Original subtitles

Special Drama

A very small country is

about to become a civilized nation.

"Small" is the perfect description for Japan in the early Meiji era.

Japan's only industry was farming.

The only work force were former samurais who lived a leisurely life for 300 years.

The Meiji Restoration brought modernization to Japan.

"Nation"

Japan became a nation for the first time.

Every Japanese became a citizen of a nation.

"Citizen"

All was new to the "citizens" of Japan.

They were the first to experience this history.

They were filled with exhilaration from the modernization.

People's exhilaration was so powerful that it was almost painful.

But that is the basis of history from this time period.

Children from any family of any social status now had hope.

If they possessed certain mindset and diligence for hard work,

they could be a doctor, a government official, a service person or a teacher.

The exuberance of this time stemmed from

The Optimism

"the optimism" of the people.

It may appear laughable now.

Citizens of a nation with only rice and silk production capability

endeavored to establish a navy equal to the European nations.

The same was true for their army.

The country's finances were completely depleted.

But they just moved forward to build a modem nation.

That was the objective of the Meiji Restoration.

And it was also the pure determination of the Japanese citizens.

This story follows how this small country was lead to a war against

a European superpower, Russia, and how it conducted itself in the process.

The main character could be Japan, an insignificant nation of that time.

Instead, we will follow the lives of three characters.

The three men lived in Iyo-Matsuyama in the Shikoku region.

Saneyuki Akiyama was born in this old castle town.

Saneyuki

He planned tactics to defeat the unbeatable Baltic Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War.

And he executed those tactics.

His older brother was Yoshifuru Akiyama.

Yoshifuru

He trained the Japanese cavalry to defeat the Cossacks, the world's strongest cavalry.

It was a miraculous feat.

The third man marked a new phase in Japanese Haiku and Tanka.

He became the founder of new literary forms, Shiki Masaoka, the poet.

Shiki

All three carried the typical disposition of the Meiji era.

They only looked at what was ahead of them.

If there were white clouds glistening in the blue sky above a hill,

they would only focus on the clouds and climb the hill.

Cloud Above the Slope

Episode One: Nation of Youth

March, 1868

I must help.

Iyo-Matsuyama

I must help.

Hey, Shin-san.

Let's go fishing.

I'm going to have a brother or a sister any minute.

I need to go and help.

I must help.

People called him Shin-san.

Yoshifuru Shinzaburo

Yoshifuru Shinzaburo Akiyama was ten. It was in the spring time.

A development took place that overturned the Matsuyama Domain and his family.

It was the Meiji Restoration.

"Surrender to the Imperial Court and pay an indemnity of 150,000 ryo."

The domain's funds ran out after paying the indemnity.

All samurais were in extreme poverty.

I must help.

Akiyama was a low-ranking samurai and the family lead a life of misery.

They already had four children.

And now, another baby boy, adding extra stress and expense.

Which one?

A boy.

No!

That's not good.

How am I supposed to bring up five children?

Give him to the temple.

You can't do that.

Don't send the baby to the temple.

I will study very hard.

I'll make the money as much as tofu.

As much as tofu?

I'll protect you.

I'll take care of you.

Shin-san,

I'm remembering about the time you were born.

You were such a small baby, born three months early.

But look at you now.

He's going to get big too.

He will owe you so much for the rest of his life.

Shin-san is your savior.

Father owes you, too.

Money as much as tofu.

I'd love to see that much money.

Did you say tofu?

I want to eat as much as I can.

I want to eat until I'm full.

Stop talking about tofu.

It'll only make you more hungry and miserable.

Shin, you should sleep.

Yes, Mother.

Good night.

Saneyuki Jungoro

He was named Saneyuki Jungoro Akiyama.

Six years later

A former samurai, Kaida, built a bathhouse on his property.

Early spring, 1874

The news about a former samurai becoming a bathhouse owner stirred up the town.

Half of the talk was unfavorable criticism.

But that was just a small part of the gossip.

The main talk of the town was the fact that Akiyama's boy was working there.

Shin-san.

You need to build a good fire.

I'm sorry.

I need you to work to earn your pay.

Are you done sprinkling water in the front?

I'll do it now.

I was a samurai. I don't like running a bathhouse either.

Okay.

He's got such a cute face but he's not that smart.

Shut up!

The samurai's son is now scrubbing grime off people's backs.

