Original subtitles

Stemming from a pursuit of opium smuggling, and

called the "most disgraceful wars" were the Opium Wars

The defeated Qing (Manchu) in 1842

made, in addition to Guanzhou (Canton), Xiamen (Amoy), Fuzhou (Foochow),

Ningbo, and Shanghai open ports,

paid in $21 million in reparations to the English, and

ceded Hong Kong by the treaty that they were made to sign

Then in 1857...

the English and the French, demanding more privileges...

sent armies into the Qing territory, and occupied Guangzhou

In addition, they headed north and occupied Tianjin,

put a legation in Beijing with tacit permission for the opium trade

and forcibly took a license for free commerce in mainland China

The next target at which the powers aimed was Japan

(former Mito Han Lord Tokugawa Nariaki)

"Sonnō-Jōi" means reverence for the emperor and expulsion of foreigners

"Sonnō" means that...

the Bakufu reveres and esteems the emperor as the master of the country

"Jō-i" means

attack and drive off foreign enemies

The Sakuradamon Incident

The Sakuradamon Incidention of Ii Naosuke

1860 (Ansei 7)

1860 (Ansei 7) January Mito

For someone ordered to home confinement and playing the samisen...

What is that man thinking about?

(Mito Han Retainer Seki Tetsunosuke)

Excuse me

Someone would like me to give this to you

"Because of suspicions about our activities"

"in a few days we will be summoned to the Judicial body"

"in a few days we will be summoned to the Judicial body" (Mito Han former Head, Inner Council Secretaries Takahashi Taichirō)

(Mito Han former Head, Inner Council Secretaries Takahashi Taichirō)

“and an order for punishment is certain" (Mito Han former Head, Inner Council Secretaries Takahashi Taichirō)

(Mito Han former Head, Inner Council Secretaries Takahashi Taichirō)

“We must get out of Mito immediately” (Mito Han former Head, Inner Council Secretaries Takahashi Taichirō)

"Now the chance for action approaches"

Fusa, I'll shave my beard

Is it a pardon of your confinement?

Heat water for me, please

Yes

Father

Good morning

'morning

Seiichirō

Obey your mother's instructions

Yes, I will

I'm leaving for Edo on official business

o Asakusa

"gan" kusa

o Asakusa

"non" kusa

Edo Asakusa

(Mito Han Retainer Mashiko Kinpachi)

I am Seki

I am late

Ah, we've been waiting for you, Seki

(Mito Han North District Magistrate Nomura Tsunenosuke)

Sumiya and Yano's desertion failed... ura Tsunenosuke)

(Mito Han North District Magistrate Nomura Tsunenosuke)

They've been caught, and I'm worried mura Tsunenosuke)

Sumiya-dono and Yano-dono?

After they deserted, a comrade's hiding place...

Nine places are ready in Asakusa, Nihonbashi, but

more than three people won't be in one place, and

also we change the group

It's a necessary precaution not to stay more than three days consecutively

1860 March 1st

Ah, Tetsu-sama

Why are you dressed like this?

It's confidential official business

Ino, buy some sake for me, and while you're at it make sure no one's following me

Yes

7 years earlier

7 years earlier 1853 July

Those Black Ships?

They're incredibly big

I heard they're made of iron

Iron!? Ah...

Tetsunosuke ainer Ayusawa Idayū)

(Mito Han Retainer Ayusawa Idayū)

Those are Perry's Black Ships ū)

ito Han Retainer Ayusawa Idayū)

Ah... huge, aren't they...

Huge...

Commodore Perry, commanding the American and East Indian fleets arrived at Uraga, and

demanded acknowledgment of President Fillmore's sovereign message

and gave notice that refusal would result in military action

Mito-sama! Mito-sama's cannon have come.

Mito-sama will protect Edo...

(The Bakufu appointed Tokugawa Nariaki coastal defense advisor)

They say that that cannon will be presented to the Bakufu... -

-The Bakufu appointed Tokugawa Nariaki coastal defense advisor-

That cannon will alone kick out the savages... efense advisor-

Oi!

Chinone

Oh, Seki...Ayusawa

Oh, Seki...Ayusawa... one Iyonosuke)

(Mito Han Retainer Chinone Iyonosuke)

How was Uraga? er Chinone Iyonosuke)

ito Han Retainer Chinone Iyonosuke)

Even if there's no wind they can move at will with steam...

...two huge iron ships

Their length is nearly 45 ken (81 meters) and they're packing over 20 cannon

Besides those, there are two wood ships with three masts. Of course, they have cannon

The President's message demanded that Japan become open

Perry left for Okinawa to wait for a reply by the coming spring

And that is how it all started...

There was no one there

ne-

What's this confidential official business?

I'm going on a trip...

...probably a long one

Meaning we won't meet again?

If we don't change society...

Japan will perish

Has the plum tree has bloomed...

The cherry tree not yet…

The willow...

