Original subtitles

September 15, 1613.

The San Fan Baptista left Tsukinoura...

with a crew of 180 men and Masamune's dreams.

They crossed the Pacific and landed in Acapulco, Mexico.

Passing through Mexico city,

they transferred to another ship and crossed the Atlantic.

Passing through Cuba, they arrived in Spain.

From Barcelona, they set sail once more.

Two years after leaving Japan the company reached Rome.

It was in late October, 1615.

Hasakura Tsunenaga's party were received warmly in Rome.

After a grand reception,

eight men were made citizens and nobles of Rome.

November 3...

The party was received by Pope Paul V,

and they presented Masamune's letter to him.

After eight years and their success in Europe,

the party hardly expected what awaited them in Japan.

Dokuganryu Masamune (One-eyed Dragon Masamune)

Episode 42: War on Osaka

Screenplay by James Miki

Based on the novel "Date Masamune" by Sohachi Yamaoka

Music by Shinichiro Ikebe

Theme music performed by NHK Symphony Orchestra

CAST

Masamune Date: KEN WATANABE

Shigezane Date: TOMOKAZU MIURA

Princess Mego: JUNKO SAKURADA

Tsuta: MIKIKO OTONASHI

Tadamune Date: HIRONOBU NOMURA

Samin Katakura: MASAHIRO TAKASHIMA

Rin: MIYUKI TANIKAWA Hidemune Date: KOICHI TSUJINO

Lady Yodo: KANAKO HIGUCHI

Yukimura Sanada: GO WAKABAYASHI

Harunaga Ono: TAKAAKI ENOKI

Hideyori Toyotomi: KISUKE YAMASHITA

Katsunori Katagiri: TATSUO MATSUMURA

Kojuro Katakura: TERUHIKO SAIGO

Edo is so warm.

It's still winter in Sendai...

Yes, there's still snow on the ground.

I feel for you.

Mego. I have good news.

March 1614.

Ieyasu summoned Masamune to Edo.

Date Mansion, Edo

Mego, come here.

What could it be?

Your mother has asked for Date's help.

It was several days before I left Sendai.

I was in Watari on a falcon hunt.

She came without notice with only a few attendants.

She doesn't like living in Soma.

Since Tamura lost its fief they are unkind to her.

And where is Mother now?

She is in Sendai Castle.

I will look after her from now on

and give her a mansion in Sendai.

Thank you so much.

I'm happy for you, Mego.

Your mother is lonely now that she's grown old.

She left Soma because she wanted to see you.

She said she'll write to you with the details.

My defiant mother... who kept causing you trouble...

Never mind that now.

No matter how old you are a parent-child bond is strong.

We have to do our filial duty to give her a comfortable life.

What's the matter?

Thank you so much.

I'm grateful for your generosity.

Don't make too much of it.

Now that I have children, I know how a parent feels.

My lord?

Yes?

Did you get a response from Yamagata?

It hasn't changed.

She has no intention of coming to Sendai.

Does Lady Higashi still hold a grudge?

No... She admonished my messenger saying

now that Uncle is gone, she has to honor his will

and act as Iechika's guardian.

Is that so?

That must be Mother's only reason for living.

I am sorry.

I was insensitive to your feelings

and was thinking only of my mother.

That's fine.

Your happiness is my happiness.

I don't deserve it.

How long has it been since you came to Yonezawa?

It's thirty-five years.

Is that so?

For thirty-five years you couldn't go home,

wasn't at your father's deathbed,

and spent all your days in service to me.

The least I can do is to have you see your mother.

Will I see my mother?

You shall. Look forward to that day.

Are you sending Mother to Edo?

I can't do that.

Your mother is old.

She has a heart condition and is in bed.

Don't worry. We have good doctors in Sendai.

I've ordered the ascetic to offer special prayers for her.

I'm sure she will get better.

Could you please send me to Sendai?

I would like to nurse her.

A warrior lord's wife must remain in Edo.

I know that. But if something happens to Mother...

Wait until summer.

Summer?

The retired shogun is still wary of me.

He thinks I may rally the Christian

and go over to the Osaka side.

He will be even more suspicious

if I send you to Sendai now.