Your family was stuck up samurais.

But you surrendered without fighting when Tosa arrived.

Didn't you?

"Conquest of Choshu, what an easy defeat."

"Put a bag over a cat and it'll crawl..."

Stop that!

I don't allow anyone to make fun of my brother.

How scary.

Don't start.

Little brother is belligerent and loves to fart.

You're such stinky brothers.

You can't afford rice, so eat beans and fart.

Stinky. So stinky.

What did you say?

Hey!

You can help me.

You love to study. How come you can't go to the middle school?

We should be grateful we weren't put up for adoption.

I don't understand this world.

Jun.

This book was written by the person I respect the most in this world.

And who is that person?

"An Encouragement of Learning"

His name is Yukichi Fukuzawa.

Yukichi Fukuzawa...

"An Encouragement of Learning" was written by him.

In which, he says...

One must become self-sufficient.

To create an independent nation.

One must become self-sufficient?

Everyone must become independent,

so that the nation can stand on its own.

You may be too young to understand.

I want to save up money.

So I can get an education in Tokyo.

And I can meet this man.

That is my dream.

Chief!

Chief, we need to save Nobo-san.

We must hurry.

Let's go!

Shiki Masaoka became a courageous reformist in literary history.

But, he was a most cowardice child.

Stop it.

Tsunenori Noboru Masaoka

Do you hate samurai that much?

Samurai had protected Matsuyama for the last 300 years.

This topknot is the samurai's soul.

We'll get your silly soul off.

Don't touch me.

Brother!

Brother!

Brother!

I'll beat anyone who bullies my brother.

Interesting.

Let's see it.

Come on. Do it.

Attention.

Attention.

Masaoka's family used to be the horse guard for the former Matsuyama Domain.

They were the bodyguards for the lord at the battle.

They held a decent rank.

Brother is home.

Watch this for me.

Shiki lost his father when he was six years old.

At his young age, he became the head of the family.

"Confucius says to reflect back on one's conduct three times a day."

"Confucius says..."

Shiki's grandfather was Kanzan Ohara, the top scholar in Matsuyama.

He had the fortune to learn reading directly from Kanzan.

- Noboru. - Yes.

Kanzan kept his topknot.

He demanded the same to his grandson and made him carry a short sword.

That's good enough.

Thanks for your work.

Oh, Shin-san.

Maybe you've heard about it already.

Don't you know it yet?

A school that doesn't cost any money opened in Osaka.

A free school?

That's right.

It's called a normal school.

But that is strange.

Your father works for the educational affairs section.

I wonder why he hasn't told you about the new school.

You should ask him.

Welcome home.

Where's Father?

In the garden.

Jun!

I've just returned.

I hear Kaida's bathhouse is doing well.

Many people still criticize a samurai to start a bathhouse.

I'm impressed with him.

You must have some money saved up.

I don't get paid much for preparing fire at the bathhouse.

Shin, listen carefully.

Heroes of present and past all come from poverty.

The reason why I don't make much money is for my children.

If parents are well-to-do, children don't work hard.

I will feed you.

But you're on your own for the rest.

Smooth words make smooth ways.

Father.

Have you heard of a free school?

Free?

Why all of a sudden?

A normal school in Osaka doesn't cost any money to enter.

You have quite a sharp ear.

Then it's true.

You work at the educational affairs, but why didn't you tell me?

That's the very reason I can't talk about it at home.

You should have told him.

Please let me go to that school.

How can I enter in that school?

It won't be a burden to you if it's free.

He's the brightest student of Meikyokan School.

Think about Brother.

You keep quiet.

Take this.

Now.

I'm afraid I can't talk about it here.

Ehime Prefectural Office

I know the reason why you're here. Lift your head now.

How old are you now?

I'm sixteen.

You're sixteen.

Not ready.

You're not old enough.

The normal school's regulation states you must be nineteen or older.

You must wait three years.

I can't wait three years.

I want to go to school and learn as early as I can.

I see. You can't wait.

If you say you can't wait, then I'll have to see.

There's a way.

In Osaka, you can take the test for becoming an elementary school teacher.

If you pass the test, you can become an assistant teacher.

And you can earn seven yen each month.

Why don't you become a teacher first?

You can study until you turn nineteen.

Then you can try the normal school.

Travel expense?

How do I get my travel expense to Osaka?