It's Satō-sama

Mito Han Retainer Satō Tetsusaburo

Oh, Tetsusaburō

Please go over to the Shinagawa Sagami storehouse

Kaneko-sama and Takahashi-sama..

Good

Tetsu-sama

Be safe...

Listen to me now

Because of the intensity of the Bakufu's scrutiny of the Han

many people have entered Edo

The original plan was to have 50 men, but...

It's become difficult

But if we postpone the day beyond this

But if we postpone the day beyond this eko Magojirō)

ormer Mito Han District Magistrate Kaneko Magojirō)

detection is a major concern istrate Kaneko Magojirō)

ormer Mito Han District Magistrate Kaneko Magojirō)

We will carry this out...

tomorrow...

3rd Month 3rd day (March 24, 1860)

It's established that a daimyo attend the castle at the 3rd month festival

Tairō Ii Naosuke will certainly attend

Nomura-san, the map...

The Ii Han mansion is outside Sakurada

When they exit the mansion the procession will pass along the moat and enter the castle through the Sakurada Gate

for this reason the site of the Ii Naosuke attack - outside the Sakurada Gate

by regulation the escorting retinue is 24-25 men...Ashigaru, about 40

Our comrades making the attack...

are now 18 men

from Mito Han, 17 men...

from Satsuma...

Arimura Yūsuke's younger brother Jisaemon-kun will join us

I am Arimura Jisaemon

Please accept my apologies

(Satsuma Han Retainer Arimura Yūsuke)

By official order all my comrades (Satsuma Han Retainer Arimura Yūsuke)

have been summoned back

However, as Saigo Saa pledged

We, the Satsuma Clan, will join the Ii Naosuke attack

Make no mistake 3000 troops will be sent to Kyoto as planned

The Ii Naosuke attack

is part of our plan

The ultimate purpose is to

assemble the Satsuma troops as our main force

and take control Kyoto to protect the Imperial Court from the Bakufu

for this reason, Takahashi-kun and his son, Sōsaemon, and three others

won't go to Edo but will head to Osaka

and join up with the 3000 troops from Satsuma

We too...

will leave Edo immediately after the purpose of the Naosuke attack is completed

and meet up with Takahashi-kun

The command of the attack outside Sakurada Gate...

will be taken by Seki Tetsunosuke

I ...will?

Takahashi-kun had the same idea

For command

we'll rely on Seki Tetsunosuke

This notification of our desertion, tomorrrow morning

will be left with the gatekeeper of the Koishikawa Kamiyashiki...

Already...

we're severing our relationship with Mito Han

Alright?

I'll wait at the Kawasaki-ya in Shinagawa for Satō, whose task is confirmation

then, with Satō

and Arimura Yūsuke I will head to Kyoto

Testusaburō will not participate in the attack

Testusaburō...

...pardon me!

The duty of accompanying Kaneko-sama and Arimura-sama to the capital

has been assigned to me, Inada Jūzō

But chronic asthma will make me useless,,,

I think I'll be a burden to Kaneko-sama on this urgent mission

So I've asked to switch with Tetsusaburō

Tetsusaburō, like this...

I beg you to take care of Kaneko-sama!

Inada-sama, we already know this... please rise

Inada... Satō

Both the attack and the mission to Kyoto

there's one goal

To continue the discussion...

We'll leave of the plan of the attack to Seki Tetsunosuke

Ii-Tairō's castle attendance is at the fourth hour (10:00 am)

For this reason, we'll assemble at Atagoyama in Shiba at sixth hour (6:00 am)

we all must be ready outside the Sakurada gate at the fifth hour (8:00 am)

That's it

That's Ii-sama’s mansion

Welcome

Give me a cup of sake please

Yes

Yes...here you are

The Hikone people still haven't noticed

Well then, we'll confirm the plan of attack...

When the procession comes to the bridge in front of the gate

We'll cut down the guards of the vanguard

Then the men defending the palanquin will rush to the front

There'll be fewer around the palanquin

We'll attack it from both sides

Cutting down the vanguard will be Mori Gorokurō's task

The left flank, that is, the samurai residence side...

Kurosawa Chūsaburō will charge first

Yamaguchi Tatsunosuke

Sugiyama Yaichirō

Arimura Jisaemon

Mashiko Kinpachi

Rear reinforcement, Hasuda Ichigorō

Koibuchu Kaname

Hiroki Matsunosuke

From the moat side, Ōzeki Washichirō

Sano Takenosuke

Inada Juzo

Moriyama Shigenosuke

Hirōka Nenojirō

and Kaigo Sakinosuke in all

A while ago there was a procession for Owari-sama

Is that so... same hollyhock crest but some one else?

Ii-sama's crest is a mandarin orange in a circle - you can't mistake it

This pistol I got from Kaneko-sama

I have one, and the other four...

Saitō-dono

Inada-dono

Mori

Kurosawa

For me also?