If you remain in Edo,

wouldn't the retired shogun and the shogun rest easy?

I will shortly take my retainers and head for Echigo.

Echigo?

It's the shogunate's orders.

I must help construct the castle

that will be Sir Tadateru's resident castle.

Sir Tadateru is a devout Christian which is banned.

As his father-in-law I have been ordered

to admonish him, make him renounce

and contain him in Takada Castle.

How trying...

The shogunate is testing me to see

whether I will lead Sir Tadateru and rebel

or show loyalty to the shogunate by containing him.

What will you do?

I must not be hasty and act recklessly.

Right now, I need to regain the retired shogun's trust.

I agree.

That's why I'm asking you to wait until summer.

If it's clear I am loyal to the Tokugawa

he will permit me to send you to Sendai.

I understand.

Reporting.

What is it?

Sirs Shigezane and Kojuro

are waiting for you, my lord.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

What's this special request?

Yes...

What's the matter, Kojuro?

Are you in low spirits?

That is not the case.

Then are you ill?

I have fainting spells and I'm hard of hearing.

You're too young to act old.

We have to leave shortly for Echigo.

I am sorry, my lord.

It's fine. Take time to recuperate

then come later.

Kojuro wants to retire.

What?

Please give me permission.

Although I was determined to accompany you

the doctor believes this illness is serious.

So after much consideration,

I think the only recourse is for me to retire.

What are you saying?

Without you I am nothing.

I am honored, sir.

You and Shigezane have supported me

since I was little.

I have depended on both of you.

I can't function without my right hand man.

I agree with that.

However, Kojuro is older than us

and he says he's exhausted all his energy.

I think a special dispensation is in order

so that he can serve you at a leisurely pace.

But I need Kojuro's wisdom

to control the hot-blooded Sir Tadateru.

Then I have the perfect candidate for you.

Perfect candidate?

It's Kojuro's heir.

- You mean Samon? - Yes, sir.

He's still very young.

He's composed and cool-headed.

He also excels in scholarship and martial arts.

We've summoned him here. I ask that you see him.

Samon. Come here.

I am honored to make your acquaintance.

Let me remind you.

In his first battle at Shiroishi Castle

Samon was the first to kill an enemy

and you rewarded him with a fine horse.

I know that.

Raise you head, Samon.

Doesn't he look like the young Kojuro?

No, he has even more character than Kojuro.

That's too much praise.

It's not.

If you let Samon inherit

and order him to accompany you to Echigo

he will be of great use to you.

I order Kojuro to accompany me.

- You can't, my lord. - It must be Kojuro.

- You're unreasonable. - Unreasonable?

What's the use of taking an invalid?

Fool. I'm taking Samon to Echigo.

- What did you say? - Don't you get it?

Not at all.

Samon may head the Katakura clan.

However, he must change his name to

Kojuro Shigetsuna Katakura.

Kojuro Shigetsuna Katakura?

That's right.

I'm taking that Kojuro.

- My lord - Give up, Shigezane?

You're taking Kojuro's namesake.

Thank you for this arrangement.

I happily accept.

My son is inexperienced so please take care of him.

Hey, Samon... no Kojuro.

Thank your lord.

I am extremely honored

that you would give me such consideration.

I wear to the God of War

I will obey your orders and swear allegiance

to the Date for life in my father's place.

So be it.

Take Bicchu as your retired name.

Kagetsuna Katakura Lord of Bicchu.

Thank you, sir.

This is a happy day.

Although I'm in the lord's presence,

I will give you a present.

Come here.

This is Hadakosode.

It is a sword given to Lord Tanemune by the emperor.

When my father Sanemoto was adopted by the Uesugi

he was given it as a memento.

You mustn't.

You can't give such a venerable sword

to a youngster like my son.

How dare you call him a youngster!

Since he's succeeded you,

from this day forward he is a castle lord.

However...

Are you saying you won't accept my present?

I defer to you.

It's all right.

I don't have a child to succeed me.

I will look after it.

Look after it?

This honorable sword

is the spirit of the brave warrior that you are.

So I want to repay you by becoming

the bravest warrior in the Date clan.

Until then I will take charge of the sword

and when I fulfill my greatest ambition

I will accept the sword as my own.

I see.