That would have to be your personal expense.

How would you get it?

I will go home and discuss this matter with my father.

I'm certain he will have a solution.

You're fortunate to have a good father.

Yes.

Thank you very much.

He left for Osaka on the New Year's day, the following year.

Father and Mother, please stay well.

Shin-san!

You take good care of yourself.

Please stay well.

Stay healthy.

Shin-san, take care.

Jun?

What the hell?

Brother!

Stop being mischievous. You all must study hard.

Let's compete with studying.

Jun.

You must put more effort into studying.

Become self-sufficient.

In April, Shiki's grandfather, Kanzan Ohara, passed away.

Kanzan kept his topknot and lived as a samurai until the very end.

That's what you've been up to.

What are you doing up here?

We're making something good.

What's all this?

How beautiful!

What do you think?

These are fireworks. Aren't you impressed?

They're great.

I'll shoot it again.

It's beautiful.

Nobo-san, you told me once.

Your grandfather loved Matsuyama's fireworks the most.

The fireworks were banned after the Restoration.

Nobo-san, don't you think it's time to cut off your topknot?

This is my grandfather's soul.

If I cut it off, I'm worried I may cut my tie with my grandfather.

You'll have to cut it someday.

I think he'll forgive you.

Nobo-san, why don't you light the next one?

Hurry and do it.

Brother, hurry.

Do it. Hurry.

There.

Grandfather.

Hey, you kids!

Stop the fireworks now!

You know the fireworks are banned.

We'll come up and get you.

Just wait there.

Watch your steps.

We must get away.

Ichiko, take the gunpowder. Tadashi, take the tube.

Throw them in the field before you get caught.

Ri-san, just act ignorant.

Here I come.

Nobo-san,

Wait!

I am very sorry.

We already know your son is the ringleader.

A boy working at the gunnery institute stole the gunpowder from the storage.

Isn't that what you did?

Where's the proof?

Jun!

Everyone in Matsuyama knows that you're a troublemaker.

Then why did you take so long to catch me?

You fool!

Who do you think you're talking to?

How outrageous!

I am truly sorry.

Make sure you have a strict talk with him.

- Let's leave. - Yes, sir.

I sincerely apologize.

Jun.

I'll die with you.

You stab your chest with this and kill yourself.

Now.

I'm so sorry.

Please forgive me.

Anybody home?

Oh, it's Nobo-san.

What happened?

Jun, come here quick.

Nobo-san!

I just cut it off.

How do I look?

The Restoration is happening to Nobo-san, too.

Your new hairstyle looks great.

The Meiji Restoration was

a revolution by the samurais.

Many samurais lost their lives.

The enormous expense for this historical drama was

paid by a feudal lords.

What they got in return was the loss of their clans and no jobs for the samurais.

Abolition of clans and start of prefectural system

They must have doubted the purpose of the Meiji Restoration.

This soon lead to rebellions of samurais all over Japan.

The largest and the last rebellion was

the Satsuma Rebellion.

In February 1877, Takamori Saigo decided to lead 12,000 Satsuma warriors.

This war was on an unprecedented scale.

Ex-domains in Kyushu joined forces and 30,000 fought against the new government.

This ended the lives of the powerful samurai clans including Satsuma.

700 years of samurai culture that started in the 12th century perished.

The biggest event in Saneyuki's childhood was Yoshifuru's return home.

Yoshifuru achieved his goal and graduated from the normal school in Osaka.

He then moved to Tokyo.

He entered another government sponsored school.

It was the Army Academy.

You must greet your brother.

You know he is your savior.

What's that about?

When I was born, Brother begged not to give me away.

Here we are.

We got a superb sea bream today.

And I brought the best sake.

This must be some type of a mistake.

I ordered them on my way home.

Thank you for your business.

Oh, wait. Excuse me.

Mother, don't worry.

I paid for them already.

Father, let's drink.

Brother, thank you for this meal.

- Thank you. - Thank you for this meal.

This is so delicious.

Very tasty.

It's my first time to eat at Jun's house.

That hurts.

Father, I've decided to move into the cavalry.

Cavalry.

Our ancestors were guards for the castle.

Do you envy the samurais who rode horses?

My long arms and legs are suited to be a cavalryman.

That's my brother.

Shin,

why did you decide to go in the military?

I think about feeding myself first.

