Original subtitles

Familiar faces are before you again.

In April 1619, Fukushima Masanori of Aki...

embarked on castle renovations without shogunate approval,

and arrogantly ignored shogunate objections.

He only destroyed part of the main compound...

and did nothing to the newly build 2nd and 3rd compounds.

Finally on June 2, the government stripped Fukushima Masanori...

of samurai privileges and confiscated his lands.

However, due to his many years of service,

he was given Kawanakajima, 45,000 koku,

and placed under house arrest.

All lawbreakers were punished, even daimyo.

Surely this was a decisive move by Shogun Hidetada.

Hold on there!

Fukushima Masanori

My ruin was a conspiracy by the shogunate.

Conspiracy?

I submitted a request to renovate Hiroshima Castle...

to Honda Masazumi last year!

But Masazumi shelved my request!

Please write this in the historical documents.

I'm afraid you were mistaken, Masanori.

Mistaken?! This is an outrage!

Honda Masazumi was a lame duck.

A lame duck?

The one on whom Shogun Hidetada relied...

and the ones who held the power in the shogunate...

were Doi Toshikatsu and Sakai Tadayo.

You mistakenly relied on a powerless man.

Time has passed you by.

AOI Tokugawa Three Generations

Episode 36 "Princess Kazu Enters the Court"

Original Story and Screenplay: James Miki

Music: Iwashiro Taro

Original Subtitles JN Productions, Inc

Transcribed and Edited Subtitles Kame Fansubs

CAST

Tokugawa Hidetada NISHIDA TOSHIYUKI

Tokugawa Iemitsu ONOE TATSUNOSUKE

Acha MITSUBAYASHI KYOKO

Todo Takatora TAMURA RYO

Aoyama Tadatoshi ISHIKURA SABURO

Honda Masazumi WATANABE IKKEI

Konoe Sakiko YAMAGUCHI KARIN

Nijo Akizane TERADA MINORI

Itakura Katsushige SUZUKI MIZUHO

Mito Mitsukuni/Narrator NAKAMURA BAIJAKU

Ofuku KIKI KIRIN

Fukushima Masanori KANIE KEIZO

Doi Toshikatsu HAYASHI RYUZO

Ogou IWASHITA SHIMA

Producer: Kawaii Junshi

Director: Ozaki Mitsunobu

Akizane!

If you desire my appearance in Court,

send Oyotsu and her child away from the Palace!

Your Excellency!

Insolent wretch!

What is the matter?

On July 14, 1619, after being dismissed as Chancellor,

Nijo Akizane died that very day.

Fushimi Castle

The death of the Chancellor so grieved the Emperor,

he did not view the lanterns at the Bon Festival.

The nobles must be clamoring that the shogunate...

drove the Chancellor to his death.

Public opinion is against the shogunate.

Now, now, now...

What should I do?

Send a condolence caller to the Court...

and appear in Court after the mourning period.

Very well.

If I may, I would like to say something.

In negotiating with the Court, I have not always succeeded.

I have failed to exact Princess Kazu's entry into Court.

As Kyoto Deputy of 19 years, I could not be more ashamed.

Sir Katsushige...

Due to my advanced age, I am no longer fit for the task.

I would like to take this opportunity...

to ask that I be dismissed from duty.

Katsushige...

How old are you?

I am 75 years old, Sire.

You have served a long time in this most difficult position,

overseeing nobles and daimyo.

You shall long be praised as the pillar of the shogunate.

I, Hidetada, thank you.

I am overwhelmed, Your Excellency.

I can now die happy.

But not so fast.

You have one major task left.

One major task?

You must clean out the Court.

The lord of Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Yoshinao,

was summoned to Fushimi Castle in mid-July.

He was 20 years old.

Also summoned was the lord of Fuchu Castle, Tokugawa Yorinobu,

who was 18 years old.

For granting me leave to build a Toshosha in Nagoya Castle,

I thank you very much, Your Excellency.

Honor the Tosho Gongen well.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Now...

I summoned you here because...

Fukushima Masanori has defied the shogunate.

I trust you know that his fief has been abolished?

Yes, Your Excellency.

So, I am giving Fukushima's abolished fief of Hiroshima to Asano Nagaakira.