You're the tallest among us

You can easily see the movements of the Hikone Han retainers

Of course

Once Mori has cut down the vanguard, and the guards around the palanquin fewer

Kurosawa will fire the pistol

Is it alright if I fire at Ii Naosuke's palanquin?

Yes

This gunshot is the signal to attack immediately from both flanks

To confirm the fact that we've killed Ii Naosuke...

Certification of the death is for Okabe Sanjūrō-dono

He won't participate in the attack

After we've finished the attack, the task to present our manifesto to the Rōjū

Saitō Kenmutsu-dono

Of course, I'll have you wait without participating in the attack

His Excellency...!

Please wait!

Tono, this confidential document, this morning...

ikone Han Lord Tairō Ii Naosuke)

Tono, according to this document, today...

ikone Han Lord Tairō Ii Naosuke)

The Mito extremists' plans and such...

ikone Han Lord Tairō Ii Naosuke)

These rumors have not started just now

But at least we can increase the retinue entering the castle

Don't do it!

But by some chance this were the case...

The number of the retinue is set by the government

Go

Depart!

I'll put the cash here

Thank you

It's open

Our respects! Our respects!

Back off!

Clear the way!

Attacker!

Bring the palanquin back!

idiots...

goddamned idiots...

What will become of Japan...

I've taken it!

He took it! He took it!

Arimura!

Well done...

Back!

Ōseki... be steady!

I saw for myself clearly that he lifted the Tairō's head

Ah - It was splendid

Let's get out of here… many escaped back to the mansion

They'll be coming after us soon

Steady! The palanquin!

Hurry... go and take him!

Quickly bring the board!

-Inada Jūzō killed in action age 46-

Tetsusaburō

Speak

I confirm unequivocally that Ii Tairō's head was taken

No mistake?

Arimura Jisaemon-dono was magnificent

Jisaemon?

Is that so....

My younger brother did it!

Yes

Arimura-dono...

We've finally realized our goal

Let's go to Kyoto

Yes

Even though they say today's a day for clamming

I never imagined this kind of blizzard

I've been fishing here a long time, but

this kind of thing, I've never heard of

Something peculiar's going on in the world, isn't it?

Yes... peculiar

6 years earlier

6 years earlier 1854 (Ansei 1st year) January

American Commodore Perry returned to Japan to push for completion of the peace treaty

On anniversary of the first president Washington's birthday his cannons fired a salute, but

the Edo people shook with fear

First, regarding American whaling ships, replenishment of food, water, fuel...

protection of shipwrecked sailors...

Second...

open a harbor for refueling of coal and repairs

Even if we do not get them to give up these two

The third demand for commerce and trade...

I absolutely will not approve

Even though we the Rōjū as well as

ōjū Matsudaira Tadakata)

Of the Assembly of Lords, Lords Ii Naosuke-dono... Hotta Masayoshi-dono...

Of the Assembly of Lords, Lords Ii Naosuke-dono... Hotta Masayoshi-dono...

are of the opinion the war must be avoided now

If I permit commerce and trade, America as well as

Russia, England, France and so on will come land and steal Japan's fortune.

If this were to come about, it'll be even more obvious than seeing a fire

that we'll be in the same situation as the Qing after defeat in the Opium War

For that reason... oriyasu)

avoiding a fight is the best policy

If we do not fight oriyasu)

I am saying result will be the same as defeat

Colleagues... be Masahiro)

ōjū Chief Abe Masahiro)

What Mito-sama says is plausible

ōjū Chief Abe Masahiro)

As Head of the Rōjū iro)

ōjū Chief Abe Masahiro)

I, Abe Masahiro, take responsibility

We will consent to do number-one and number-two for America, but...

I think a reply to prohibit commerce and trade... Is that alright?...

If by some chance

this develops into war

I personally will serve in the advance guard

The Bakufu entered only into a peace treaty with America

In spite of the coming emergency situation, due to Shogun Iesada-sama weak condition

he has absolutely no interest in government

Now he's the Ō-oku and Rōjū's puppet

chizen Lord Matsudaira Shungaku)

As soon as possible, the selection of a wise and intelligent successor...

I consider essential

Umm... about that there's been discussions with Shimazu Nariakira, Date of Uwajima..

Yamauchi of Tosa, and so on

All these people and I agree that for the successor

there is no one other than Lord Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu

But Yoshinobu is my real son, even though I sent him out for adoption

I don't want to be suspected without cause

Certainly among the traditional daimyo...

There's a rumor that Mito-dono by making his own child the successor to the shogun family

intends to hijack the Tokugawa

The origin is the likes of Ii Naosuke, Hotta Masayoshi, Matsudaira Tadakata...

Naosuke and Masayoshi… Tadakata...

