Original subtitles

The face of Iwakura Tomomi is on the 500 yen bill.

I am Iwakura.

Iwakura was not a high class noble, so...

how did he climb up the ladder?

In order to approach Kampaku Takatsukasa Masamichi,

Iwakura participated in waka poem making.

After Perry arrived, Iwakura insisted...

the Emperor be restored and he became Chamberlain.

He was helped by his younger sister...

who was working for Emperor Koumei.

Kampaku Kujo [1856-1962] approved the trade treaty...

between Japan and US, but the Emperor didn't agree.

Iwakura gathered 88 people who didn't agree...

with Kujo's decision and forced Kujo to change his mind.

He thus gained the Emperor's trust.

After Ii was assassinated, Iwakura tried...

to bridge the Court and Shogunate by having Shogun Iemochi...

marry the Emperor's younger sister, Kazanomiya.

This was a strategy to get the Shogunate to obey the Emperor.

Shimazu Hisamitsu arrived in Kyoto,

and Iwakura got him to join his efforts.

Iwakura became the key person to communicate with the Court.

Tobu ga Gotoku

Episode 18: Strategy to Empower the Court

Screenplay: Osanai Mieko

Original Story: Shiba Ryotaro

Music: Ichiyanagi Toshi

Original subtitles: TV Network Japan, Inc.

Subtitle Transcription: Rashomon

Additional translation/Timing: Kame Fansubs QC: Avallac'h

Narrator: Kusano Daigo

Cast

Saigo Kichinosuke: Nishida Toshiyuki

Okubo Ichizo: Kaga Takeshi

Iwayama Ito: Tanaka Yuko

Okubo Masu: Kaku Chikako

Saigo Shingo: Ogata Naoto

Murata Shinpachi: Masuoka Toru

Ofusa: Manda Hisako

Moriyama Shinzo: Tono Eishin

Komatsu Tatewaki: Ohashi Goro

Oyama Kakunosuke: Kanie Keizo

Kanoe Tadahiro: Yagiyuu Hiroshi

Iwakura Tomomi: Kobayashi Katsuya

Shimazu Hisamitsu: Takahashi Hideki

Producer: Yoshimura Fumitaka

Director: Komatsu Ryuichi

At the Teradaya in Fushimi, on the night of April 23, 1862,

Satsuma samurai attacked their rebel clan members,

shocking the people of Kyoto and the Court.

I've been waiting for you. What a thing to happen!

That Shimazu Saburo really did it, didn't he?

Have you not heard? They say many died.

Kyoto's in an uproar, afraid that war may break out.

This is why I didn't want that bumpkin...

and his troops to come to Kyoto.

Now we'll see some big changes in the world.

We can't have war.

It has the opposite effect.

As long as Saburo is in Kyoto, the shogun's agent...

can't do anything since he knows he's outmatched.

The nobles were quick to get Hisamitsu a commendation.

By praising him, they'd bind him to protect Kyoto.

The sword of Samonji is presented especially to you.

Having received this great honor,

I pledge my life to maintain security.

That's most commendable.

Will you see to it that the shogunate pardons the nobles...

like Konoe here who were punished in the Ansei Purge?

Of course. That's the main reason behind my coming to Kyoto.

In due time, I'll demand the release of Lord Hitotsubashi...

and Lord Matsudaira, who are both sympathizers of the Court.

Saburo, you're not leaving us to go to Edo?

No, I'm not leaving Kyoto.

I suggest that the Court summon a key official...

of the shogunate to come to Kyoto.

My troops will back the terms of the negotiation.

That's very encouraging. Let's issue the summons...

for their head councilor immediately.

Thank you.

Congratulations seem to be in order.

I hope you'll pardon the smell.

We've been offering incense at the altar.

For a relation?

For Mr. Arima and the others slain at Fushimi.

They were important guests at this inn.

The others are waiting for you.

Ichizo...

I didn't kill my comrades so that Lord Hisamitsu...

could earn a recommendation.

I know that.

Then, why aren't you doing something to get pardons...

for Shingo and the other survivors?

Doesn't Ichizo have access to Lord Hisamitsu?!

No, Nakayama has conspired so that Ichizo...

can't get near Lord Hisamitsu.

Why don't you hurry back to Satsuma?

Appeal to our clan lord for leniency...

for Kichinosuke, Shingo, and the rest.

I haven't been hiding my head like a turtle.

Something that'll demand my attention will come up.

Waiting is another part of duty.

You'd go that far to be in favor with Hisamitsu?

Although the protection of the Court was planned by...

Lord Nariakira, it was Hisamitsu who realized it.