The Army Academy is not only free but offers allowances.

One must take measure to find a means of livelihood.

Support one's family first, then the town and the nation.

You taught me that.

Did I?

Have a drink.

Thank you.

It was the right decision to make you quit the bathhouse.

Thanks to my foresight.

Listen to him.

Jun!

When I become a sublieutenant, Jun finishes the elementary school.

I'll send money for him to go to the middle school.

This troublemaker is more suited for a temple than a school.

Father, this is our promise.

You're so fortunate to have such a nice brother.

I envy you.

At that time, "monkey" was the pathetic nickname given to the Japanese people.

Their appearance resembled the monkeys.

But they copied the European culture as if it were "monkey see, monkey do."

Japan was the only Asian country that rushed to westernize.

It wanted to ride the waves of the industrial revolution.

Japan must have appeared insane in the eyes of other Asian countries.

Europeans scoffed at the Japanese "monkey see, monkey do" approach.

But Japan and its citizens were seriously committed to the change.

Japan's industry and military affairs lagged behind the Western countries.

By copying all at once, Japan hoped to build the infrastructure very quickly,

so that it could enjoy the glory of being a wealthy nation with military power.

In reality Japan's state was far from enjoying the glory.

Japan believed westernization was the only way out of becoming a fallen nation like China.

Japan threw away its past and proceeded aggressively with westernization.

It was life or death for this nation.

Spring, 1883

Saneyuki and Shiki both entered Matsuyama Middle School.

Everybody, pay attention.

Human rights of ten years...

Shiki was devoted to the movement for civic rights and freedom at that time.

Freedom exists somewhere.

We must reject the clannism.

We must fight against the government for our freedom of speech.

Freedom is the right of democracy!

Absolutely!

Political speeches in public like this was common in Ehime at that time.

After all, it was near Tosa, the home of civic rights and freedom movement.

No political gathering in the middle of a road is allowed.

Who is responsible for this?

Who is putting this together?

Sorry, I dropped some.

Akiyama, it's you again.

Matsuyama is cursed as long as you're around.

This is not a political gathering.

We gathered to sing and dance.

Isn't that right, Nobo-san?

He is absolutely right.

Let's sing the Civic Rights Counting Rhyme.

Officer Sonoda should join us.

It'll make you happy.

Number one.

No one is above anyone.

All people have the same rights.

Number two.

Someone's favorite phrase is "I'll arrest you."

He only acts important, but his brain is empty.

That is this officer here.

I'll arrest you even though you're students of Matsuyama Middle School.

Arrest me if you're so desperate to arrest someone.

You grew up in Matsuyama.

No Matsuyama people are happy with the clannism of Satsuma-Choshu.

We're frustrated with the people who can't speak up to the tyrannical politics.

That's why we sing and dance with our message with no hesitation.

I'm frustrated with you students who don't have any clues about the law.

What about the law?

The law is the law.

If you continue, I'll have to arrest you.

Come with me.

Number three.

In this world of civic rights,

some people still haven't woken up.

Brother!

Brother! Brother!

Where is Brother?

Brother!

Brother, where are you?

I'm here, Ritsu.

I'm over here.

Ouch, ouch.

That hurts!

What are you doing to Brother?

I don't tolerate anybody who bullies him.

She's right.

I wasn't bullying him.

Your brother was infected with the civic rights and freedom movement.

Brother, you got a letter from Uncle Kato.

What? A letter from him?

Today is the last day for me to be part of Matsuyama's movement.

What happened?

I'm glad to hear that.

I don't want to get rough either.

But you're one tough girl.

"If you so desire, when you receive this letter..."

"you must act on it as soon as you can."

I did it, Jun-san!

I'm going to Tokyo!

Uncle Kato gave me permission.

I can go to Tokyo!

He's going to Tokyo! To Tokyo!

I promise I'll become the prime minister.

Sounds good.

It'll take too long to study at a local school.

I'll move to Tokyo.

I'll go to a school there.

Sounds good.

Nobo-san.

I'll work hard in Matsuyama.

We'll compete with studying in two places.

Jun-san.

I'm sorry.

Why apologize?

Put your fighting spirit and work hard.

If you slack off in Tokyo, I'll get ahead of you.

Okay.

You can't beat me. So you work hard, too.

I will.

Tokyo, here I come!

Jun!

