Original subtitles

TAIGA DRAMA

SANADA MARU

WRITTEN BY: MITANI KOKI

MUSIC BY: HATTORI TAKAYUKI

NARRATOR: UDO YUMIKO

CAST

SANADA NOBUSHIGE: SAKAI MASATO

SANADA NOBUYUKI: OIZUMI YO

MATSU: KIMURA YOSHINO

TAKEDA KATSUYORI: HIRA TAKEHIRO

TAKANASHI NAIKI: NAKAHARA TAKEO

SASUKE: FUJII TAKASHI

HOJO UJIMASA: TAKASHIMA MASANOBU

UESUGI KAGEKATSU: ENDO KENICHI

ANAYAMA BAISETSU: ENOKI TAKAAKI

OYAMADA NOBUSHIGE: NUKUMIZU YOICHI

ODA NOBUNAGA: YOSHIDA KOTARO

TORI: KUSABUE MITSUKO

KAORU: TAKAHATA ATSUKO

TOKUGAWA IEYASU: UCHINO SEIYO

SANADA MASAYUKI: KUSAKARI MASAO

PRODUCERS: YOSHIKAWA KUNIO, YASHIKI YOTARO

TRANSLATIONS BY MTI

DIRECTOR: KIMURA TAKAFUMI

EPISODE 1: SAILING OUT

In February of 1582,

the illustrious Takeda clan in Kai faced a huge crisis.

Nine years had passed since Shingen's death.

They were invaded by Oda Nobunaga.

In the mountain where the vanguard approached,

a young Takeda vassal advanced alone.

Sir Genjiro, it's too dangerous beyond this.

We came this far.

If we're caught by the enemy, we are goners.

So, just don't get caught.

That's the Tokugawa army.

Let's turn back.

I wonder who the general is. Is it someone noteworthy?

Sir Genjiro!

Intruders!

Excuse me.

This youth who is frantically fleeing from the hollyhock flags...

would, 33 years later,

in the Osaka Summer Campaign,

almost corner Tokugawa Ieyasu into suicide,

and be famed as the bravest man in Japan.

Right now, he can only frantically flee.

SANADA GENJIRO NOBUSHIGE

SUWA - UEHARA CASTLE

Meanwhile, Takeda Shingen's son, Katsuyori,

was at Uehara Castle preparing for Oda Nobunaga's invasion.

The Uesugi in the north, the Hojo in the east,

the Oda in the west, and the Tokugawa in the south.

Surrounded by powerful daimyo clans,

the Takeda waited for a chance to recover their power.

But Katsuyori's brother-in-law, Kiso Yoshimasa,

suddenly betrayed them for the Oda.

Using this opportunity, Nobunaga advanced his army.

Sir Anayama... I thought you were in Suruga.

ANAYAMA BAISETSU

I came back to invigorate you unsettled men.

How reassuring, Baisetsu.

Ogasawara Nobumine at Matsuo Castle

has yielded to the Oda.

What?

Ogasawara did?

What an ingrate!

Let us send an army at once to punish Ogasawara.

Lord, we must act quickly...

to stop further betrayals.

No... we should return to Shinpu Castle for now.

Sir Anayama, what are you saying?

The Oda army is already approaching Tenryu River.

We should return to our base in Shinpu immediately,

and regroup our allies.

Are you suggesting we run from the Oda?

Your inaction is the cause!

What?!

Stop!

Lord of Awa, what is your thought?

If I may humbly speak...

I agree with Sir Anayama.

We should return to Shinpu.

Are you seized with fear?

Having lost Kiso Yoshimasa, our main defense in the west,

means our fief's west side is open for attack.

SANADA NOBUYUKI

If Yoshimasa allows the Oda army to surge through,

our allies will be crushed.

The best thing to do now is to retreat to Shinpu.

You must read the tide.

Now is the time to withdraw.

We must build our power and wait.

What do we do with Kiso?

We'll punish him later.

I'll personally spearhead it.

I'll use the tactics I learned from Lord Shingen

to take Yoshimasa's head.

Ogasawara's betrayal is hurting us.

We must take measures to prevent more betrayals.

There is no trace of the unity that the Takeda once boasted.

That just shows how great Lord Shingen was.

Lord of Awa, even if we are the only ones left,

let us protect our master,

and fight for the Takeda.

Absolutely.

This is do-or-die. I'm counting on you.

Certainly.

Sanada Masayuki...

In the Battle of Sekigahara,

he holed up in the Shinshu Ueda Castle with a small force,

and baffled the Tokugawa army of 38,000.

He was a renowned general of the warring era.

However, at this time, Masayuki was still a Takeda vassal.