A cause needs a banner around which to rally.

So, you regard Hisamitsu as a banner?

I'll keep carrying the banner for Kichinosuke's sake.

If I abandon the banner,

who knows what may become of Kichinosuke?

Don't use Kichinosuke as an excuse!

Aren't you a Satsuma warrior?

Stop wallowing in self-pity.

What did you say?!

True, Arima did get killed.

But, thanks to you, Shingo and many others...

were prevented from dying senselessly.

Saigo, you've been granted special permission to see your kin.

However, you must see them below deck.

Thank you. Who's here to see me?

Come in.

Kichinosuke!

I thought it might be you.

Brother...

Don't try to pass him anything.

Is he the only one to be allowed visitors?

Why can't I see my family?

You heard this was a special case.

Is everyone at home all right?

Yea.

Grandmother passed away.

She did?

Ten days ago. We gave her a proper funeral.

We didn't know whether to tell you this or not,

but it seemed like a reason enough to request a visit.

It wasn't for any other reason, was it?

We told everyone not to say anything about you.

Grandmother died in her sleep without knowing this.

It's just as well. We expected to lose her someday.

If Grandmother was still alive,

she'd have wanted to follow you to Tokunoshima.

Tokunoshima?

You're being sent to Tokunoshima Island;

Shinpachi to Kikaijima.

I'm to go to Kikaijima?

Where are they sending me?

Nothing's been said about you yet.

Why not?

I'm a samurai, too! Is it my merchant background?

It's odd that I'm left out.

Why be impatient? We'll all end up exiled anyway.

How are things in Kyoto? Have you heard from Shingo?

No, not a word.

Not only Shingo; I'm worried about Ichizo, too.

That's it. Your time is up.

Please take care of yourself.

When the time comes, I'll be sure to come for you.

Oh, Mrs. Okubo!

Is Kichijiro in?

No, he went to Yamagawa Harbor yesterday.

Yanagawa Harbor?

Yes. If he managed to see Master Kichinosuke...

this morning, he should be home soon.

Who's there?

Aren't you...?

Forgive me for behaving rudely in the past.

I'm Iwayama Ito.

Today is the 14th day of the grandmother's death.

Miss Ito was asked to look after the house.

I see.

Shingo's being sent back here?

Yes.

Why is that?

I don't know anything for certain.

I received a letter from my husband.

He said that there was some trouble in Kyoto.

Trouble in Kyoto? And, Shingo was involved in it?

The letter didn't say that exactly.

Please tell me what happened.

Master Shingo said he'd be in the fore.

He wasn't hit by a bullet, was he?

Since most of them were young and impetuous,

they probably got into a brawl.

Mr. Okubo wouldn't take the trouble to write...

if it was only that.

It has me worried, too.

Could Shingo have fought the shogunate guards?

Could he have been wounded?

Was he badly hurt?

Is Oyama Yasuke all right?

I'm sorry.

Does that mean something happened to Yasuke, too?

According to my husband's letter,

there was some trouble in Kyoto for which...

twenty people received punishment.

Punishment? What do you mean?

Those young men went to help our lord!

Calm down, Gonbei!

We haven't heard the whole story yet.

Please go on.

Some were ordered to commit seppuku,

but Shingo was placed aboard a ship.

My husband wanted me to let the Saigo family know...

that all kinds of stories may circulate, but he'll see to...

Shingo's safety, so they should stand by patiently.

At times, one can't reveal details in the line of duty.

But I believe in my husband.

He's one to keep his word.

It means that we should wait for Shingo's return...

without letting rumors lead us astray.

I understand.

At least, we know that Shingo's alive.

Congratulations on your appointment...

as the Imperial Advisor.

The Satsuma blood spilt at the Teradaya Inn...

brought forth various results.

The nobles were released from confinement...

and Konoe became the Imperial Advisor.

The Court is just as good as the shogunate...

at dragging their feet.

Nakayama is working hard.

No, the nobles just don't play by the same rules as ours.

Lord Hisamitsu and Nakayama can't seem to understand it.

It can't be helped if those from Satsuma can't grasp...

the fact that this is the capital and...

words have double meanings here.

With you ousted from your post, we can't settle when...

or who should come to Kyoto from the shogunate.

It's utterly frustrating.

I'm looking for a way to pin down the nobles.

Pin them down?

Yes. Unless I find a way,

they'll have us so bound up that we can't move.

We can't allow the shogunate to delay any longer.

Excellent!

My master has decided that if they won't come here,

he'll go to Edo to reprimand them for snubbing the Court.

That would be a problem.

Why is that?

