaIbusuki, Kagoshimais a city in Kagoshima, Japan, that was founded on April 1, 1954.Following the incorporation of Kaimon and Yamagawa on January 1, 2006, the city has an estimated population of 45,039 and a population density of 302 persons per km²...
is renowned for , a hot spring that requires the body to be covered with hot, steamy sand. The town has a good natural port and was busy in trade with China and Ryūkyū in the past. As a consequence, however, the town was exposed to the threat of foreign ships many times. Lord Nariakira reinforced battery fortifications around the area to strengthen its defense.
Sketch 8: The Arrival of the Black Ships
- During the Edo period, UragaUragais a subdivision of the city of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is located on the south eastern side of the Miura Peninsula, at the northern end of the Uraga Channel, at the entrance of Tokyo Bay.-History:...
was an entrance for many ships which visited the country. Back then, the port was lined with ship merchants. Many Inari shrineInari Shrineis a shinto shrine to worship the god Inari. There are many Inari shrines in Japan. The deity is worshiped also in some Buddhist temples.-Shrines and offerings:Inari is a popular deity with shrines and Buddhist temples located throughout most of Japan...
s built for business success still remain in the city. In 1853, four black ships commanded by Commodore Matthew C. Perry appeared in Uraga Bay. Seeking the opening of Japan, he lands on Kuri Beach. The arrival of the Black ShipsBlack ShipsThe Black Ships was the name given to Western vessels arriving in Japan in the 16th and 19th centuries.In 1543 Portuguese initiated the first contacts, establishing a trade route linking Goa to Nagasaki...
heralded the beginning of the turmoil leading up to the Meiji RestorationMeiji RestorationThe , also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, Reform or Renewal, was a chain of events that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868...
and also radically changed the fate of Atsuhime.
Sketch 9: The Castle where Atsuhime was Born
- Kagoshima CastleKagoshima Castleis a Japanese castle in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The other name of this castle is Tsurumarujo.-History:This castle was constructed by Shimazu Iehisa in 1601. In 1600 Shimazu Yoshihiro, the father of Iehisa, was defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara as a daimyo of the western...
is called "Crane Castle" and has been cherished by many, for it is formed in a shape that appears like a crane spreading its wings. The front side has the main gate called Gorō Gate. Passing through the gate, a modestly constructed main palace used to welcomed visitors. It's been said that one corner of the building was assigned to ŌokuOokuThe refers to the harem of Edo Castle, the section where the women connected to the reigning Shōgun resided. Similar areas in the castles of powerful Daimyō were also referred to by this term.This included the shōgun's mother, wife, and concubines...
. The stone foundations still contain traces of bullets from the Satsuma RebellionSatsuma RebellionThe was a revolt of Satsuma ex-samurai against the Meiji government from January 29 to September 24, 1877, 9 years into the Meiji Era. It was the last, and the most serious, of a series of armed uprisings against the new government.-Background:...
. In the castle that witnessed the tumultuous period of Japan, Okatsu took the name Atsuhime.
Sketch 10: Achievements of Tokugawa NariakiTokugawa NariakiTokugawa Nariaki was a prominent Japanese daimyo who ruled the Mito domain and contributed to the rise of nationalism and the Meiji restoration.- Clan leader :...
- MitoMito, Ibarakiis the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan and has a central location, moderately offset towards the coast in that prefecture. As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 263,748 and a total area is 217.45 km², giving a population density of 1,212.91 persons per km²...
flourished during the EdoEdo, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period as the castle town of the Mito Han, one of the Tokugawa GosankeGosankeThe , also called simply Gosanke or even Sanke, were three branches of the Tokugawa clan of Japan descended from clan founder Tokugawa Ieyasu's three youngest sons, Yoshinao, Yorinobu and Yorifusa and allowed to provide a shogun in case of need. The three houses were called Owari House of Tokugawa,...