Asano Nagaakira?

And, Asano's fief in Kii Wakayama...

I would like to give to you, Yorinobu.

Huh?

His Excellency wishes to send great Tokugawa daimyo...

into the West to keep watch over Kyoto and Osaka.

I've heard surviving Toyotomi followers lurk in Kishu.

That is why I rely on Yorinobu's daring.

My lord...

What is it?

How large is the fief in koku?

Masanari...

Adding Kishu to Ise, it totals 555,000 koku.

555,000 koku?!

Dissatisfied?

Thank you, Your Excellency!

Will you accept?

For you, Older Brother, I would even go to the depths of hell!

Don't make me feel obligated.

Will you give Sunpu to Yorifusa then?

No...

Yorifusa will remain in Mito.

Well then, who will be lord of Sunpu Castle?

Ah, I haven't decided that yet.

Thus, Yorinobu was transferred from Sunpu to Kishu.

Together with Yoshinao of Owari and Yorifusa of Mito,

he formed the Go-Sanke (Tokugawa Three Houses).

What was his reason for moving Lord Yorinobu to Kishu?

You'll find out in due time.

Was he planning to give Sunpu to Lord Kunichiyo?

Don't get ahead of me!

On July 25...

Hidetada appeared in Court accompanied by several daimyo,

and gave gifts for the Emperor.

Upon receiving these, Konoe Nobuhiro informally summoned...

Hidetada's trusted retainer Todo Takatora...

to discuss Princess Kazu's bridal entry into Court.

Konoe Nobuhiro, 21, was the Emperor's younger brother.

The Emperor is concerned that the shogunate...

has not sent word on Princess Kazu's bridal entry.

What does the Shogun intend?

There is no reason to doubt the Shogun's loyalty.

He sincerely desires Princess Kazu's entry into Court.

But why has he postponed it?

As you know, he asks that Prince Kamo and Princess Ume...

who were born to Oyotsu be dealt with.

That they be sent away from the Court?

Yes, My Lord.

That was your agreement with the late Chancellor Akizane.

The Emperor had nothing to do with it.

Then I ask you here and now...

Will you deal with Prince Kamo and Princess Ume or not?

We shall consult with the Emperor's attendants about the matter.

Then I shall come back another day.

Wait.

If Oyotsu and the Prince and Princess are sent away,

will Princess Kazu come to the Court?

Ah, there is one other thing...

For the new Chancellor, Kujo Tadahide is recommended.

That is Shogun Hidetada's wish.

Kujo Tadahide?

On September 14, as Hidetada had requested,

Kujo Tadahide was once again appointed Chancellor.

Tadahide was married to Princess Sadako, daughter of Hidetada's wife Ogou.

And four days later,

the Kyoto Deputy read the punishment for errant nobles,

putting further pressure on the court.

The following have broken Laws for Nobles.

It's even more outrageous that they are attendants of His Majesty.

Therefore, sentence is passed upon them as follows...

Former Vice Great Councilor Madenokoji Mitsufusa...

is banished to Sasayama in Tamba.

Vice Middle Councilor Yotsutsuji Suetsugu...

and Vice Middle Captain Yabuno Tsuguyoshi...

are exiled to Bungo.

This is unreasonable...

Vice Middle Councilor Nakamikado Nobuhira...

and Vice Middle Captain Horikawa Yasutane...

and Chief of Divination Tsuchimikado Hisanaga...

are suspended from duty and ordered under house arrest.

As duly stated.

Oh, my word...

On what basis do you charge the nobles with misconduct?

The evidence is more than sufficient.

They summoned female kabuki players into Court,

also including prostitutes.

There was feasting in broad daylight.

When they drank too much,

they drank tea and ate ginger for relief,

then returned to their merrymaking.

By gambling on the games of go, parcheesi, and cards,

they defiled the Court!

Of such a situation...

I am sure you gentlemen were aware!

On the same day, Hidetada left Fushimi Castle to return to Edo.

On the way back, Hidetada stopped at Toshosha in Nikko.

Meanwhile, his attendants all having been removed,

the Emperor rebelled against shogunate tyranny...

and made an alarming decision.

Lord Nobuhiro...?

Brother says he will abdicate the Emperor's throne!

Please look at this.