Since I'm against the commercial agreement, there's probably spread of such rumors

Yoshitomi-sama of Kishū, whom Naosuke and others supports as a successor, is

Ue-sama's cousin and closely related, but now is only 9 years old

As it is, Iesada-sama and Yoshitomi-sama both would be become puppets

The Rōjū will gain a monopoly of the government

The next year, 1856, according to the peace treaty

America opened a consulate at Gyokusenji in Izushimoda

The first Consul, Townsend Harris,

adamantly demanded ratification of the commerce treaty

Harris wants an audience with Ue-sama...

to conclude the commerce treaty, and he's demanding admission to Edo Castle

Directly with Ue-sama?!... Isn't that insolent!

It seems that the Rōjū intend to approve Harris's admission to the castle

Nariaki-sama is strongly opposed, but...

Hotta Masayoshi and Ii Naosuke have become heads of the Rōjū

and involved with the issue of a successor

They won't listen at all Nariaki-sama's opinion

Excuse me

Even the lords who've been made allies of Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu-sama as successor

are silent about Nariaki-sama's foreigner exclusion idea as excessively radical

Surrounded by enemies, isn't he!

That the clan and Nariaki-sama were praised and even popular in Edo is now an old story

What should we do? …

What?...

1857 (Ansei 4) July

1857 (Ansei 4) July -Nariaki resigned as the Bakufu councilor-

In October that year American Counsel Harris was admitted to Edo Castle

and presented a sovereign message to the 13th shogun, Iesada

-North District Magistrate Office-

Nomura-sama ct Magistrate Office-

orth District Magistrate Office-

Seki-san, what is it?

Ii Naosuke has become Tairō

His intention is to isolate Nariaki-sama completely

The snow seems to have gotten completely stopped, hasn't it

How about sake, won't you have some?

That’s alright

Let's go

Oyaji-san...

Sorry, will you get me a courier for this letter

Sure

Thanks for the help

Ah...Take care

3rd month 4th day (March 25, 1860)

Welcome

I think that Yoshinoya Sosuke is staying here

Yes, he's here... please

Welcome

The Bakufu even now is pretending that Ii-Tairō...

received only a light wound

There's talk that sympathy gifts from Ue-sama were delivered to the mansion that evening

These are sympathy gifts?

When the Bakufu's most powerful man was attacked by ronin and so on

there's no way to make that public, isn't there?

Inada-dono was killed in battle, but were any other comrades?

Arimura... and...

Hiroka, Koibuchi, Yamaguchi – the four...

committed suicide as they withdrew

-Satsuma Han retainer Arimura Jisaemon suicide age 21-

Assist me...

I'm done for too...so together

-Yamaguchi Tatsunosuke suicide age 29-

-itachi-no-kuni Jinja Koibuchi Kaname suicide age 51-

-Hirōka Nenojirō suicide age 20-

Saitō, Sano...

Kurosawa, Hasuda, those four

surrendered themselves at the Wakasaka Nakatsuka Taifu mansion, but...

What's this business in front of the gate!

This is our manifesto for the assassination!

This is for the Bakufu

Sano...

I heard, died from a deep wound

I heard, died from a deep wound s age 20-

"----Takenosuke!?----" of wounds age 20-

"----Takenosuke!----" d of wounds age 20-

ano Takenosuke died of wounds age 20-

"----Takenosuke!----" d of wounds age 20-

"----Takenosuke!----" d of wounds age 20-

Mori, Ōseki, Moriyama, Sugiyama...the four

"----I'm----" -Mori, Ōseki, Moriyama, Sugiyama...the four-

"----a former Mito Han retainer----"

"----a former Mito Han retainer----" -had minor wounds and committed suicide

-had minor wounds and committed suicide

"----I've declared we killed Ii-Tairo just now!----" -had minor wounds and committed suicide

"----I've declared we killed him----"

Other than Seki and I, three escaped...

Hirogi, Kaigo, and Mashiko, those three...

I haven't heard that they were arrested

But why haven't they come here...

The number of Hikone dead?

Excluding Ii Naosuke, there were four killed

I heard that three who were carried back to the mansion died

Seki... Okabe...

According to the plan we too will head for Kyoto tomorrow morning

We'll follow after Takahashi-sama and Kaneko-sama

3rd month 5th day (March 26) night-8th hour (2:00 AM)

I am Takeda Kōunsai

My apologies, but there is an urgent situation

Kōunsai? Enter

A special express messenger from Edo

the lamp...

Ii Naosuke...

The Bakufu is announcing that Ii-dono is undergoing treatment of his injuries

Kōunsai...

Summon all the retainers

Yes

Mito is a Tokugawa branch family

This, however, is brazen

The assassination of the Tairō is an act defying the Bakufu

For the honor of the clan, arrest the men involved in the attack without exception

Punish this heinous crime

2 Years Earlier

Mito-sama is in attendance!

Years Earlier

This attendance is uninvited!

Years Earlier

Mito-sama...

Mito-sama is in attendance!

This attendance is uninvited!