. The 9th daimyoDaimyois a generic term referring to the powerful territorial lords in pre-modern Japan who ruled most of the country from their vast, hereditary land holdings...
of the domain, Tokugawa NariakiTokugawa NariakiTokugawa Nariaki was a prominent Japanese daimyo who ruled the Mito domain and contributed to the rise of nationalism and the Meiji restoration.- Clan leader :...
aggressively carried out reform. He also encouraged both literary and military arts and established the school Kōdōkan and the relaxing place for samurai Kairakuen. Even after the family headship was handed over to his son, he remained on the political scene as a leading figure of the group, which supported the expulsion of foreigners from Japan.
Sketch 11: The Town with a Flagrance of Antiquity
- Located at the southeast of Satsuma PeninsulaSatsuma Peninsulathumb|right|240px|Landsat imageThe Satsuma Peninsula is a peninsula which projects south from the southwest part of Kyūshū Island, Japan. To the west lies the East China Sea, while to the east it faces the Osumi Peninsula across Kagoshima Bay...
, in current Minamisatsuma, KagoshimaMinamisatsuma, Kagoshimais a city located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.The city was founded on November 7, 2005 from the merger of the old city of Kaseda, with the town of Kinpō, from Hioki District, and the towns of Bonotsu, Kasasa and Ōura, all from Kawanabe District, ....
, Bōnotsu Town had been known, inside and outside of the country, as a sea entrance to Japan. It is said that Ganjin, a renowned Buddhist monk, arrived here in 753f from China and passed on knowledge about incenseIncenseIncense is composed of aromatic biotic materials, which release fragrant smoke when burned. The term "incense" refers to the substance itself, rather than to the odor that it produces. It is used in religious ceremonies, ritual purification, aromatherapy, meditation, for creating a mood, and for...
. There is a historical record recounting that merchants of Bōnotsu brought in the incense called from AgarwoodAgarwoodAgarwood or oodh is a dark resinous heartwood that forms in Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees when they become infected with a type of mold...
to the Shimazu clanShimazu clanThe were the daimyō of the Satsuma han, which spread over Satsuma, Ōsumi and Hyūga provinces in Japan.The Shimazu were identified as one of the tozama or outsider daimyō clans in contrast with the fudai or insider clans which were hereditary vassals or allies of the Tokugawa clan,The Shimazu were...
. - It has been said that the activity to burn incense for entertainment caught on and expanded to the four corners of the country during the EdoEdo, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period.
Sketch 12: My Homeland, SakurajimaSakurajima, also romanized as Sakurashima or Sakura-jima, is an active composite volcano and a former island of the same name in Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyūshū, Japan...
- SakurajimaSakurajima, also romanized as Sakurashima or Sakura-jima, is an active composite volcano and a former island of the same name in Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyūshū, Japan...
is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. In particular, the eruption in 1914 caused enormous damage to the region. Due to thermal effects created in the volcanic area, public bathhouses in Kagoshima, Kagoshima use hot spring water. At the foothills of Sakurajima grow local produce such as Sakurajima DaikonDaikonDaikon , Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus, also called White Radish, Japanese radish, Oriental radish, Chinese radish, lo bok and Mooli , is a mild flavoured, very large, white East Asian radish...
and Sakurajima Small MikanMikanThe satsuma is a seedless and easy-peeling citrus mutant of Japanese origin introduced to the West.In Japan, it is known as mikan or formally unshu mikan . In China, it is known as Wenzhou migan . The Japanese name is a result of the local reading of the same characters used in the Chinese...
. The volcano that Atsuhime adored is the homeland for people of Kagoshima across time.
Sketch 13: Atsuhime’s Journey to Edo
- In the fall of 1853, Atsuhime dropped by Kyoto on the way to Edo. During her stay, she met with Konoe TadahiroKonoe TadahiroPrince , son of Motosaki, was a kugyō or Japanese court noble of the late Edo period . He held a regent position kampaku from 1862 to 1863. His consort was an adopted daughter of Shimazu Narioki, tenth head of Satsuma Domain. With her he had sons Tadafusa and Atsumaro who was later adopted by...
. Konoe, a KugeKugeThe was a Japanese aristocratic class that dominated the Japanese imperial court in Kyoto until the rise of the Shogunate in the 12th century at which point it was eclipsed by the daimyo...