This lady was Konoe Sakiko, mother of the Emperor.

What will he do when he abdicates?

He says he will make me successor!

How absurd.

The shogunate's actions must have truly angered him.

That is why he must not show any weakness.

Abdication is out of the question.

The Emperor's wish to abdicate was quickly reported to Edo Castle.

He wishes to give the throne to Lord Konoe Nobuhiro?

If he does, Princess Kazu will never make her Court entry.

Is he doing this to spite me?!

It is the ultimate protest, Your Excellency.

But the Emperor cannot step down without government consent.

In theory, yes.

If the Daigongen were alive,

he would have discouraged the Emperor from doing so.

What shall we do?

Please watch and wait for now.

Shogunate interference will only inflame the situation.

If we ignore it, the Chancellor and all the nobles...

will dissuade the Emperor from abdicating.

That's right.

Lord Nobuhiro will not accept the throne.

Why?

As protector to the Emperor, and one who hates the shogunate,

is late Emperor's Goyozei's mother, Shinjotomon-in.

Shinjotomon-in?

The mother of the present Emperor and Lord Nobuhiro...

will not allow the abdication.

Are they at odds with each other?

They are mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, respectively.

Oh, the roots of female rivalry run deep.

Therefore, I will go to Kyoto early next spring...

and implement a plan.

I leave it to you.

Thank you for coming.

Please refuse Princess Kazu's entry into Court.

I can't do that.

If the Emperor abdicates, the marriage will be meaningless.

No, he won't abdicate.

He already has two children,

and his mother and grandmother fight for power.

It will be settled.

I'll not have Kazu end up like Osen!

I am sorry for Kazu.

A marriage is difficult when a couple are far apart in age.

If the wife were the older one, there would be no problems.

I was fortunate.

Luckily, Takechiyo's betrothed is older than he.

But Takechiyo refuses to get married.

What?

He says he hates women.

Don't be absurd!

The Kogo incident when his vassal died in his place...

must have scarred Takechiyo.

But his grief will not last.

A woman-hater will make a poor Shogun!

Takechiyo (Shogun Heir)

Raise your heads.

Yorifusa...

I hear you've been filling Takechiyo's head with bad ideas.

Never!

Lady Eishoin...

Please be silent.

You told Takechiyo a wife was not needed...

if he takes many concubines.

I did.

Fool. How can the Shogun who rules the country...

not have a wife?

The Daigongen did not have a wife.

Huh?

Don't be insolent!

You are terribly mistaken.

The Daigongen had two wives.

Lady Tsukiyama and Princess Asahi passed away.

But, the Daigongen once said...

women of status are difficult to manage.

It is far easier to take a vassal's daughter as a concubine.

Don't lie...

It's true!

Then I ask you...

Will you never take a wife, Lord Yorifusa?

Never.

I won't allow it.

Why not, Your Excellency?

A lord of a house must take a wife from a suitable family.

That is the custom!

Pitiful the wife that is chosen for a man.

A concubine of a man's own choosing is better loved.

Lord Yorifusa...

Lord Takechiyo is the Shogun's heir.

A marriage with the Takatsukasa has been planned.

Please do not say such things.

Lord Takechiyo wishes to know!

What?

He has asked me how the marriage can be canceled.

Yorifusa...

Did you give him an answer?

Takechiyo...

You are never to see Yorifusa from now on.

Yorifusa...

Leave Edo for a while and go to Mito with Eishoin.

To Mito?

Correct your behavior in your home fief...

and apply yourself to studies.

In October 1619, 17 year old Yorifusa...

entered Mito for the first time.

Since he is my father, I'm rather concerned about him.

Here!

In the fall, a sweeping change of daimyo fiefs was made.

Lord of Oyama Castle Honda Masazumi moved to Utsunomiya Castle.

Lord of Utsunomiya Castle Okudaira Tadamasa...

moved to Koga Castle in Shimosa.

Koga Castle lord Ogasawara Masanobu moved to Sekiyado.

Sekiyado lord Matsudaira Shigekatsu...

became lord of Yokosuka Castle in Totomi...

and guardian of Sunpu Castle.

Lord of Omigawa Ando Shigenobu became lord of Takasaki Castle.