I state my objections...

to the ratification on the nineteenth of the Japan-American commerce treaty

You gave in to Harris's stubborn attitude

without waiting for the Imperial Court's permission to willfully sign this...

is the most reckless act since the Bakufu began

For a Tairō this is an inexcusable major offense

The situation is extremely urgent

We cannot wait for the Court's permission

This urgent situation...

is what?

The Anglo-French armada that was victorious in the Opium War against the Qing

is pressing their advantage, and facing off against our country

The reason is to demand that we open the country

If we refuse this and fight the foreign countries,

Our country will certainly lose

It will be more obvious than seeing a fire that we will be the next Qing

If we sign the treat, Harris

has promised to take responsibility

to persuade the foreign countries to avoid war

Do you take Harris at his word?

Whether I believe him or not...

If we refuse the demand and have war

the country will face the danger of ruin

Even committing the crime of signing without the Court's permission

to save the country as the Bakufu entrusted with governing, also

I consider to be a Tairō's obligation

The Bakufu is the Court's retainer!

Without obtaining the lord's permission

to ignore the national law for over 200 years of isolation - didn't you consider the enormity of this crime?

For this crime

I, Naosuke,

am resigned to assume responsibility

Everything is for the future of our country

In that case...

Let me ask about the issue of the shogun's successor

Let me ask about the issue of the shogun's successor

(Owari Han Lord Tokugawa Yoshikatsu)

Yes i Han Lord Tokugawa Yoshikatsu)

wari Han Lord Tokugawa Yoshikatsu)

For the shogun successor oshikatsu)

wari Han Lord Tokugawa Yoshikatsu)

I heard that Kishū-dono is in line, but

since Kishū-dono is still a child

Next, after all, by seniority, should not the brilliant

Hitotsubashi-dono stand in line?

No... For the Bakufu the importance is the

Tokugawa blood line more than brilliance

May I ask, will we get through this difficult situation by a blood line?

For the rest...

we will come together to counsel the Shogun

There is no option other than to get through this

We are busy with official duties

At this juncture, please excuse us

On the following 6th month 25th day (August 4, 1858)

was announcement of the decision that Tokugawa Yoshitomi of the Kishū family to be shogun Iesada's successor

later to be “Iemochi”

Subsequently on the 7th month 5th day (August 13, 1858), in the name of the shogun

Nariaki and his son Yoshiatsu, and Owari Han Lord Tokugawa Yoshikatsu's

punishment of home confinement was handed down for their unauthorized appearance at the castle

The shogun Iesada, however, died the very day that the punishments were announced

Both the signing of the treaty and the punishment of Nariaki, the chosen successor,

were the dictatorial decisions of Naosuke who usurped the name of the terminally ill shogun

Naosuke muzzled the court physician and Ō-oku

and the shogun's death was kept secret until the 8th month 8th day (September 14, 1858)

-Kyoto Go-sho-

Then on same 8th month 8th day...

Then on the same 8th month 8th day...

Mito Han Kyoto Superintendent...

Mito Han Kyoto Superintendent... kufu Madenokōji Naofusa)

(Imperial representative to the Bakufu Madenokōji Naofusa)

Ugai Kichizaemon... ive to the Bakufu Madenokōji Naofusa)

His Highness has bestowed an Imperial Writ on Mito

Please deliver it to Mito as quickly as possible

ito Han Kyoto Superintendent Ugai Kichizaemon)

I gratefully accept this dent Ugai Kichizaemon)

That the Bakufu signed the treaty to open the country without permission

and punished Lord Mito and his and Lord Owari for remonstrating them

His Highness is angered

We also think the same

I am indebted for your words...

Let Mito be the center to recruit the strength of many Han

to reform the attitude of this despotic Bakufu

His Highness's grand spirit is in this writ

What absurdity is this

Giving an imperial writ directly to Mito and bypassing the Bakufu

It's unheard of!

And furthermore this copy is given to the Bakufu three days late

Isn't this putting the Bakufu completely below Mito!

And what is more this writ doesn’t bear the signature of Kujō Kanpaku-dono

This not a proper Imperial Writ!

Issue an order to Mito to return it to the Bakufu immediately

We assert our concurrence

Not only that...

Manabe-dono...

Immediately go to Kyoto and collaborate with the Kyoto Governor General

Make inquiries and search out the group that contrived the ploy to issue a fake writ

I want to have them punished severely

Rōjū Manabe Akikatsu

This has shaken the Bakufu to its core Rōjū Manabe Akikatsu

Rōjū Manabe Akikatsu

and we will deal with it thoroughly exactly as you say Rōjū Manabe Akikatsu

Around this time Seki Tetsunosuke

was staying at Fujino Kisaburō's home in Echigo

“This is a serious affair for the clan”

“An imperial writ was given directly to Mito Han”

“The Bakufu, however, regards this as a counterfeit writ”

“has pushed for its return”

“In the clan, there are those who say there's no need to return it”

“Some say if it's to be returned it must be returned to the Imperial Court”

“The third opinion is that it must be returned to the Bakufu”

“This division is causing chaos”

Seki-sama!