Genzaburo, return to Shinpu first.

Very well.

More than the west,

I fear the south.

The Tokugawa should be advancing into Suruga soon.

Right.

I'll check out the situation.

At this time, Sanada Masayuki's family...

was living in Shinpu, Kai, the Takeda's home fief.

KAI SHINPU CASTLE, SANADA MANSION

The lords in the warring era, to prevent betrayals by vassals,

would keep their families in the castle towns.

In short, they were hostages.

Careful! They are expensive.

Handle them with care.

Handle that robe from the Konoe in Kyoto with care!

Yes.

Yes?

TORI

Say... how strong is Oda Nobunaga?

I can't say this out loud,

but he might be the strongest in Japan.

Stronger than the Takeda?

MATSU

In Nagashino, the Takeda cavalry was defenseless.

What will become of the Takeda clan?

I don't know.

Will we end up like Lord Imagawa?

OYAMADA SHIGEZO

He's Lord Shingen's heir.

He'll probably be all right.

I'm worried.

Well, we have your father.

Brother! Sister! You're both here!

Genjiro.

Have you adjusted to your new life?

We are enjoying it here.

Right?

Matsu, you've gotten prettier.

I won't buy that flattery.

By the way, Genjiro... is the battle going to start?

Don't ask me.

Who should I ask?

Oda Nobunaga!

Don't worry.

Even if we go to battle,

this is a castle that Father had put his all into for the Lord.

Even the Oda can't seize it.

Isn't that right, Brother?

Didn't I tell you not to worry?

I hope you're right.

Genjiro, I've been meaning to ask you this.

What is it?

For you brothers,

why is the eldest named Genzaburo and the second called Genjiro?

I was wondering about that, too.

Isn't it because the eldest tends to die young in the Sanada,

so to thwart that, they named the first boy Genzaburo.

That's what Father...

I didn't know that.

What about Genjiro?

After Genzaburo, it would normally be Genshiro.

He's the second son, so he's Genjiro.

There's no twist to that?

Father can be halfhearted.

He's not bothered by details.

That's what I like about Father.

When I entered Suruga,

I bumped into a Tokugawa scout at Abe River.

The Tokugawa army is approaching the border.

They must be waiting for the Oda in the west to act,

to concert an attack.

To keep them in the dark on our moves,

let us kill the scouts.

What is it?

Genjiro.

Do you realize what you've done?

Who gave you permission to go to that dangerous place?

Don't act on your own!

Brother, you are the Takeda's hostage,

whereas I'm not.

Being the second son, I can move freely.

I'm taking advantage of that.

The battle that threatens the Takeda's survival has started.

Things will get out of control if everyone acted on their own.

I know that, but if our survival rides on this battle,

we should always be a step ahead.

That's for Father, the head of the Sanada, to think about.

We should merely follow his orders.

What's that look?

I'm sorry for acting out of line.

But...

Don't say anymore.

Everyone was focused on the Oda in the west,

so I got worried about the south.

More than the west,

I fear the south.

You got worried about the south?

Yes.

Father will eventually hear of this.

Father will be more furious than I.

You should apologize to him directly first.

I'll apologize with you.

Thank you, Brother.

Genjiro.

This is a critical time for us.

It's finally going to start...

our war with the formidable Oda!

Right!

TAKANASHI NAIKI

Open the gate!

The Lord has returned!

It had been a month since Masayuki saw his family.

I'm glad you are all well.

Shigemasa.

Is Matsu doing her duties as your wife?

That is...

I am the ideal wife.

Right?

That's good to hear.

Why the glum look?

I haven't been home in a while.

Kiso Yoshimasa's mother and children were taken earlier.

They were brutally crucified.

Kiso betrayed us. It couldn't be avoided.

His daughter was 17, and his heir was only 13.

That's how it is with hostages.

Lord, you realize that we are hostages, too, don't you?

Yes, of course.

We're safe, aren't we? You won't commit betrayal?

Stop being ridiculous.

Mother, Father wouldn't betray the Lord.

I must say, Kiso Yoshimasa really surprised me.

He's Lord Shingen's son-in-law, which makes him a relative.

What is this world coming to?

Lord Shingen must be turning in his grave.

What will become of the Takeda clan?

Stop worrying.

Will the Oda invade us?

Mother is ready to flee.

That's being hasty.

It's no laughing matter!

True, we're surrounded by the Oda forces on three sides.

They are waiting for Nobunaga's order to move in at once.

Listen to me.

Shinpu Castle was built with all my wits.

It's a famous castle.

Shinpu is the safest place.

Mother, didn't I tell you so?