If Saburo goes to Edo, it'll weaken Kyoto's protection.

We can't let Saburo leave Kyoto.

It's a hit!

We mustn't be hasty.

We must watch which way the wind blows...

or we'll find ourselves in trouble once more.

Saburo was granted the Imperial commission...

to come and guard the Court.

It's his duty to protect the Emperor and the rest of us.

Remind him of that.

It's my turn now to show you what I can do.

Thank you for coming. We're about to start again.

Rubbish! What use is a vague answer like that?

- But... - Silence!

Where's Ichizo? Call him!

Ichizo has gone to check on the commissariat.

Who assigned Ichizo to such a task?

I expect him to be around when I need him!

Ichizo dealt with the nobles by impressing our point,

not inept negotiating like this!

My late brother's plan called for intervention...

in order to carry out the Imperial will.

I must go to Edo!

Shall I get Ichizo immediately?

After being reinstated at Hisamitsu's wish,

Ichizo paid a visit to Iwakura Tomomi.

He had heard about Iwakura's bold political prowess,

which was so uncharacteristic of a noble.

Pardon me for making you wait.

I am Okubo Ichizo, attendant to Lord Hisamitsu.

I am pleased to make your acquaintance.

Are you familiar with the 'singing' floors?

Singing floors? I don't believe that I am.

Nijo Castle and Nikko's Toshogu are supposed to have them,

though I haven't actually heard them myself.

My floors can be said to 'caw' rather than 'chirp'.

That means Satsuma's would be known for its thundering.

Thundering floors, eh? That's frightening.

Satsuma takes pride in military skills.

Instead of floors, we polish our swordsmanship...

and hone our minds to honor the Emperor.

Though warriors and courtiers may be alike in revering...

the Emperor, our roles can't help but be different.

Needs and costs, if there's anything, please tell us.

You've brought me a wonderful gift today.

No, you must forgive me for being a country bumpkin...

and not knowing what to give to a refined person.

Gold always makes a good gift.

Are you really from Satsuma?

Yes, I'm a Satsuma man, through and through.

Then why don't you use those Satsuma expressions?

One should do as the natives do.

I like you.

I thought Satsuma men...

were all inflexible like Shimazu Saburo.

But...

However, they're more trustworthy than men who're too pliant.

That's true.

I'm here today to ask you to speak in favor...

of my master's trip to Edo.

By the way, you wouldn't believe who visited me today.

An official of the Choshu clan.

May I ask why he was here?

This is what is called a timely visit.

Lately, Satsuma's been in high regard in Kyoto.

The disposal of the dissidents as Teradaya...

has quieted the other radicals.

And, with payments made so promptly, it's getting...

to the point where Kyoto can't do without Satsuma.

If that's the case, it may not make some lords happy.

One is Choshu's lord.

I was asked to use my influence to get Choshu...

a share of duty in the guarding of Kyoto.

I understand how important...

honor and pride are to a warrior. However...

This could be of advantage to both clans.

I'll discuss it with my master immediately.

If you could wait for a day or two.

You surprise me.

Never have I met a warrior as quick to catch on.

The weakening of Kyoto's security was the argument...

against my master's going to Edo.

If the Choshu troops took over the guard,

it would allay the fears of Lord Konoe and Lord Ogimachi.

I ask you again, are you really a Satsuma man?

Yes, through and through.

Stand back!

No unauthorized commoner is allowed to enter.

I am Iwakura.

The next day, Iwakura boldly came incognito...

to the Satsuma clan mansion.

So you're already agreeable to it?

Yes. Since Satsuma and Choshu can work together to...

carry out this task, please get a commission for Choshu.

It was easier than I thought it would be.

The thought that there might be rivalry between...

the clans and fighting might erupt had me so worried.

There's no need to fear. That's why we're here.

Okubo Ichizo is very discerning and protective of...

his master's interests.

Is this due to your training?

By Satsuma custom, the lords' orders...

are more important than life itself.

I see. No, I'm impressed.

About Moriyama...

Since nothing's been said yet, he's very depressed,

worried that he might be ordered to commit seppuku.

Shingo!

Kichinosuke!

Shingo was sent back, but Arima and his men...

were killed under Lord Hisamitsu's orders.

Arima was killed?

Everyone in the group was punished,

but, Shingo and Yasuke were placed only in confinement...

because of their youth.

How cruel.

Who were the ones killed?

Arima Shinshichi, Shibayama Aijiro...

Hashiguchi Sosuke, Tanaka Ken...

That's enough! Say no more!

I wanted to take revenge for you.

I'm sorry that I couldn't.