The date has been set for the Emishi trip that you've been waiting for

What's wrong? I have been

pushed so hard to make the Emishi trip sooner

Sorry, Kisaburō-dono, I'm not going to the Emishi... I'm going to Edo

But I heard that the Emishi trip was an order from the Han...

A survey to reclaim the Emishi land is certainly Nariaki-sama's direct order, but...

the situation has changed, I must hurry back to Edo

The money from the Han that was loaned to you should be returned later.

I'll leave for Suibara Village immediately

“Come Immediately to Takahashi-sama's hiding place in Kasai-Shinjuku”

Looks like Mito

Yeah, a Mito samurai

What's the Mito samurai done?

Ahead on the highway in Kogane-Juku a thousand Mito samurai gathered, and

there's a commotion from a battle or something with the Bakufu

This samurai is one that was caught, wasn't he

Seki-sama!

Sōsaemon, water! -Yes

Are you alright? Just from Echigo?

Tetsunosuke! Are you all right?

Idayū, there's a battle with the Bakufu!

With the Bakufu?

The uproar at Kogane-Juku has settled for the time being

In the postscript of the imperial writ...

it was stated that contents should be conveyed from Mito to various daimyo.

This was prohibited by the Bakufu

Then a stern order came to turn the writ over to the Bakufu

Over a thousand retainers and inhabitants were enraged at this

and assembled at Kogane-Juku to try to protest to the Bakufu

With Nariaki-sama and Yoshiatsu-sama's persuasion somehow the commotion settled down

I don't know the number of men who cut open their bellies in protest of the order to turn it over

Still Ii persistently demanded its return

On the demand that the Imperial Writ be turned over to the Bakufu...

I, Nariaki, completely understand the thinking of those who raise objections

Be that as it may, if this demand of the Bakufu is refused

They are threatening us that they must even consider abolishing the Mito Han

For now, endure this... Kaneko...

Takahashi...

But...

if we give up the writ out of fear of Ii

Ii Tairō's arrogant despotism...

will get even stronger

Don't you understand!

It's not that I'm afraid of abolishing Mito Han

What I'm afraid of is the situation of the retainers and inhabitants in the case that the Han is abolished

There'll be another Kogane-Juku uprising

There seems to be no way you'll leave silently, but...

during the height of the Opium War with the Qing

believers in Christianity staged a rebellion (Taiping Rebellion)

and established a country called "The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom"

Because of troubles at home and aboard, the Qing

had to accept a humiliating treaty with England and France

Should a fight between the Bakufu and Mito occur

The happiest will be America, England, France, Russia, and so on

Aren't the foreign countries targeting this country watching us hungrily?

These were Nariakira-sama's words

These were Nariakira-sama's words osuke)

atsuma Han Retainer Saigō Kichinosuke)

Removing Ii Naosuke and that clique uke)

to put the Bakufu's politics back on the right track

we consider the way to protect our country...

Our Lord Nariakira-sama will personally lead 3000 troops to Kyoto

There's a resolution to compel the Bakufu to obey the Mikado's wishes

Is this true?

If so we will dispatch a messenger to every Han

to show the Imperial edict that was handed down to Mito Han and in concert with Satsuma

Let us persuade them to assemble troops in Kyoto for Ii Naosuke's impeachment

I beg you

I've selected four of you as messengers to persuade every Han

To Echizen, Totori, Chōshū... Seki Tetsunosuke...

Kurosawa Chūsaburō

To Tosa, Uwajima, Satsuma... Mashiko Kinpachi...

Sugiyama Yaichirō

We will go and complete this important mission without fail

Totori Castle town

Seki-san

otori Han Retainer Adachi Seiichirō)

Welcome to Totoriainer Adachi Seiichirō)

otori Han Retainer Adachi Seiichirō)

Here, first a cup r Adachi Seiichirō)

Whatever can I do for you?

Your father, Adachi Tatsusaburō-sama...

and the Han’s chamberlain, Tamura Jinzaemon-sama...

I would like to speak with them

With Tamura-sama?

What I heard from my son

I have relayed verbatim to Tamura-sama

Tamura-sama completely agrees with Mito Han's plan

These are extraordinary measures, but besides this...

he said there is no way to save the country

Is this true!

Seki-san, it's too soon to be happy

I heard that Tamura-sama relayed the conversation to the Han Lord

To Lord Yoshinori?

Yes

Tono and Mito-sama are father and son

This, however, is unrelated to that family connection

He said that for the sake of this land, our Han will support it with all its might

Lord Yoshinori...

All of our Totori Han will bet our lives, and stand together with you

Truly...

Truly, I am grateful for your words

Thank you!

Together let's take a hand in reforming the way for this country

Is that so.... Only the Totori clan agrees with us?

Then, Mashiko-dono's efforts too?

I heard that Sakamoto Ryoma-dono came all the way to the Tosa Han border to meet with Mashiko

He said that now is not the time...