Well said.

Don't forget that promise.

Take Shigezane's wishes to heart

and devote yourself to your pursuit.

April 1, Masamune left for Echigo.

It took 14 days over Fuefuki Pass in Shinshu,

to arrive at the construction site of Takada Castle.

During his journey

Masamune composed the following poem.

Among the summer trees

are those flowers blooming on Usui Pass.

Among the summer trees.

are those flowers blooming on Usui Pass.

According to our lord's letter,

it rains for days there

and the castle construction isn't going well.

He must be having a hard time.

If the construction is delayed the shogun will be displeased.

No. On the contrary our lord scored a coup.

He persuaded Sir Tadateru to write an oath

to obey the shogunate's order banning Christianity.

Then Sister renounced her Christian faith?

Yes.

I can't believe it. She was so devout.

Young Lord, you must not say that.

If the town magistrate hears,

it could bring down the Date clan.

I know.

Listen well.

Edo is the shogun's city.

The shogun Sir Hidetada is now

the minister of the right of the first order.

Princess Kazuko will be the emperor's wife.

In this day and age if the Date heir

is heard to disparage the shogunate,

our lord's efforts will be for naught.

Please please be careful.

You're a coward, Shigezane.

What?

I heard you feared nothing when you were young.

That was fine then.

But now, the Date clan steers the country.

-�Steers the country? - That's right.

If we make a mistake steering,

not only our clan but the country will sink.

The more a warrior lord becomes important

the more care he must observe.

Shigezane.

Will Father forsake the Toyotomi clan?

That I don't know.

Are you satisfied that the powerful Masamune Date

has to walk one step behind the Tokugawa?

Isn't he just following the Tokugawa mother ship?

Hidemune.

Your father is a proud warrior. He is not a follower.

Refrain from making haughty pronouncements

when you are unschooled and unknowledgeable.

Did I annoy you?

Blindly causing trouble is not wise.

Know that everything is in Buddha's hand

and you can't always have your way.

Forgive me if I offended you.

But when Father was 24, he conquered all of Oshu

and had an audience with the taiko in Odawara.

I am now 24 but have not had any meritorious deeds

and idling away my time.

All I want is to have Father order me to war

so I can fight.

Don't be too eager.

This is your time to learn to be a good leader.

I want to know what makes for a good leader.

It's a merciful heart.

To be considerate of your vassals

and to love your people.

Your mother is correct.

If people hold you in high esteem the world will come to you.

Shigezane. Don't say that.

Edo is the shogun's town.

You got me there.

July.

When Takada Castle almost finished

an alarming situation was developing

in Osaka Castle where Hideyori Toyotomi reigned.

Rumor was spreading that

Osaka Castle

there was a curse on Ieyasu Tokugawa

inscribed into a temple bell donated by the Toyotomi clan.

It is inexcusable that they would make

false claims about the temple bell inscription.

How dare they!

However, not only the chief vassals

but even the lowly samurai are furious.

The situation is serious.

How ridiculous.

We are the ones who should be furious.

Katsumoto.

Where is this curse supposed to be?

First, the four characters kokka ankou.

Kokka ankou?

They say the character for Ieyasu (ka and kou)

have been split in two.

That's such a distortion.

The second if the phrase kunshin horaku shison inshou.

They say it means Toyotomi is the ruler

and will enjoy the prosperity of their descendants.

That's fine.

Ieyasu is Toyotomi's retainer.

Third is tougeisogetsu seisou shayou.

They've decided it means Kanto is in the shadow

and Osaka is the sun.

Did you explain this to the Kyoto governor, Sir Katagiri?

Of course. I told them it was forced and far-fetched.

But they were not satisfied

and want to investigate Priest Seikan who

inscribed the words so we should send him to Sunpu.

In other words,

the retired shogun is attempting

to confiscate Osaka Castle by making false accusations.

Insolence. Osaka Castle is the resident castle

the taiko gave to Hideyori.

I won't let an ingrate like Ieyasu have it.

I agree with you.

This is where we make our stand.

If we show weakness now,

it will haunt us for for generations.

Sir Harunaga.

Why don't we send a skilled assassin to Sunpu

and kill that old geezer.

That's too risky.