Nobo-san is quitting the middle school in Matsuyama,

so he can go to a school in Tokyo.

That's right.

He'll stay with Uncle Kato who works for the foreign ministry.

We will miss him.

Yes, we will.

We've been together since we were very little.

Jun.

You be patient.

The Masaoka family holds a higher rank.

They have more money than us.

Shiki left for Tokyo.

Several others also quit the local school to move to Tokyo,

as if it were a trend.

Their goal was to enter the Preparatory School for the University of Tokyo.

Saneyuki was left in Matsuyama.

Why don't you take a break?

Thank you.

We have no men left.

You're a big help for us.

I'm happy to help anytime.

Thank you.

Ri-san, I'll leave this here.

Okay.

You're sweating so much.

Can you tie it around my head?

That's too tight.

I'm sorry.

Thanks.

I got this from Brother. I'm sure you received it, too.

Yeah.

"Everything I see and hear in Tokyo is fascinating to me."

"I want to show Mother and Ritsu someday."

He talks about it like it's his town.

He's completely infatuated with Tokyo. I wonder if he's all right.

I don't know.

Is Tokyo that much fun?

All everybody talks about is Tokyo.

It's done.

- I'm going home. - What?

You don't look happy lately.

You're like a stray dog when you're upset.

I'm not upset.

You can't go to Tokyo so you're taking it out on us.

I don't want to go to Tokyo.

You're lying.

Your brother will come crying home soon

I'm done.

Jun.

What is it?

Don't you want to go o Tokyo?

Father,

I need to say this to you.

What is it?

It's your bad habit to play around with my feelings.

Jun!

First of all, we have no money.

The tuition is already taken care of.

Did I hear you right?

We have money.

Is Tokiwa-kai sponsoring me?

No, that's not it.

As long as I work at Tokiwa-kai, I can't let you take advantage of it.

Then who's paying for it?

I'll tell you.

I received a letter from Shin.

Send Jun. I'll take care of him.

That's what it says.

Brother.

I didn't ask him anything.

Even though you two are far away, Shin knows how you feel.

It'll be lonely here.

That's the fate of parents.

Father and Mother, thank you.

I'll go to Tokyo.

I'll become someone important so I can repay you.

Please wait until then.

It was in the autumn when Saneyuki quit school to move to Tokyo.

The ocean here I come. I'm going beyond this ocean.

There you are. Come this way.

Hurry.

The head of the Matsuyama Domain security, Mr. Tomita.

Please go ahead.

Listen, Saneyuki Jungoro Akiyama.

Raise Matsuyama Domain's reputation and make us proud when you go to Tokyo.

You understand what he meant.

I will not get in trouble.

That's right.

Mr. Tomita, we're grateful for your kind words.

This way.

You take care.

I'll build foundation for all of you.

Are you going to be a prime minister?

I'll leave that for Nobo-san.

Will you make money as much as tofu?

That's funny.

I'll try.

Thank you for everything.

You must stay patient even if someone tells you something you don't like.

Yes, Father.

Just do what Shin-san tells you.

Yes, Mother.

I'll send you more about the time you finish these.

I'm going now.

I'm off!

What's the matter?

Are you going to miss me that much?

I'm not going to miss you.

I'm relieved not to have a troublemaker.

I envy my brother and you.

I'd go with you if I were a man.

I'm off.

Please take care of my brother.

Don't worry. I'll protect Nobo-san.

Jun-san!

Don't do anything extreme in Tokyo.

Ri-san, you must come to Tokyo...

Jun-san!

This isn't good. I'm starting to cry.

The boat only went to Kobe.

Overnight stay in Kobe was required to get on another boat to Yokohama.

The journey took four to five days.

The railroad was only between Yokohama and Tokyo.

It was six years later in 1889 when the Tokaido line was completed.

This is amazing.

Please come this way.

I'll take your bag.

This way, please.

This way. You must be tired.

Here you go. Take a seat here.

No, I don't need this.

Excuse me, Mister?

Saneyuki was fascinated by the horse-drawn streetcars.

Those streetcars moved swiftly as if the horses were flying in the air.

Shinbashi was the front door of Tokyo.

The nearby Ginza was the symbol of civilization created by the government.

Sakuma, a former retainer to Shogun, lived in their family mansion in Kojimachi.

Saneyuki knew Yoshifuru was renting a room here.