I am Chinone Iyonosuke

Ah... Tetsunosuke, have you been alright?

What is it, Iyonosuke?

The Kyoto superintendent, Ugai-dono, and his son have been arrested

As well as Umeda Unpin-dono too....

What!

The notorious “Ansei Purge” had begun

-Chōshū Han Retainer Yoshida Shōin executed age 29-

-Chōshū Han Retainer Yoshida Shōin executed age 29- Ii Naosuke and Manabe Akikatsu

Ii Naosuke and Manabe Akikatsu

-chizen Han Retainer Hashimoto Sanai executed age 25- Ii Naosuke and Manabe Akikatsu had

-Echizen Han Retainer Hashimoto Sanai executed age 25-

-Echizen Han Retainer Hashimoto Sanai executed age 25- those involved with the Imperial Writ and Shogun successor problems

those involved with the Imperial Writ and Shogun successor problems

-Kyoto Confucianist Rai Mikisaburō executed age 35- those involved with the Imperial Writ and Shogun successor problems

-Kyoto Confucianist Rai Mikisaburō executed age 35-

-Kyoto Confucianist Rai Mikisaburō executed age 35- crushed relentlessly

-Kyoto Confucianist Rai Mikisaburō executed age 35-

-Kyoto Confucianist Rai Mikisaburō executed age 35- 11 were executed, and over a 100 were banished or confined

11 were executed, and over a 100 were banished or confined

-former Obama Han Retainer Umeda Unpin died in jail age 44- 11 were executed, and over a 100 were banished or confined

-former Obama Han Retainer Umeda Unpin died in jail age 44-

-Mito Han Chief Retainer Anjima Tatewaki executed age 48-

-Mito Han Chief Retainer Anjima Tatewaki executed age 48- Open it

-Mito Han Chief Retainer Anjima Tatewaki executed age 48-

-Kyoto superintendent Ugai Kichizaemon executed age 62- -Ugai Kōchi prison sentence age 32-

Chinone – get out!

Chinone!

-Head Secretary Chinone Iyonosuke executed age 36-

-Finance Commissioner Ayusawa Idayū Remote Island (Exile)-

-Tokugawa Nariaki Ordered to permanent confinement in Mito-

A sentence of confinement has been handed to us, and we've been ordered to return to Mito

I'm afraid that the same judgment probably will be handed down to you too

Yes

Ii Naosuke is trying to punish everyone who raised an objection

If we don’t eradicate Ii's tyranny, there’s no way to save the country

Yes

When the time comes, we too will leave the Han

For the sake of the nation

We will kill Ii

I'm with you absolutely!

Well, no, no, no, not all...

No, no, not all, no, not all...

The Sakurada riot's outrageous...

There somehow he's headless...

Even though they took his head, there no pursuers at all...

1860 3rd month 13th day (April 3, 1860)

Kaneko, Satō, and Arimura rushed to Kyoto

Tokaido Yokkaichi

Welcome Tokaido Yokkaichi

Tokaido Yokkaichi

You're under arrest!

What! You!

Let me go!

Mito-sama, you're not in your Han

That's right

I'm Sakaguchi Yūuemon from Satsuma Han

If that's so there's no reason to arrest us

I'd like to have the rope untied and both swords returned immediately

Can't do that

I have received orders only to bring you two and Arimura

to the Satsuma Han mansion in Kyoto-Fushimi

For the present I will take you two to Fushimi

Kyoto Fushimi Satsuma Han Mansion

Kaneko-sama...

I'm extremely sorry!

The Satsuma troops we promised

still have not left Kagoshima

They haven't left?

Yes

The issue of the Kyoto expedition

the fact is Saigo Saa got permission from Nariakira-sama

But Nariakira-sama passed away two years ago

I heard his successor, Tadayoshi-sama's father Hisamitsu-sama,

halted the dispatch of troops...

since you two are wanted by the Bakufu

Get out of Kyoto quickly and go an ally's place in Chōshū ...

Now what are you saying

Our Mito comrades believed Satsuma Han's promises and acted on them

I'm sorry!

Sorry! So you're sorry!

Tetsusaburō!

Will you stop it

Understood

Let's accept Arimura's remarks

I am extremely sorry

Don't blame Arimura-dono

In Satsuma even the Han lord changed and

the situation changed

We...

misjudged this!

Yes...

Already this may be the end

Kaneko-sama!

Tetsusaburō

Sneak away from here right away

It'll be hard for me to escape with this old body

No

I won't be separated from you, Kaneko-sama

If I don't protect you, I'll be reprimanded by Inada-dono in the next world

By your side to the very end.... I beg you!

3rd month 15th day (April 5, 1860)

Kaneko Magojirō-dono... Satō Tetsusaburō-dono

Arrest them!

Kaneko-sama!

3rd month 18th day (April 8, 1860)

Mother h 18th day (April 8, 1860)

3rd month 18th day (April 8, 1860)

How do you read this character?