, had a strong tie with Satsuma, since he married Nariakira’s elder sister as his primary wife. Tōfuku-jiTofuku-jiis a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama-ku in Kyoto, Japan. Tōfuku-ji takes its name from two temples in Nara, Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji. It is one of the so-called Kyoto Gozan or "five great Zen temples of Kyoto". Its honorary sangō prefix is .-History:...
Sokusōin, where Atsuhime visited for worshiping, was the temple where the Shimazu clanShimazu clanThe were the daimyō of the Satsuma han, which spread over Satsuma, Ōsumi and Hyūga provinces in Japan.The Shimazu were identified as one of the tozama or outsider daimyō clans in contrast with the fudai or insider clans which were hereditary vassals or allies of the Tokugawa clan,The Shimazu were...
worshiped their ancestors tracing back to the Muromachi period. After spending roughly one week, she left for Edo with full of expectations and worries.
Sketch 14: Ii NaosukeIi Naosukewas daimyo of Hikone and also Tairō of Tokugawa Shogunate, Japan, a position he held from April 23, 1858 until his death on March 24, 1860. He is most famous for signing the Harris Treaty with the United States, granting access to ports for trade to American merchants and seamen and...
’s Homeland
- Hikone, ShigaHikone, Shigais a city located in Shiga, Japan. The city was incorporated on February 11, 1937.Hikone's most famous historical site is Hikone Castle. Its construction was begun in 1603, by Ii Naokatsu, son of the former lord, Ii Naomasa, but was not completed until 1622...
- Ii Naosuke, who later played a significant role as a TairōTairoTairō was a high-ranking official position in the bakuhan taisei government of Japan. The tairō would preside over the governing Rōjū council in the event of an emergency. A tairō would be nominated from among a group of samurai families who supported Tokugawa Ieyasu...
in the late EdoEdo, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period, was born in 1815 as a son of the head of the Hikone domain. Although he was the 14th boy, coupled with his brothers’ untimely deaths, he was surprisingly chosen to head the domain at the age of 36. It was the Hikone domain that was guarding Uraga Bay when Commodore Perry came to demand Japan’s opening. Ii, who recognized the immense military power of the US, asserted the importance of opening the country. Afterwards, he antagonized with Tokugawa NariakiTokugawa NariakiTokugawa Nariaki was a prominent Japanese daimyo who ruled the Mito domain and contributed to the rise of nationalism and the Meiji restoration.- Clan leader :...
over foreign policy.
Sketch 15: The Temple Remembered in Connection with Saigō TakamoriSaigo Takamoriwas one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. He has been dubbed the last true samurai.-Early life:...
<Meguro, TokyoMeguro, Tokyo
is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It calls itself Meguro City in English.Meguro hosts fifteen foreign embassies and consulates. One of Tokyo's most exclusive residential neighborhoods is located in Meguro....
>
- Meguro Fudōson Ryūsen-ji is a temple that is closely connected to Saigō Takamori. According to the temple’s historical recount, it was established in the Heian periodHeian periodThe is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
and was bustled with visitors during the EdoEdo, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. In 1854, the Satsuma domain met with an unfortunate turn of events, Nariakira’s illness and his fifth son’s sudden death. Saigō wrote in a letter to his friend that he paid homage at the temple for Nariakira’s health. Under Nariakira, who recovered his health, Saigō lived through the tumult years of the late Edo period.
Sketch 16: Birth Place of YoshinobuTokugawa Yoshinobuwas the 15th and last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. He was part of a movement which aimed to reform the aging shogunate, but was ultimately unsuccessful...
- The Mito DomainMito Domainwas a prominent feudal domain in Japan during the Edo period. Its capital was the city of Mito, and it covered much of present-day Ibaraki Prefecture. Beginning with the appointment of Tokugawa Yorifusa by his father, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, in 1608, the Mito branch of the Tokugawa clan...
