Original subtitles

Here I am once again.

On April 27, 1625, Mori Terumoto,

who once fought Ieyasu for supremacy,

passed away in Hagi Castle in Choshu.

He was 73 years old.

In May 27, Ieyasu's eldest daughter Princess Kame,

who had wed Okudaira Tadamasa, died of illness in Kano, Mino.

She was 66 years old.

Of Ieyasu's 16 children,

all of his daughters had now died.

Surviving were 3rd son, Hidetada,

6th son, Tadateru, who had been banished,

9th son, Yoshinao, 10th son, Yorinobu,

and 11th son, Yorifusa. These five.

Now first in Lord Ieyasu's last wishes...

was that the eldest son succeed as head of the house.

Second, if the Shogun had no heirs,

the successor was to be chosen from the Owari or Kii house.

Then in July 1625,

Lord Yoshinao of Owari had a son, Gorohachimaru.

He was the likeliest candidate for 4th Shogun.

No so loud!

My Lord...

Does Shogun Iemitsu truly dislike women?

I really don't know,

but the psychologist say men with domineering mothers...

sometimes come to dislike women.

It's such a waste.

What about you? Are you fond of women?

Ugh, not very much, Sire.

Don't lie!

What about you?!

I only care about learning.

Liar!

AOI Tokugawa Three Generations

Episode 42 "Imperial Visit"

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

Princess Masako SAKAI MIKI

Osen OKOUCHI NANAKO

Acha MITSUBAYASHI KYOKO

Date Masamune SUMA KEI

Jokoin NAMINO KURIKO

Mito Mitsukuni/Narrator NAKAMURA BAIJAKU

Ofuku KIKI KIRIN

Tenkai KANEDA RYUNOSUKE

Doi Toshikatsu HAYASHI RYUZO

Ogou IWASHITA SHIMA

Producer: Kawaii Junshi

Director: Shigemitsu Yukihiko

Edo Castle West Compound

You must not catch a cold.

Oh, I dozed off.

I have an important request to make.

Oh, again?

You said you would let Iemitsu adopt Otama's daughter...

and have her marry a suitable daimyo's son.

I did. Iemitsu also agreed to it.

I've found the perfect daimyo's son!

Who is he?

It's Lord Tadahiro, son of Mori Tadamasa,

lord of Tsuyama Castle in Mimasaka.

How old is he?

He's 25 years old.

He is exceptionally intelligent...

and quite handsome, they say.

Wait a minute...

The Mori of Tsuyama... Aren't they Oda vassals?

Exactly.

Tadamasa is Mori Ranmaru's younger brother.

Tadahiro is his nephew.

Oh, Ogou, you're quite partial to the Oda.

Tadanaga's betrothed is Nobunaga's great-granddaughter.

Princess Tsuru's betrothed is a vassal of the Oda.

Is that wrong?

No, I didn't mean that.

My father's Asai house was destroyed.

My mother's Oda house was ruined.

My fervent wish is that their houses be restored.

Very well. I will speak to Lord Maeda Toshitsune.

If this marriage occurs,

it will surely reassure Otama in Paradise.

Otama...

Princess Tama was Hidetada's second daughter.

At the age of three, she was sent to wed Maeda Toshitsune.

Though she had five children, she died young.

At the time, the houses into which Shogun's daughters wed...

were allowed a gate painted red.

Such is the Red Gate of Tokyo University...

on the site of the old Maeda mansion.

Like Ieyasu, Shogun Iemitsu loved hunting.

On February 6, he had gone to Konosu in Kawagoe, Musashi...

for a three-day stay.

Date Masamune says...

the Emperor has never come to the Kanto since time began.

He says I should forget about it.

He says I should ask him to come to Kyoto's Nijo Castle instead.

What do you think, Archbishop?

That would be a good idea.

Nijo is the shogunate stronghold in the West.

The Tosho Dai-Gongen built the castle with scrupulous care.

Since then, Chancellors, priest-princes, and nobles have visited there.

An Imperial visit to a castle of such historical glory...

would surely and grandly save face for you, Your Excellency.

That is what Father said also.

Please go to Kyoto.

I will.

The Emperor will surely grant your heartfelt request.

Nobutsuna...