I want to go back to our Sanada homeland.

Grandmother.

I refuse to die here.

Didn't you hear Father?

This is the safest place to be.

Huh?!

You are safe here!

Huh?

Grandmother, please don't be impossible.

I'm not.

Grandmother is well aware of that.

She just wanted to whine.

Isn't that right?

Don't worry.

While I am alive, the Takeda clan won't cease.

The Takeda will meet with demise.

What?

I'll prolong it for as long as I can.

But there's a limit to what I can do.

Are the Oda that strong?

Yes, they are.

No comparison from the Nagashino battle.

Genjiro.

Father, I went to scout the south side on my own.

Forgive me for acting out of line.

As a result, we are updated on the Tokugawa's moves.

Please forgive Genjiro.

Give him a report.

From what I could see, the Tokugawa army...

Never mind.

Not interested.

But...!

I've decided to abandon this castle.

What?!

This castle won't hold.

But this is a famous castle!

Who said that?

You did.

It was supposed to be one down the road.

But it's not completed yet.

The Oda will be attacking too soon.

But...!

What will you do, after you abandon Shinpu?

I have a plan.

Plan?

Genzaburo, Genjiro, listen.

This is an unprecedented crisis for the Sanada.

A wrong step will lead to the Sanada's demise.

We must do whatever it takes to survive.

Keep that in mind.

We will.

Sometimes, I don't understand Father.

His ideas are too big for me to follow.

We will merely follow our leader's orders.

If we do as Father says, we won't go wrong.

Do you think so?

Probably.

I thought I'd find you here.

Sanjuro, how did you know?

How could you leave me behind?

He can be a pain.

Where you go, I go.

I'm instructed to keep my eyes on you.

Sanjuro!

As one of the Sanada,

don't forget this scenery.

It'll be our last time seeing it.

Look there.

If my father were alive...

what would he have done?

Then again...

if my father were alive...

we wouldn't be in this deep predicament.

That was a foolish question.

Is this province that my father built,

going to be ruined by me?

Rest assured.

Lord Shingen's soul is with you.

The day that you take Nobunaga's head,

and have the Tokugawa, Hojo, and Uesugi, submit to you, is near.

Isn't that right, Sanada?

Lord, we are here for you.

That's true.

Unless Mount Fuji or Mount Asama erupts,

the Takeda clan is secure.

On February 14th, after 48 years,

Mount Asama erupted.

Being it's a volcano, it will erupt sometimes.

Father!

I have bad news.

Lord, with Anayama Baisetsu's help,

the Tokugawa army has entered the Takeda fief.

What?!

Anayama Baisetsu had suddenly sided with the Oda.

He had been in contact with Oda/Tokugawa for a while.

It was a carefully planned betrayal.

This is it!

Anayama Baisetsu is a chief vassal in the clan!

His betrayal means the enemy has information on our allies,

our army distribution, and strategies.

We are at a disadvantage.

At this point, we are forced to hole up in this castle,

and fight them from here.

No... rather than starve and wait for death,

we should die gloriously.

Let's launch a full-scale attack on the Oda.

Let's show them the Takeda honor!

Please wait.

It's not a sure defeat yet.

We have run out of luck!

That is not true.

The Takeda's pillar is now supporting the enemy.

We have another pillar.

Lord, please come to my Iwabitsu Castle.

Iwabitsu?

And leave Kai?

Right. Shinpu Castle was only built a year ago.

The defense is not solid.

It won't be wise to hole up in the castle.

Which is why we'll sally out.

That is reckless.

Are you planning to destroy the Takeda?

With our cavalry, we may be able to cleave a path to victory!

The path to victory can't be cleaved in that manner.

Only for those who don't act in desperation,

and keep their hopes up,

will the path open up.

I have built impregnable defenses at Iwabitsu.

With my younger brother Nobutada defending Numata Castle in the east,

and my son Nobuyuki defending Toishi Castle in the west,

the path that connects Shinano and Kozuke

will become a great stronghold.

Lord, please come to Iwabitsu.

Let's build our strength for a comeback.

While I am alive,

the Takeda will not cease.

All right.

I will go to Iwabitsu.

Iwabitsu was a mountaintop castle situated northeast

of Shinpu Castle in Agatsuma-gun, Kozuke.

It is the pivotal point in the Sanada fief

that extends from Shinshu to Joshu.

In order to prepare for Katsuyori's arrival,

Masayuki headed to Iwabitsu first.

Genzaburo, watch over the Lord.

Very well.

I'll be waiting in Iwabitsu.

Genjiro.

Support your brother.

Very well.

Iwabitsu is indeed the best castle to confront the Oda.