Edo Residence Historical Site (Koishikawa Kōrakuen GardenKoishikawa Korakuen Gardenis in Koishikawa, Bunkyō, Tokyo, adjacent to Tokyo Dome City. It is one of two surviving Edo period clan gardens in modern Tokyo, the other being Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden, and one of the oldest and best preserved parks in Tokyo....
) <Chiyoda, TokyoChiyoda, Tokyois one of the 23 special wards in central Tokyo, Japan. In English, it is called Chiyoda ward. As of October 2007, the ward has an estimated population of 45,543 and a population density of 3,912 people per km², making it by far the least populated of the special wards...
>
- Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden is a place where the Mito Tokugawa family had their Edo residence up till the beginning of the Meiji periodMeiji periodThe , also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from September 1868 through July 1912. This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan.- Meiji Restoration and the emperor :...
. In 1938, one boy was born in this residence, later known as 15th Tokugawa Shogun Yoshinobu. He was a smart boy, and it caught Tokugawa IeyoshiTokugawa IeyoshiTokugawa Ieyoshi was the 12th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan.He was the second son of the 11th shogun, Tokugawa Ienari, and appointed Mizuno Tadakuni to conduct the Tenpo reform....
’s eyes and was adopted to the Hitotsubashi Tokugawa House, one of the GosankyōGosankyoThe ' were three branches of the Tokugawa clan of Japan. They were descended from the eighth of the fifteen Tokugawa shoguns, Yoshimune . Yoshimune established the Gosankyo to augment the Gosanke, the heads of the powerful han of Owari, Kishū, and Mito...
. Yoshinobu, whom even Nariakira was pushing for the next Shogun, was later going to run into Atsuhime.
Sketch 17: The Satsuma Domain Residence in Edo
- The Satsuma Domain Residence Historic Site <Shibuya, TokyoShibuya, Tokyois one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. As of 2008, it has an estimated population of 208,371 and a population density of 13,540 persons per km². The total area is 15.11 km²....
and Minato, TokyoMinato, Tokyois one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. As of 1 March 2008, it had an official population of 217,335 and a population density of 10,865 persons per km². The total area is 20.34 km².Minato hosts 49 embassies...
>
- It has been said that central Edo has five residences of the Satsuma Domain during the final years of the Edo period. The place located in current Shiba in Minato-ward was the center of the domain's activity. Atsuhime also stayed here for close to two years. In the aftermath of the Ansei Great Earthquakes, however, the residence was destroyed, and Atsuhime was relocated to a residence in Shibuya. The following year, she moved to Edo castle to marry the shogun.
Sketch 18: The Port Town where Harris Stayed
<Shimoda, ShizuokaShimoda, Shizuoka
is a city and port in Shizuoka, Japan.As of 2010, the city had an estimated population of 25,054 and a population density of 242 persons per square kilometer...
>
- Townsend HarrisTownsend HarrisTownsend Harris was a successful New York City merchant and minor politician, and the first United States Consul General to Japan...
visited ShimodaShimoda, Shizuokais a city and port in Shizuoka, Japan.As of 2010, the city had an estimated population of 25,054 and a population density of 242 persons per square kilometer...
as the first Consul General of the US to secure trade between Japan and the US in 1856, three years after Commodore Perry’s arrival to the country. He opened opened the first U.S. Consulate at Gyokusen-jiGyokusen-jiis a small Buddhist temple in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is noteworthy in that it served as the first American consulate in Japan.-History:...
, which is located close to the port and worked on negotiating the "Treaty of Peace and Commerce,” or the Harris Treaty, signed in 1858. Having stayed in Shimoda for nearly three years, Harris left his traces, the “Harris path,” where he used to take a walk, and a stone tablet that commemorates his stay.
Sketch 19: The Castle where Atsuhime Stayed
- KōkyoKokyois the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area located in the Chiyoda area of Tokyo close to Tokyo Station and contains several buildings including the main palace , the emperor left Kyoto Imperial Palace for Tokyo...
Higashigoen and Ōtemon <ChiyodaChiyoda, Tokyois one of the 23 special wards in central Tokyo, Japan. In English, it is called Chiyoda ward. As of October 2007, the ward has an estimated population of 45,543 and a population density of 3,912 people per km², making it by far the least populated of the special wards...