This is it.

Brother lives in this massive mansion.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

You must be Akiyama's brother.

Yes, I am.

Please come in.

Excuse me.

This way.

You must have noticed a big building in Miyakezaka.

Yes, I guess.

That is the Army War College.

That's where your brother started to go from this spring.

College.

It's... over there.

Please enjoy your stay.

Two of us in here.

Jun.

Brother.

I'm glad you came.

What a beautiful horse.

Thank you for taking me.

You must be hungry.

Yes.

We have to cook three cups of rice from today.

Yes.

Eat as much as you want.

Thank you.

It was odd, but Yoshifuru only owned one rice bowl.

He filled it with sake, drank it and then passed the bowl to his brother.

His younger brother then ate rice with that bowl.

I hear you go to a college now.

There are many levels in colleges.

I want to try the Preparatory School for the University of Tokyo.

Do you think you'll enter?

I know it's not that easy to get in even after studying for a full year.

- Jun. - Yes?

Pick the battle you can win.

I will win.

But,

I have to ask you something.

What is it?

I'm thinking about applying for a scholarship from Tokiwa-kai.

I need money to continue my education.

I can't be a burden...

You're wrong.

If you rely on others for money, that will only limit you for the rest of your life.

But it's Matsuyama's lord who will be sponsoring...

It's the same, even for a lord.

Jun,

do you know why we share one rice bowl?

That's...

It's not because we're poor.

It's not?

A man must successfully complete one thing in his life.

So you must lead a plain and simple life.

Plain and simple life.

That's right. Plain and simple.

You just worry about winning your battle.

Hurry up and eat. I need to eat, too.

Yes.

Shiki was studying English at Kyoryu School in Kanda.

Kanda Kyoryu School

There was a higher chance of going to the Preparatory School from Kyoryu.

Nobo-san!

Jun-san!

Juri-san, you're here!

Jun-san, I'm so glad you came!

I came across the ocean.

So happy you're in Tokyo.

Very happy!

This is the real English.

Takahashi-sensei came back from America.

What were we learning in Matsuyama?

What did he say?

Read the same place.

English gentlemen are philanthropists

assisting the weak and striking down the strong.

They show great respect for the law. They detest all unfairness.

They fight for justice.

Any fool can learn a language.

It's easy to mimic how a chicken cry.

A fool does a better job.

Then I'm more fool than you.

I'm too clever to mimic someone else.

But,

you have to throw away your pride when you study.

The Western powers consider us Japanese below barbarians.

Below animals.

But this textbook states English gentlemen are philanthropists

assisting the weak and striking down the strong.

That logic only works between the Westerners.

If you take that as is, you'll find yourself in big trouble.

Let me tell you.

When I went to America, I didn't know English enough.

So I ended up being sold.

What does he mean by that?

I was sold as a slave.

I was thirteen when I went to America.

I was introduced to the Brown family in Oakland.

I was told I can learn English there so I signed the paper as they told me.

But that turned out to be a contract to be a slave.

But I'm a very fortunate man.

My fellow Japanese rescued me.

I escaped from slavery.

I've been lucky since I was a child.

Even if I face failures or enormous difficulties,

I somehow manage to survive.

This teacher's name was Korekiyo Takahashi.

Korekiyo Takahashi

He was a financier of the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras.

He move to England so he could collect funding for the Russo-Japanese War.

Government's Finance Committee Correspondent in 1905

He succeeded in securing 820 million yen of foreign loan.

In 1907, he was given the title of Baron.

That was his lifetime achievement.

Prime Minster and Finance Minister in 1921.

He became the Prime Minister in 1921.

February 26, 1936

He was killed during the coup detat February 26, 1936.

Assassinated during the 2-2-6 incident.

The former shogun retainer family Sakuma had a daughter nicknamed "Ohi-sama."

Her real name was Tami.

"Chin" rides on a horse, too.

Chin?

Your cute eyes remind me of a Chin (Japanese spaniel).

Ohi-sama, welcome back.

That soldier called me Chin.

Chin?

Chin of chinmi, a delicacy?

No, Chin as in dog.

Oh, Ohi-sama.

The master ordered me to keep you away from the annex.

I won't get near where animals live.

Have a pleasant day.

The younger brother is even filthier.

Those brothers are funnier than a bad comedian.

They eat sharing one rice bowl.