It's far better than here.

I have to hand it to Father.

Lord, I would advise you not to go to Iwabitsu.

What are you saying at this point?

It's dangerous in Iwabitsu.

Sanada hasn't served the Takeda for long.

You can't fully trust him.

You think it's a trap?

There is that possibility.

Besides, there are unsavory rumors about Sanada.

He's secretly...

connected to the Hojo.

Impossible.

They are actively writing letters to each other.

Lord, please come to my Iwadono Castle.

Iwadono?

With Sasago Pass on the west,

and cliffs on the north and south, it's a natural stronghold.

It is the best place to confront the Oda.

That is the consensus.

Lord, you are the ruler of Kai.

You can't readily abandon Lord Shingen's authority in Kai

and hole up in the mountains of Joshu.

Even if you were to survive,

would that make your late father happy?

Brother, it's your turn.

Genjiro, enough.

Why?

Is it something we should be doing now?

We don't know when we can do this again.

Instead of playing a children's game,

let's play serious shogi.

But it's no fun playing shogi with you.

Why?

You're too honest in your strategies.

If anything, it's boring.

You say that because you can't beat me.

The leveling strategy can't be taken lightly.

You can't use your favorite standard moves and it's deep.

Do you give up?

Seriously!

There are standard moves for the leveling strategy.

First of all... don't push it.

Who's there?!

Lord...?

I am departing tomorrow.

We will escort you.

I'm going to Iwadono Castle.

Not Iwabitsu.

Iwadono?

What do you mean?

I cannot leave Kai.

My father established Kai.

But...

I feel badly towards Masayuki.

I am departing tomorrow.

But you need not follow me.

Head to Iwabitsu.

You are hereby freed as a Takeda hostage.

You can do as you wish.

But...

This is to certify it.

You may come across the Oda forces along the way.

I will provide you with a hundred men.

Sorry it's not many.

I am very honored.

Didn't you have an older sister?

Yes.

Didn't she marry into Oyamada Nobushige's family?

That is correct.

Take her with you to Iwabitsu.

But she is Oyamada's hostage.

The Sanada can't take her in.

I decided on it.

No one can complain.

That is all.

My men will set this place on fire tomorrow.

You should leave at once.

Very well.

I believe his words of concern for the Takeda...

were sincere.

Returning your sister to the Sanada,

is proof of that.

Thank you for your consideration.

I'm leaving.

Lord!

Genjiro!

Lord Shingen is dead!

Genjiro! Insolent!

Please reconsider.

Come with us to Iwabitsu.

Sorry to intrude.

Lord!

We would like to give you a farewell gift.

Please take your 100 men to Iwadono with you.

You don't need them?

Yes. You are the banner for the Sanada.

Your survival will lead to the Sanada's comeback.

Reducing your guards, defies our will.

Will you be safe on your own?

We are Sanada's children.

We won't be easily killed.

Please do not worry about us.

Sanada...

is a good clan.

The Lord... is a kind man.

He's kind...

and sad.

The Lord should go to Iwabitsu.

That, again?

They can't ward off the Oda at Iwadono.

It's useless to be dutiful to the late Lord Shingen.

Don't say anymore.

You know I'm right.

Sasuke!

He chose to protect Lord Shingen's authority...

namely, the Takeda honor.

That is one way of life.

What was Shinpu anyway?

Father spent a year to build this castle.

But it'll turn into ashes.

Did you call?

Deliver this to my father in Iwabitsu.

Will do.

Sasuke, how are you?

Good.

I acquired new skills.

Go quickly.

Yes, sir!

Father will be surprised.

I have good news and bad news.

The good news first.

The Lord came by earlier.

He freed us as hostages.

What?

Mother, congratulations.

Did he really?

Yes, he did.

Matsu can go home with us.

Thank God!

We owe it to the Oda invasion.

What's the bad news?

We are leaving Shinpu tomorrow to meet up with Father in Iwabitsu.

Iwabitsu?

It will be just us. We may meet Oda men en route.

There may be bandits.

There are farmers that attack fleeing warriors.

We are not fleeing warriors.

The Takeda authority has no effect now.

It will definitely not be an easy journey.

No.

Mother.

I am staying here!

You can't.

Can't we leave when it's warmer?

They will be setting Shinpu Castle on fire tomorrow.

Why?

It's to prevent the Oda from capturing it.

There won't be anyone here to protect you.

I suddenly feel depressed.

Let us get ready.

Don't worry, Mother.

We'll manage somehow. You have Brother and me.

We'll be sure to protect you until we reach Father.

Please do.

It won't be long before the family is together again.