Order the Kyoto Deputy to hasten renovations on Nijo Castle.

Very well, Sire.

I ask you, Archbishop...

What shall we do if the Emperor does not come to Nijo Castle?

Well...

The shogunate will suffer even greater embarrassment.

Then I shall commit hara-kiri!

Humiliation to the Shogun is humiliation to all samurai.

I shall slit my belly in grand style in Nijo Castle!

If such is your resolve,

nothing will deter you from your purpose!

The Shogun is here.

Welcome home.

I shot a mountain of ducks and rabbits!

And deer, too!

That is excellent, My Lord.

I understand Mother has sent a gift for me.

It is this person.

Raise your head.

I am pleased and honored to meet you, Your Excellency.

Oh, only a woman?

I am Furi, daughter of Oka Hanbei, Gamo Tadayuki's vassal.

What's the meaning of this?

She is to serve you in the Inner Chambers.

Make her leave.

Your mother has so ordered it.

May the girl serve you in the Inner Chambers?

As you will.

Yes, Your Excellency!

A predicament has arisen.

Huh?

The Court has not sent a favorable answer...

concerning the Imperial visit to Nijo Castle.

What?

The Chancellor and Samurai Intermediary...

will give no definite answer.

That's inexcusable.

Switching the site to Nijo Castle was your idea, Lord Date Masamune.

I've sent many messengers asking for an answer.

There's no turning back now.

If the Shogun so orders,

I shall go to the Court and demand an answer.

We cannot afford for 3rd Shogun Iemitsu to be shamed.

By Shogunal order, Councillor Abe Masatsugu is dismissed,

and ordered to serve as Guardian of Osaka Castle.

As Osaka is a strategic location,

your stipend is raised by 30,000 koku to 85,000 koku.

I am most grateful!

His Excellency will go to Kyoto this year.

You and the Kyoto Deputy must guard the Kamigata area well.

Yes, Sir.

The Ogosho will depart on May 28.

In addition to Doi Toshikatsu and Inoue Masanari,

accompanying daimyo will be Satake Yoshinobu,

Uesugi Sadakatsu, Nanbu Toshinao,

Hitotsuyanagi Naomori and others.

Preceding them on May 20,

Date Masamune will go to Kyoto.

Lord Yoshinao of Owari will join him from Nagoya.

Lord Yorinobu of Kii will join them at Kyoto.

Tadakatsu, don't refer to them as "Lord."

"Sir" Yoshinao and "Sir" Yorinobu will do!

Yes, Sire!

Accompanying His Excellency to Kyoto will be...

Sakai Tadayo, Sakai Tadakatsu, Inaba Masakatsu,

Matsudaira Nobutsuna and others.

Following will be Sir Yorifusa of Mito,

and Suruga Middle Councillor Tadanaga from Sunpu.

Masakatsu!

When do I leave?

In about a month, Sire.

Which day?

No word has come from the Ogosho as yet, Sire.

The Shogun is Iemitsu!

Your Excellency...

The Ogosho will first examine the situation in Kyoto...

and make all the arrangements before setting the date.

In the leap month of April 27,

Shogun Iemitsu once again visited the Toshosha at Nikko.

He prayed that Ieyasu would grant his dearest request.

This was the 10th year after Ieyasu's death.

According to Lord Karasumaru Mitsuhiro,

in requesting an Imperial visit to Nijo Castle,

enormous expenditure will be necessary.

Enormous expenditure?

Accompanying the Emperor...

there must be priest-princes, nobles, and ladies in waiting.

A vast number in the procession.

The Court is hard pressed for money,

so they say they have no money for the required clothing.

It's appalling.

They say it is the height of rudeness to go in rags.

It is only an excuse!

How much would their clothing expenses be?

I do not know.

10,000 ryo?

Or, 20,000 ryo?

I do not know.

If they have suitable robes,

they'll not object to the visit?

Masanari...

Have 50,000 ryo sent to the Chancellor.

50,000 ryo?!

Shogunate pride must be upheld.

If it is too little, bid them to tell us so.

I shall respectfully tell His Excellency so.

Oh, I forgot...

Iemitsu is Shogun.

It's the finest kudzu root.

Thank you.

It will surely lower your fever.