, Tokyo>
- Kōkyo Higashigoen was the location where the donjon of Edo castle was located. It’s been said that the guard of the castle was tight with the main entrance, Ōtemon, and other three gates leading to the donjon. Ōoku, where Atsuhime was staying, was located within this donjon whose area covered 40,000 tsubo. Atsuhime faced the tumultuous end of the Tokugawa shogunate in this castle.
Sketch 40: Hamaguri rebellionHamaguri rebellionThe rebellion at the Hamaguri Gate of the Imperial Palace in Kyōto took place on August 20, 1864 and reflected the discontent of pro-imperial and anti-alien groups...
- The
- On July 19th, 1864, the Chōshū domain attacked the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Later, this incident became known as the rebellion at the Hamaguri Gate. The Shogunate force guarding the palace was, at one point, overwhelmed by the Chōshū forces. The Satsuma forces led by Saigō TakamoriSaigo Takamoriwas one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. He has been dubbed the last true samurai.-Early life:...
came for reinforcement and turned the tables. - It was said that Komatsu Tatewaki, who attacked Tenryū-jiTenryu-ji—more formally known as —is the head temple of the Tenryū branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Susukinobaba-chō, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, primarily to venerate Gautama Buddha, and its first chief priest was Musō Soseki. Construction was...
, where the Chōshū forces’ headquarters was located, distributed to commoners who suffered from fires from the war the rice that was left in the temple by the enemy forces. In the wake of this battle, Satsuma’s influence in Kyoto became further strengthened.
Sketch 41: Satchō Alliance
- The Nihonmatsu Satsuma Domain Residence Historic Site
- It has been said that the place where the Satsuma-Chōshū AllianceSatcho AllianceThe ', or Satchō Alliance was a military alliance between the feudal domains of Satsuma and Chōshū formed in 1866 to combine their efforts to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan....
was formed was this house in Kyoto owned by the Komatsu family. Since the Chōshū Domain, which fought with the Tokugawa shogunate in the Hamaguri Gate Incident, was unable to purchase weapons from the western powers, it sought assistance to the Satsuma domain in supplying weapons. Tatewaki's acceptance of this plea led to obtaining the trust of Katsura KogorōKido Takayoshi, also referred as Kido Kōin was a Japanese statesman during the Late Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji Restoration. He used the alias when he worked against the Shogun.-Early life:...
and other Chōshū samurai. In the end, the alliance was formed between the two domains.
Soundtrack
- NHK Taiga drama Original Soundtrack Atsuhime Vol.1
- NHK Taiga drama Original Soundtrack Atsuhime Vol.2
Books
Official guide- NHK Taiga drama story Atsuhime first part ISBN 978-4-14-923347-5(December 20, 2007)
- NHK Taiga drama story Atsuhime latter part ISBN 978-4-14-923348-2(June 30, 2008)
- NHK Taiga drama story Atsuhime last part ISBN 978-4-14-923349-9(October 2008)
- NHK Taiga drama, Historical handbook, Atsuhime ISBN 978-4-14-910655-7(December 2007)
External links
< Fūrin Kazan
Furin Kazan (Taiga drama)
was the 46th NHK Taiga drama beginning on January 7, 2007. It was aired throughout 2007.The four characters from left to right are wind, woods, fire, and mountain. The title is a reference to the war banner used by Takeda Shingen, which in turn was taken from Sun Tzu's The Art of War...
| Taiga drama
Taiga drama
is the name NHK gives to the annual, year-long historical fiction television series it broadcasts in Japan. Beginning in 1963 with the black-and-white Hana no Shōgai, starring kabuki actor Onoe Shōroku and Takarazuka star Awashima Chikage, the network has hired a producer, director, writer, music...
| Tenchijin
Tenchijin
is the 48th NHK Taiga drama. It airs on NHK from January 4, 2009 every Sunday from 20:00 to 20:44 JST to November 22, 2009 spanning 47 episodes. The story centers on the life of the 16th century samurai Naoe Kanetsugu....
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