Lord Takechiyo's guardian Aoyama Tadatoshi...

became lord of Iwatsuki Castle in Musashi.

Iwatsuki lord Matsudaira Nobuyoshi...

became lord of Sasayama Castle in Tamba.

The Osaka Castle guardian who decides all renovations,

was Naito Nobumasa who also was Fushimi Castle guardian.

Kyoto Deputy Itakura Katsushige...

resigned from office due to old age.

His son Shigemune became Kyoto Deputy.

You left Sunpu Castle unoccupied...

because you plan to move Kunichiyo there from Kofu.

Who said so?

It is widely rumored.

It could very well happen.

In that case, what will happen to Kofu?

I haven't decided yet.

Don't tell me you intend to give it to Komatsu?

Absurd!

Your Excellency?!

Who did you hear that from?

The rumors are heard in Bikuni Mansion.

Koshu was the ancient land of the Takeda,

so Lady Kenshoin strongly desires it for Komatsu.

It's a completely groundless rumor.

Is that so?

I know nothing about it.

You must speak truthfully!

I said I don't know.

Then...

You will never give Kofu to Komatsu?!

I can't predict the future.

I knew it.

Be silent!

It's not for women to interfere.

Then just give Sunpu to Komatsu!

What?

You cannot treat a legitimate son and outside son as equals!

It will surely bring ruin to our house!

I never mentioned equal treatment.

You did so!

I did not!

Lamentable!

Princess Kazu's bridal entry might never be,

Takechiyo refuses to wed,

and my hopes for Kunichiyo are dashed.

And you are wholly devoted to your outside son.

Ah, wretched!

Toshikatsu...

I won't give Komatsu a fief.

Tell Kenshoin...

Not even the Shogun can always have his way.

On February 18, 1620 Shinjotomon-in died after a long illness.

She was 68 years old.

We convey our very deepest condolences, sir.

Nijo Castle

Perhaps this is an inappropriate moment...

but I believe the situation will turn for the better.

For the better?

The strongest objection to Princess Kazu...

previously came from Shinjotomon-in.

And, what of the Emperor?

He has withdrawn his wish to abdicate...

and will surely sanction Princess Kazu's Court entry.

Excellent.

Could anything be more wonderful?

However...

the Emperor's attendants who were banished...

must be restored to office.

Until this is done, the Emperor will not be comforted.

The Court has its honor to uphold.

I understand.

I shall stake my office upon convincing the shogunate.

Edo Castle

Due to pressure from Todo Takatora,

the Emperor's abdication was averted.

Rejoice!

Kazu will enter the Court on June 8th!

June 8th?

Congratulations.

At last the houses of Emperor and Shogun are joined.

We must prepare a magnificent procession...

and enter Kyoto by late May.

Will they be kind to Princess Kazu?

She is the Shogun's daughter.

She will have Lady Acha and many attendants and vassals.

And in her own mansion,

even the nobles and ladies will bow to her.

What of Oyotsu?

Have no fear. The Kyoto Deputy is watching her.

Please allow me to go to Kyoto as well.

Huh? What?

I wish to see that my youngest daughter is happy.

Absurd!

I can have no more children.

Don't worry, My Lady.

His Majesty will surely be moved by Princess Kazu's beauty.

Lady Acha, I'll be counting on your help.

Yes, Your Excellency.

If Princess Kazu should ever be treated unkindly there,

I shall bring her back at once to Edo!

Don't say that.

It is only a supposition.

Ogou, don't cry.

It is a happy departure.

Don't cry.

On May 8, Princess Kazu's grand procession left Edo for Kyoto.

Accompanying her were shogunate high officials...

Sakai Tadayo, Doi Toshikatsu, and hereditary daimyo.

The procession arrived at Nijo Castle on May 28.

Perhaps due to fatigue, Princess Kazu fell ill,

and her entry into Court was postponed once more.

Fortunately, the princess is recovering.

The bridal entry should be on June 18.

Are you certain of this?

Yes, My Lord.

And the banished nobles?

When Princess Kazu has entered the Court,

the nobles will be pardoned.

Okay, I understand.

Prior to the Court entry,

Princess Kazu will be named noble, Junior Third Rank.

Thank you very much, my lord.