How pitiful...

To fall ill at such an important time.

You have suffered much anxiety.

I, Fuku, have been rude and thoughtless to you.

I am truly ashamed of it.

How is Iemitsu?

I understand he is pleased with Ofuri.

He sends for her from time to time.

Will she be able to conceive?

He hasn't bedded her yet.

How are you feeling?

Thank you, I am fine.

Remain in bed.

Thank you, My Lord.

Ogou...

The truth is, I have good news and bad news.

Good news and bad news?

I'll start with the bad news.

Honda Tadatoki passed away.

On May 7 at Himeji Castle.

Ogou...

Be strong, My Lady!

What's the good news, My Lord?

Oh, yes.

Now that Tadatoki is gone, Osen will come back to us.

Aren't we cursed?

Cursed?

Otama, who wed into the Maeda house, died an untimely death.

Okatsu, who wed Lord Tadanao, was forced to divorce him!

And now...

Osen has lost her second husband!

- Summon the physician! - Yes, My Lord.

Summon the physicians!

Ogou...

Ogou... Pull yourself together.

Tragic Princess Sen.

She lost her first husband Toyotomi Hideyori...

in the Osaka Summer Campaign.

She then married Honda Tadatoki, son of Honda Tadamasa,

but her happiness was not to last.

Princess Sen was now 30 years old.

Now, open wide...

Ogou...

I must leave Edo for a while.

I'm reluctant to go when you are ill,

but this visit to Kyoto is a crucial one for Iemitsu.

I must assist him as his guardian.

Yes.

If the Emperor comes to Nijo Castle,

Shogun Iemitsu's prestige will soar.

Then I can retire in earnest.

Let's move to Odawara...

and enjoy life there together, Ogou.

What would you like next? Pickled plum or stewed fish?

No, that is enough.

You must eat to regain your strength.

I won't die.

Of course not!

When you return from Kyoto,

I'll put on the robe with the camellia design you like...

and welcome you at the door.

Do so.

Please complete your task and don't worry about us.

Now, just one more bite.

Perhaps later.

You wish to sit up?

My Lord...

Huh? What is it?

During my 30 years in the Tokugawa house,

there were many joyful moments,

but many sorrowful occasions as well.

Are you glad that we were brought together?

Or, do you feel you were unfortunate?

Why do you laugh?

Forgive me.

Please answer me.

Ogou, what do you feel about me?

Don't evade the question.

You were a finer wife than I ever deserved.

Please speak truthfully.

I'm speaking truthfully.

I'm small-minded, overbearing...

and exceptionally jealous.

Not knowing my place, I showed off my knowledge...

and said many things unseemly for a wife.

How difficult your life must have been.

It was only because of my incompetence.

Have you ever wished to divorce me?

Not even once.

Ogou, you taught me all manner of things.

And, you bore me two sons and five daughters.

How could I be what I am without you?

You are my benefactress...

and my support.

A wife no one can replace.

You have supported me faithfully.

I could never compare to Oda Nobunaga or Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

My father Ieyasu was always scolding me,

but you stayed with me.

Didn't you find me exasperating and thoughtless?

Your exasperating and thoughtless nature...

is your strength.

Though I am unworthy,

I shall love you for all eternity.

On May 28, former Shogun Hidetada departed Edo Castle,

accompanied by daimyo of Kanto and Oshu.

He arrived in Nijo Castle in Kyoto on June 20.

Three days later, he received Imperial envoys.

We have repeatedly petitioned the Court...

for an Imperial Visit to Nijo Castle.

Why have you not given an answer?

We ask for more time to decide, Sir.

More time? A year has already passed.

We are well aware of that, Sir.

For your sake, we have even modified our request...

for His Majesty to come to Nijo Castle instead of Edo.

By delaying your reply,

you appear to ridicule and hold the shogunate in low esteem.

Absolutely not, My Lord!

I ask you...

Has the Emperor heard of this request?

Your answer, sirs?

Sir...

Matters of the Court cannot be openly discussed.

Silence!

You are sitting before the former Shogun, Hidetada!

He is the father of Imperial Consort Masako!

I, Masamune, have investigated this in detail and found...

members of the Go-Sekke are objecting to the visit.