It's not that simple.

We'll pray.

Stop whispering!

You can count on us.

On March 3rd,

Katsuyori left Shinpu Castle,

to head to Iwadono Castle.

Why can't I go with you?

I don't know, but that's what the Lord ordered.

You will see him again soon.

What are you going to do?

We'll head to Iwabitsu first to meet up with Father.

We'll probably go to the Sanada homeland later.

When things settle down in Iwadono, I'll come for you.

We'll only be apart for a short while.

Brother, it's time to go.

I'll be going now.

We must get going, too.

Everyone, hurry!

Hurry!

Leave that!

We're leaving shortly!

Rush!

Mother, hurry. Everyone is waiting.

Pack them quickly.

They're late.

Word will spread quickly that the Lord has left the castle.

The later we leave, the greater the danger.

Doesn't Mother know that?

Where is Genjiro?

Past noon that day...

the Sanada family left Shinpu.

From this point on, there will be enemies everywhere.

Let us hurry.

It was 90 miles from Shinpu to Iwabitsu.

It would take three days by foot.

Look there.

Shinpu Castle was burning.

It was supposed to be the Takeda's new resident castle.

Katsuyori had only lived there for a month.

Takashima Castle in Suwa has finally fallen.

Takashima, too?

Many more defected.

The army of 600, when departing Shinpu was reduced to 100.

Lord, Iwadono is beyond that barrier.

It will get steep from now.

Lord, please take your time.

I will go ahead to prepare for your arrival.

Yes, do that.

Men, follow me.

Shigemasa.

Close the gate.

What?

Don't let the Lord in.

I don't understand.

Shortly after that barrier is Iwadono Castle.

The Lord has arrived.

Open the gate!

What's the problem?

We are heading to Oyamada's Iwadono Castle.

Let us through now!

What is going on?

I cannot open the gate.

What?

My master, Oyamada Nobushige,

has decided to side with the Oda!

Has he gone mad?!

I cannot let anyone through!

Please turn back!

Where are we to go?

Shinpu is reduced to ashes!

I can't let you through.

Damn Oyamada Nobushige!

Let it be!

Lord!

It's all right.

Please forgive me.

Where to?

I don't know.

The illustrious Takeda clan in Kai was headed for doom.

It also signified the end of an era.

There will eventually be major movement in history.

With Kai, Shinano, and Kozuke as the stage,

the feudal lords vie ruthlessly as the disturbance starts in 1582.

Lord, the Oda army is approaching Uozu Castle.

ECHIGO - KASUGAYAMA CASTLE

The army size is 40,000. The generals are Shibata Katsuie,

Sassa Narimasa, and Maeda Toshiie.

We will be surrounded.

Lord, what should we do?

In the north, succeeding famed general, Uesugi Kenshin,

of Echigo, was Kagekatsu.

UESUGI KAGEKATSU

SAGAMI - ODAWARA CASTLE

In the east, the fourth generation of peerless hero, Hojo Soun,

was Hojo Ujimasa.

HOJO UJIMASA

Reporting!

Takeda Katsuyori fled from Shinpu.

SURUGA BORDER - TOKUGAWA CAMP

In the south, was Tokugawa Ieyasu,

who would later become the Sanada's greatest foe.

TOKUGAWA IEYASU

OMI - AZUCHI CASTLE

Then there's...

the man who acquired unprecedented territory,

and rose as ruler, Oda Nobunaga.

ODA NOBUNAGA

Amidst all that, the Sanada family...

traveled close together towards Iwabitsu.

Under the Tokugawa, Genzaburo will become

lord of the 100,000-koku Matsushiro clan in Shinano.

Whereas...

Genjiro will later be known as Sanada Yukimura.

Brother.

Let's run.

We're going to run.

We have to run.

Let's go!

A small boat has sailed out into the vast sea

called the warring era.

The name of the boat is Sanada Maru.

It was an eventful sail off.

END OF EPISODE 1

Genjiro!

Matsu!

What are you up to?

Father is...

Silence!

Who do you think I am?

I know what the Sanada are up to.

The supreme ruler of the eastern provinces is Hojo.

Save the weak and crush the strong.

Isn't Tokugawa here yet?

Where's Sanada?

I dare you repeat that!

Damn you!

What did you do?!

Sasuke!

It's been a while.

You came to our rescue!

Oh, Genjiro!

Sir Genjiro, I'm glad you are alive.

I am proud to be born as your son.

The Takeda's demise is something to celebrate.

But why am I not happy?

I'll do whatever it takes to ensure the Sanada's survival.

Here's to the beginning of my big gamble!

NEXT EPISODE: DECISION