Are they that poor?

Soldiers are usually poor.

And they drink so much sake.

They're such drinkers, emptying five cups a day.

Heavy drinking animals.

Don't you dare get near them.

They're of indirect retainers.

Fifteen years have passed since the Meiji era started.

But the status was still prominent in the upper residential areas of Tokyo.

Within the samurai rank, a former retainer considered as high as the lord.

They were the direct retainer to Shogun.

The Akiyama family was considered as "Matamono" or indirect retainer.

And they were looked down on.

Tami had no idea that she would eventually become the wife of this Meiji army soldier.

Takahashi invited Saneyuki and Shiki to the foreign settlement in Yokohama.

What an amazing place.

This is no Japan.

Foreigners are all so big.

I don't think they're smart because the wisdom can't reach their head.

This is just amazing.

What are you doing?

If you want that, you must pay.

Money. Money.

You must pay money.

You sell stolen goods.

This armor is ours.

These were all stolen.

That's a false accusation.

These are...

Will report to the police. You thief!

Please believe me. I don't sell stolen goods.

Please help me.

Please help. I don't sell stolen goods.

You should stop.

I didn't get what he said.

Just return them to him.

Then check if they're stolen or not.

Get away, mimicking monkey.

You called me a monkey?

Jun, don't start a trouble.

Jun.

But they called me a monkey!

Jun. Jun!

Nobo-san, be careful!

Nobo-san, are you all right?

That is Queen's English. Beautiful pronunciation.

Korekiyo-sensei.

Thank you.

Wait, bad foreigner! We'll report you to the police.

That's not possible. You can't do that.

Japanese law doesn't apply to the foreigners.

Extraterritorial rights.

That's stupid.

It's time to head to the harbor.

Today's main event is about to start.

Excuse me.

Sensei.

That's "Tsukushi," the new cruiser.

It's the state-of-the-art warship purchased from England.

So it came all the way from England.

-That's amazing. - Absolutely amazing.

It's an expensive purchase for a poor country like Japan.

- Nobo-san. - What?

There must be so many things we don't know beyond the ocean.

- Akiyama. - Yes.

Recite that phrase but change the subject to Japanese gentlemen.

Okay.

No, in Japanese.

Yes.

Japanese gentlemen are philanthropists,

assisting the weak and striking down the strong.

They show great respect for the law.

They detest all unfairness and fight for the justice.

We need to have constitutional law in place,

and establish the Diet.

We need to show our justice to the world.

Once we can prove that we're a nation of gentlemen,

we can eliminate extraterritorial rights.

I found it. Here it is.

What are you doing?

You're too young for newspapers.

Don't get influenced by the opinions of others.

Wait until you grow up.

But reading is reading...

Where did you get those?

Mother sent them to me for the cold winter here.

Take them off.

What?

Too extravagant.

You must live a modest life.

Yes.

What's taking long?

The strap broke.

Be more prompt!

Go bare feet.

Yes.

I'm off to school.

Yoshifuru taught Saneyuki to keep his belongings simple and plain.

His teaching method was extreme.

A very small country is about to become a civilized nation.

Preview of Next Episode

I don't have a good enough opponent.

Let's play baseball!

I want to go into military.

I want to venture on the sea.

Episode Two: Great Ambitions

"Yoi-ya-sa." Yeah!

Be the first naval officer from he Iyo-Matsuyama region.

Original story "Sakano Ue no Kumo" By Ryotaro Shiba

Screenwriter: Hisashi Nozawa

Music: Jo Hisaishi

Theme song: "Stand Alone" by Sarah Brightman

Narration: Ken Watanabe

Masahiro Notoki as Saneyuki Akiyama

Hiroshi Abe as Yoshifuru Akiyama

Teruyuki Kagawa as Tsunenori (Shiki) Masaoka

Miho Kanno as Ritsu Masaoka

Mieko Harada as Yae Masaoka

Takako Matsu as Tami Sakuma

Sumie Sasaki as Yoshi

Toshiyuki Nishida as Korekiyo Takahashi

Keiko Takeshita as Sada Akiyama

Shiro Ito as Hisataka Akiyama

Executive Producer: Yoshiki Nishimura

Producer: Satoshi Sekiguchi

Director: Takeshi Shibata

Translation and Subtitles by Noriko Morisaki (JVTA)