Who are they?

We do not know.

Don't protect them!

The shogunate has renovated Nijo Castle,

built the Emperor's throne room,

and even provided funds for robes for accompanying nobles!

What more do you want?

I ask you, sirs!

Then, go back and tell the Chancellor...

if no answer is given 10 days from now,

I, Hidetada, shall cancel my appearance in Court...

and return to Edo.

What?!

If necessary,

I shall return Iemitsu's wife to the Takatsukasa!

What do you say?!

Oh? You are awake?

I've been waiting for you.

I've brought Ohatsu.

Come here.

This was the daughter Ogou's sister Jokoin had adopted.

She had married Kyogoku Tadataka, lord of Obama Castle.

Ohatsu was actually Ogou's fourth daughter.

I pray that you are well, Your Ladyship.

Thank you for coming.

I am relieved to see that your color is better.

I applied rouge when I heard you were coming.

I owe a debt to you, Ohatsu.

When did you learn the identity of your natural mother?

When I was 15 years old.

Did you resent me?

No.

Why would she resent you?

Ohatsu is the treasure of the Kyogoku house.

I, Jokoin, have loved her tenderly...

and raised her with great care!

When I accompanied Osen to her wedding in Osaka,

I gave birth to you.

As soon as you were born, my sister took you from me!

What a rude thing to say.

I kept her with me because the long journey home to Edo...

would have harmed a newborn baby.

No... Being barren,

you felt ashamed before the Kyogoku and begged to have Ohatsu.

I know nothing about it.

Never mind.

In any case...

I must apologize to you.

Apologize? Nonsense.

I have two mothers.

I'm the most fortunate girl in Japan.

Two mothers?

Ohatsu...

Ohatsu.

July 4

Pressured by the boldness of the shogunate,

the Court finally sent an answer on July 4.

Raise your heads.

His Majesty has privately informed the Chancellor...

that he will accept your invitation to Nijo Castle.

Excellent.

However...

The visit must be made...

after the mourning period for Emperor Go-Yozei ends.

When is his death day?

August 26, sir.

Then...

The visit will be in September?

Also...

Ancient customs must be followed as to the schedule,

so the Court will plan the details.

One moment!

Konchiin Suden will decide the schedule to be followed.

Please set the date and particulars...

as soon as possible.

Thank you for coming.

I shall be ever grateful for the help of you both.

Thank you, My Lord.

Masanari!

Send a messenger to Edo and bid the Shogun to come to Kyoto!

Yes, My Lord!

An urgent message, Sire!

Choshiro? Speak.

A message just arrived from Nijo Castle, Sire.

You are asked to come to Kyoto at once!

Need they ask?!

Iemitsu left Edo on July 12.

Accompanying him were Mito Yorifusa and hereditary daimyo,

leading roughly 10,000 troops.

On the same day, Hidetada visited the Imperial Palace...

and thanked the Emperor for his answer.

Imperial Consort Masako

Father, it is good to see you.

I pray that you are in good health, My Lady.

Thank you.

I am Yoshinao of Owari.

I am Yorinobu of Kii.

Thank you for your many kindnesses, sirs.

Congratulations on your arrival in Kyoto.

Come, Father, my uncles, raise your heads.

The furor over the visit to Nijo Castle...

has caused great anxiety to His Majesty and you as well.

Please forgive me.

Not at all.

Thanks to you, my visit has succeeded.

We have received His Majesty's approval,

and his visit will come to pass.

Congratulations.

Is this Onna Ichinomiya?

This is Onna Ninomiya.

Both children appear to be quite healthy.

I am overjoyed.

Don't you think she resembles Mother?

Now that you mention it, she is the very image of your mother.

Blood will always tell.

My Lady...

I have heard that you have conceived your third child.

Yes.

When is the child to be born?

This winter, My Lord.

That is most wonderful.

This time you must...

No...

Ogou will be really happy to hear the news.

My Lord, how is Her Ladyship?

Oh, not well.

How sad.

July 13

September 6 will be a lucky day for the visit.

Very well.

The 3rd Shogun will appear in full Court dress...

and welcome the Emperor.

Excellent.

After the first meal, there will be a private feast...

where the Emperor will offer a cup to Hidetada and Iemitsu.