If we fail, it will mean war.

That's just what I hope for.

When the time comes,

we'll gather lords who are loyal to Toyotomi

and amass a huge army in Osaka castle.

We'll shower mercenaries with gold and silver

invite them into the castle

and embark on a revenge battle for Mitsunari Ishida.

Please give me some time.

What do you intend to do?

I will take my life and

find out the Tokugawa's true intentions.

I'll leave it up to you.

Toyotomi's long-time vassal Katsumoto Katagiri

went to Sunpu hoping for a reconciliation

but was sent away without an audience.

Reporting.

Sir Yukimura Sanada is here.

Oh, Yukimura. Come closer.

Katsumoto.

Isn't there any way to appease the Tokugawa?

What can I do?

Sir Honda suggested two course of action.

One, that your highness agrees to forced relocation.

Forced relocation?

Meaning leave the castle?

Yes.

How dare he!

Now we know what Ieyasu is really thinking.

And the other?

That we immediately let go all the ronins we recently hired.

That's out of the question.

They're trying to emasculate Osaka Castle.

We can't agree to either.

Promptly reject them in the taiko's name.

I have a third idea.

A third?

It is extremely regrettable but bearing the unbearable,

I ask that you personally go to Edo.

What?

Have an audience with Shogun Hidetada

and plead for reconciliation.

Are you out of your mind?

Needs must when the devil drives.

The Toyotomi are master to the Tokugawa clan.

I could agree to meeting Sir Hidetada in Osaka,

but our lord go down to Edo? That's against protocol.

Sir Hidetada is our lord's father-in-law.

Since he is, he shouldn't treat his son-in-law shabbily.

Then it can't be helped.

Please consider going as his representative.

Sir Katagiri. What did you say?

It is for the security of the Toyotomi clan.

- I beg you to consider. - Silence!

You expect me to be a hostage?

If not, the Tokugawa army will attack

and Toyotomi will be destroyed.

Destroyed?

I won't hear it.

Those are the facts.

One moment.

I don't agree with what Sir Katagiri is saying.

What do you mean?

Advising leaving Osaka Castle and ousting the ronins

are not things a vassal should say.

It's not I who's saying that.

It's what the Tokugawa are saying.

I hope you're not in collusion with Ieyasu.

How dare you accuse me.

You're just a ronin.

You're right. I am a ronin.

However, now that I've come to pay my debt to Toyotomi

no one is more loyal than I.

It's not just me

but all the ronins who's here with their former vassals,

Morichika Chosokabe, Katsunaga Mori

Matabi Goto, Daiemon Ban Bizen Kyogoku and others...

all fierce warriors.

When we are all united to meet

the hated Tokugawa head on,

and make good on our long standing grudge,

you, Sir Katagiri are urging surrender.

Not surrender, reconciliation.

You are a coward.

- What? -�Or else you are a traitor.

How presumptuous, Yukimura.

It is you who are disloyal who harms the Toyotomi.

You may leave.

You may leave.

I am talking to you Katsumoto Katagiri.

My lord? Please do not go to war.

I said leave.

Yukimura. Approach.

Can we win a war with Tokugawa?

It all depends on what we do from now on.

What do you mean?

First, we have to hoard supplies in preparation for a siege.

Buy as much rice as you can regardless of price.

We need at least 200,000 barrels.

Two hundred thousand!

Next, we have to renovate all our forts in a hurry.

We're already on that.

The rest depends on who comes to our aid.

If those friendly to the Toyotomi,

Sirs Shimazu, Kuroda, Fukushima, Hachisuka,

Asano and especially Masamune Date side with us

then our victory is assured.

We've already sent secret envoys to them.

And their reply?

They are all waiting to see which way the wind blows.

If we make our resolve clear,

I'm sure they will reply in the affirmative.

October. With Yukimura and the hawk faction in control

they began preparations for war.

Ieyasu Tokugawa also sent a call to arms

to his various warrior lords.

Masamune received the news in Sendai.

On his way,

he visited Shiroishi Castle where Lord Bicchu

Kagetsuna Katakura convalescing.

The palsy has rendered my husband's limbs useless.

We apologize profusely for not greeting you properly.

That snot a problem. Relax.