Shingo!

What about my son? Is Shingozaemon safe?

You must not carry on a conversation.

Shingo! Please answer!

Was my son sent back, too?

That's all I can overlook. Come!

Was my son killed, too?

Why hasn't my son come to see me?

Shingozaemon was badly wounded at the Teradaya.

After the inquiry, he was ordered to commit seppuku.

Seppuku?

He ended his life nobly like a true Satsuma warrior.

What has Ichizo been doing?

Moriyama! What are you doing?

Stop! Drop the blade!

Keep away! I'm a samurai, too!

Stay away, or I'll kill myself!

How can an upstart samurai like you kill anyone?!

How dare you say that!

Don't, or I'll kill myself!

Calm yourself.

I am a warrior.

There's nothing left for me now.

No, you still have your pride as a warrior.

I didn't regret what I gave up for the Seichugumi...

not my business, house and property, fields nor paddies.

But...

the son whom I raised to become a fine warrior...

is dead.

And Shingo was a witness to his brave death.

My son was a samurai to the end.

I'd like to commit seppuku...

which my son won't find laughable.

But, I was raised in a merchant's house...

and don't know the etiquette of seppuku.

You mustn't kill yourself.

I'll go in a way that I won't botch it and disgrace myself.

Moriyama...

Moriyama, you were too hasty.

He wanted to be with his son.

You want to take an Imperial envoy to Edo?

If the shogunate can't send a key official to Kyoto,

you'll come ahead by taking the initiative...

and sending an envoy to convey the Court's views.

If the envoy is escorted by Shimazu Saburo and...

his 1,000 select troops, there won't be any loss of authority.

Good thinking, Okubo.

There's no need for pretense.

Reforming the shogunate was actually Satsuma's idea.

You're right. But, wouldn't you care if reforms were...

neglected and the Court was oppressed again?

How the world has changed...

For someone who stood in the farthest corner...

of Japan until recently to speak so boldly.

Forgive me.

No matter how great his procession, a person without...

rank or title wouldn't be able to gain entry...

to Edo Castle or even see the shogun.

Being a daimyo's father isn't enough to get...

the shogunate to take him seriously.

If he goes with the envoy, they must acknowledge him.

You're right.

I like your frankness.

Please do what you can to help us.

I think it's a good idea,

but I don't know if Ogimachi will approve.

If you'd put in a word with him.

You never give up, do you?

That's the only strong point of which I can boast.

Okubo? Is he here again?

Tell him that I have a cold.

I did, but he said that he'd wait until you're better.

Is he really waiting?

The nobles feared the repercussion from...

the shogunate for sending an envoy.

Ichizo continued on his plan to bring them about.

Ogimachi said not even a crowbar would budge you.

This is true.

You're like this overgrown garden.

You keep encroaching at the slightest opportunity.

Nameless grasses are the ones who'll grow...

despite being trod upon repeatedly.

Ohara Shigetomi should do as the envoy.

That's great.

As long as you're going to Edo,

I'd like to add to Shimazu's message.

There are just two items.

I've made a draft. Will you look at it?

I'd like to.

One of Iwakura's proposals is to have the Shogun come...

to discuss the expulsion of foreigners with the Court.

The other is to have a regency of five daimyo...

to administer the shogun's government.

Both are clever ways to forestall Satsuma...

from monopolizing the Court's authority.

Satsuma's objective is shogunate reforms.

As long as this purpose is not displaced,

other matters are of no trouble.

We will leave on May 22nd...

to escort the Imperial envoy to Edo.

Well done.

Thank you.

Tatewaki, you've done well, too.

As of today, you shall be the deputy chief steward.

Ichizo will take charge as the chief of attendants.

I thank you for the honor.

Nakayama, you will act as a steward back home.

I hear that resentment grows daily...

over the treatment meted to Arima's group.

It's time to do away with excesses and bring about unity.

Is that understood?

Tanimura Ainosuke will return with Nakayama...

to assist him. Is that understood?

Hisamitsu headed for Edo to carry out Nariakira's plan.

With the military backing of a tozama daimyo, the Court,

which had been completely powerless, was now in the...

unprecedented situation of dictating to the shogunate.

Meanwhile, Kichinosuke and Murata Shinpachi were sent...

into exile to the islands in the south.

It was June 6, 1862.

Edo - Satsuma clan mansion

On the day after that, Hisamitsu arrive in Edo.

What shall I do about the rice from Osaka?

Ask Nagano.

Likewise, it was Ichizo's first trip to Edo.

Kichinosuke, I'm here in Edo.

I've finally come to Edo.

To be continued.