Very well.

The second day will be an informal affair.

Breakfast will be taken.

In the afternoon, a Bugaku performance.

Followed by a great banquet and poetry gathering.

On the third day, a private breakfast.

Then a demonstration of samurai equestrian skills.

Followed by a game of football by nobles.

Then a performance of Court music.

On the fourth day, a Noh performance.

This being the day of the Chrysanthemum Festival,

the Emperor will offer Lord Hidetada and Lord Iemitsu a cup.

Then a feast will follow.

- On the fifth day... - Hold up!

Please make the Nijo Castle schedule more leisurely.

But then we'll not be proper hosts.

Continual feasting will make His Majesty ill!

You don't need to fear!

Nijo Castle was meticulously designed...

to make His Majesty as comfortable as possible.

That was according to shogunate tastes.

Not that of the Court.

That's outrageous.

The Ogosho and Shogun will come to the West...

with hereditary vassals and daimyo residing in Kyoto...

to celebrate His Majesty's reign.

If the shogunate does not extend a suitable welcome,

won't this leave permanent ill feelings?

The Emperor is not necessarily in the best of health.

Then let his visit be for seven days.

That's out of the question.

Even during Lord Hideyoshi's rule,

when Emperor Go-Yozei visited Jurakutei,

he only stayed for five days.

Enjoy a leisurely visit for seven days.

We cannot break with precedent.

In that case, adhere to the shogunate's schedule.

That's impossible.

Inexcusable!

Gentlemen...

Let's discuss the schedule and length of stay at a later date.

July 19, having reached Sunpu,

Iemitsu prayed at the Mt. Kuno Toshogu.

On July 21, he arrived at Kakegawa Castle.

He is here, Sire.

I rejoice, Your Excellency, that no mishaps have occurred.

I, Tadanaga, thank you...

on allowing me to bring up the rear in your company.

I ask you, Tadanaga...

Why did you construct a floating bridge over Oi River?

It was to facilitate a smooth journey to Kyoto.

And, it also enables the people to cross...

when the river is flooded.

Break it down at once.

Huh?

Don't you understand?!

Oi River serves to protect the Kanto!

If a revolt should arise in the West,

a floating bridge could aid the enemy!

Masakatsu!

Why did the Ogosho order Oshu daimyo...

to accompany him on this trip?!

It was to avoid any uprising in his absence from Edo.

"In peace, never forget war."

No competent daimyo...

would blindly build a floating bridge!

Break it down, I say!

Sire...

Yes, Your Excellency!

Idiot!

August 10, Nijo Castle

Glad tidings, Sire!

Prince Hachijonomiya Toshihito called on me,

and said that the visit will be for five days,

and agreed to the shogunate terms for the schedule.

Excellent!

Congratulations, Sire.

Toshikatsu!

Send a message to Yodo Castle...

No, I mean, to Iemitsu.

Yes, Sire.

You are great, indeed, Lord Masamune.

I am humbled by your ability.

It is the wisdom of age.

August 18...

Shogun Iemitsu was received by Emperor Go-Mizuno-o in Court,

and was named Great Minister of the Right, Junior 1st Rank.

Those in Iemitsu's company received ranks as follows...

Vice Great Councillor, Junior 2nd Rank...

Lord of Sunpu Castle, Tokugawa Tadanaga,

Lord of Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Yoshinao,

and Lord of Wakayama Castle, Tokugawa Yorinobu.

Vice Middle Councillor, Junior 3rd Rank...

Mito lord, Tokugawa Yorifusa,

Kanazawa lord, Maeda Toshitsune,

Sendai lord, Date Masamune,

Kagoshima lord, Shimazu Iehisa.

Three advisors, Senior 4th Rank, Lower Grade,

Forty two Junior 4th Rank,

and 17 Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade.

Now, Hidetada was named Prime Minister,

but he declined the office.

And on September 6, 1625,

Emperor Go-Mizuno-o's visit to Nijo Castle came to pass.

Meanwhile in Edo Castle...

Lady Ogou's condition took a critical turn.

Ogou...

Don't lose heart.

Osen will be here soon!

Mother...

Mother...

What did you say?

Ogou...

To be continued.

To be continued.