More fires have broken out in Kyoto recently.

In late February, Shokokuji burned down.

Surely it was an act by ronin who despise the shogunate.

Nobles could have incited them!

Absurd!

The guard will be increased for Princess Kazu's arrival.

Whether it be within or outside Kyoto...

the shogunate will stake its honor on protecting her.

A samurai daughter had never wed the Emperor before!

- But... - What is it?

Taira Kiyomori's daughter Kenreimon-in did!

Quiet. She was adopted by Ex-Emperor Go-Shirakawa first!

Forgive me.

The shogunate spent 700,000 koku on the procession!

700,000 koku?!

The household good brought from Nijo Castle...

to Kyoto Palace were 378 items!

I would like to see that amazing procession!

I would like to show it to you,

but we are short of funds!

Huh?

Therefore...

view this picture scroll instead.

On June 18, 1620, Princess Kazu became "Masako,"

Consort Candidate to Emperor Go-Mizunoo.

Go-Mizunoo was 25; Princess Masako was 14.

Edo Castle

Princess Masako was more beautiful than a flower.

Even the nobles said, "Truly a daughter of the Tokugawa."

Lady Chuwamon-in, in particular, was overjoyed.

Chuwamon-in?

She is His Majesty's mother, Sire.

Oh...

Now that Jotomon-in has died,

Lady Konoe Sakiko, the head of Palace Inner Chambers,

has taken the tonsure as "Chuwamon-in."

Kazu is a fortunate girl.

Soon Lady Chuwamon-in will send Iwakura Tomotaka to Edo...

to thank you, Your Excellency.

My word, my word. How very considerate.

Forgive me, Sire, but...

How much should we give as a return courtesy?

2,000 koku.

Also give Lady Chuwamon-in a special sum of 1,000 koku.

1,000 koku?

2,000 koku.

Very well, Sire.

Lady Acha writes that Kazu still has not met the Emperor.

That is the custom.

Kazu must first learn Court etiquette and proper speech.

Then she will meet the Emperor.

I wonder if he will like her?

Don't fret.

You are wife of the Shogun.

Be proud.

One of your daughters is wife of a Chancellor.

Another will be Consort of the Emperor.

As a wife and mother, what greater glory could you know?

I forgot...

In honor of Kazu's bridal entry...

Kunichiyo was made noble, Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade.

Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade?

Yorifusa was made Senior 4th Rank, Lower Grade.

Truly heaven smiles on us.

Please wait.

Here drink.

Yorifusa is Senior 4th Rank, but Kunichiyo is Junior?

Takechiyo is Senior 3rd Rank.

Yoshinao and Norinobu are Junior 3rd Rank.

But, they are of the Three Houses, so it is acceptable.

But, Mito Yorifusa should not be ranked above Kunichiyo.

Yorifusa is Kunichiyo's uncle.

Kunichiyo is the Shogun's second son.

If Takechiyo is unable to sire an heir,

Kunichiyo will be Shogun.

That may not be the case.

Huh?

When there is no heir,

he will be chosen from either the Owari or Kii house.

That was Father's will.

From Owari or Kii?!

Don't have such an angry face!

Takechiyo will not allow a woman near him.

That is only a whim of youth.

He is only sulking.

If he weds a bride from the capital,

he'll change his mind and eventually his ways.

He'll have many children.

I doubt it.

Before he marries, we must hold his manhood rites.

How about "Iemitsu" for his new name?

Iemitsu?

A fine name, isn't it?

With a part of Father's name, he will be Tokugawa Iemitsu.

My Lord, please give Kunichiyo a name as well.

It is still too soon.

Please, My Lord.

I'll think about it.

Please name him "Tadanaga."

Tadanaga?

"Tada" from Hidetada and "naga" from Nobunaga.

"Naga" from Nobunaga?

Hurry up! Mirror!

Don't dawdle!

Young Lord...

We must be going.

I know!

Bow down!

The heir is passing.

Forgive our rudeness!

On your knees.

Please, My Lord.

Kunichiyo

Iemitsu

On September 6, 1620...

Hidetada's heir Takechiyo received the name "Iemitsu."

Tadanaga

And, second son Kunichiyo received the name "Tadanaga."

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

To be continued.

To be continued.