Thank you, sir.

Rejoice, Kagetsuna and Tsuta.

You have a good son.

As Shigezane said

his wisdom and courage exceeds even yours.

Thank you.

He's very knowledgeable about castle construction

and he showed his mettle in Echigo.

Sir Tadateru became very fond of him

and he would often summon Kojuro

and had sumo bouts and chess games with him,

just like they were brothers.

Be aware of who you are.

Yes, sir.

I thought I had good vassals

but Tadamune is even more fortunate than I.

As long as we have Kojuro Katakura the Date is secure.

My lord.

My husband would like to transfer the Katakura vassals

in your presence.

As you wish.

Kojuro. Approach.

The names of an army of 1,200 men are all inscribed here.

I acknowledge receipt.

You do know that this battle standard is a Katakura treasure.

Your father's sister gave this to him

so his fame would resound like the temple bell.

I gladly accept it.

It's been through a lot...

Fourteen major battles, numerous skirmishes...

Kagetsuna fought all the battles at my side.

That is why I regret not going with you.

But Kojuro will be with me instead.

Then think of Kojuro as me

and order him to be the vanguard army.

All right. I will make sure he distinguishes himself.

I am honored.

Kojuro. Don't ever forget your debt to the lord.

I won't, Father.

I will work hard to uphold the Katakura name.

Clear the room.

We want to talk in private. You may go.

Yes, sir.

You worked hard.

This hand protected me.

I don't deserve this.

My lord.

Osaka sent a letter...

How do you know that?

You've always had second sight.

What will you do?

I wonder.

Refuse in no uncertain terms.

It's too early for that.

Osaka Castle is the strongest fortress in Japan.

They have tremendous wealth

and are amassing ronin warriors every day.

The Spanish Armada may arrive in time.

You can't depend on things from overseas.

So Ieyasu will win?

Yes.

This once, be faithful.

How large is the Date army?

If we include the 4,000 in Edo, 18,000 men.

If we count the Echigo forces...

The Echigo forces are extremely unreliable.

Do not request to fight alongside them.

My son-in-law is raring to go.

That temperament will be his downfall.

He won't be allowed to join the fight with Osaka.

Use the Osaka battle

to regain the retired shogun's trust.

Always put the shogun first.

The battle will end very soon.

What?

The Osaka force will ask for a reconciliation.

Because he loves Princess Sen

the retired shogun will not push too hard.

Then what happens?

Another battle will ensue.

Next year, or the next...

Give your all to that battle.

The Spanish Armada may be in time for that.

Kojuro.

I'm tired.

Lie down.

Want some water?

I'd like... some sake.

Masamune arrived at Edo Castle on October 17.

After an audience with the shogun Hidetada

he was ordered to be the vanguard army

in a battle to defeat Osaka forces.

On the other hand, Tadateru Matsudaira

who arrived eagerly from Echigo

was left to guard Edo Castle.

November 19,

the winter siege of Osaka began.

The Toyotomi forces holed up in the castle numbered 96,000.

The Tokugawa forces surrounding the castle numbered 194,000.

Mother.

The castle is surrounded.

Don't be discouraged.

Osaka Castle is invincible.

It will never fall.

If they attack we will repulse them

and wait for reinforcements.

They will not arrive.

What are you saying?

Masamune Date sided with our enemy and

Masanori Fukushima remains in Edo.

Traitors.

Do they mean to repay the taiko with ingratitude?

The Asano Kuroda and Shimazu are all sitting on the sidelines.

They must think we are at a disadvantage.

What about you?

Do you think we have a chance to win?

I think you should send a messenger to Ieyasu

to ask for reconciliation.

That's laughable.

The Toyotomi will not bow to Ieyasu.

We're not surrendering. We're offering peace.

This is not like you.

Hideyori, don't tell me you too are willing to

take orders from Ieyasu?

That's all up to you.

If I choose this castle as my grave,

I will be obeying the taiko's dying wish.

What's happening?

What's that sound?

The enemy is shooting cannons at the castle keep.

Guard them.

What's going on?

It's dangerous to be here.

Go back.

Another hit.

I see plumes of smoke.

So this is the power of the Dutch cannon.

It is indeed a country destroying cannon.