My – that's a difficult book.

Father said I should read it

It's the the Kōdōkan Records

Is that so. Still, it's embarrassing, but I was born into a farm family so

I can't read such difficult kanji

Excuse me

Uncle Ishikawa-sama

Mito rōnin attacked the Tairō in Edo

It seems that Tetsunosuke is one of the ringleaders

Tetsunosuke-sama?

By Han order they will now meticuluously search the residence

Get going!

Turn over the tatami!

Search, search... search it thoroughly!

Search more, thoroughly!

Seiichirō

It's father's thinking

Even though we're being searched by government officials

Say "We don't know anything'....

Seiichirō

Come

Yes

Will it bear fruit or not?

It will! It will!

Will it bear fruit or not?

It will! It will!

Search!

Mother...

You mustn't cry

It's father's thinking

3rd month 23rd day (April 13, 1860)

They've found us, we'll run

Yes

Break into it!

Leave our things!

Yes

Around to the back!

Hurry! Hurry!

Father!

My leg's hurt...

Oh, father...

It's impossible to get to Satsuma

There they are!

Father, please escape

This is it now

Father!

Our store will get bloody... Your forebearance, your forebearance

Be respectful!

Father...

You're under arrest!

Don't let them take refuge in the temple!

Come out!

Hear me!

Hear me!

Get out quickly!

I am a ringleader of the earlier Sakurada uprising

I am Takahashi Taichirō, a Mito Han deserter ronin

I didn't succeed in raising an army here, and I intend to attempt suicide...

I am sorry for the trouble, but out of compassion for a warrior may I not ask to use your room?

I understand... Please feel free to use the room

I am grateful

-Takahashi Taichirō Age 47-

-Takahashi Taichirō age 47- -Takahashi Sōsaemon age 19-

3rd month 26th day (April 16, 1860)

Nara Highway Tamazukuri

Oyaji-san, you know about that trouble in Edo?

Ah... Ii Naosuke Tairō-sama was attacked by Mito ronin

and was badly wounded or died or something

Um, that's it

They say that one conspirator, a certain Kaneko or some such Mito person, was arrested in Kyoto

Around here the talk is that Miko ronin

have infiltrated the neighborhood

The investigations are extremely harsh and dangerous

It's frightening

They say that three days ago a rōnin named Takahashi and his son

performed seppuku at Tennoji in Osaka, and there was a commotion

Really frightening

It must have hurt

It's a fact

On the fifteenth Kaneko-sama was arrested in Kyoto together with Tetsusaburō

On the twenty third Takahashi-sama together with Sōsaemon

died at Tennoji in Osaka...

The three thousand troops from Satsuma?

Such idiots! Satsuma betrayed us?

Truly...

Takahashi-sama and...

To think how they felt….

Out of the way... Out of the way!

3rd month 28th day (April 18, 1860)

You're in the way! April 18, 1860)

You're under arrest!

What is it?

Be quiet!

We're taking you to the magistrate's office for interrogation

I don't know anything... Please stop

Spit it out!

I don't know...

I really don't know anything!

It's hardly likely you don't know...You're Tetsunosuke's lover

Come on... talk

Where is Seki?

Do it

3rd month 29th day (April 19, 1860)

Osaka is teeming with Bakufu investigators

3rd month 29th day (April 19, 1860)

If you say only that you're a person from Mito, you're arrested and subjected to rigorous interrogation

Our wanted posters seem to be all over

At any rate we must leave Osaka quickly

At this point where would we go...

Gentlemen...

We too will manfully cut open our stomachs

The expeditionary force of 3000 Satsuma troops has become an illusion now

There is no place for us to go

Yes

I have no regrets

We have done what we had to do

Please wait... I am Moriyama

Moriyama?

Toshinosuke!

Yes

I am Sakuraoka Genjiemon’s nephew Ishii Jūemon

Sakuraoka left this in my keeping

Sakuraoka-dono is handing this to us?

Yes, but we didn't know where you were

I was at a loss, then a voice like Nomura-sama's came from the room nextdoor

This was truly good luck

Please return to Mito

Both in Fukuroda and villages in that vicinity

preparations have been made to shelter you anytime

This...may be a good plan

In Mito there are still allies

Rather than continue a dangerous journey, regroup

It would be good to plan a resurgence

I think this is good too

No

I will head to Totori

There are allies in Totori too

----together let's take a hand in reforming the ways of this country----

As far as I know there are Han that support us

I for one...

cannot give up the idea of raisng an army

If possible, please let me go with Seki-sama

Unlike all of you there are no wanted posters for me circulating

Understood

Seki...

Don't die

Right

You too, Nomura-sama

You too, Okabe-sama

Never

Ah...I won't die

4th month 3rd day (May 23, 1860) Totori

It's in Adachi-sama's letter that he can't see you, but...

I'll see him no matter what...

I'll come and see him

Seki-san!

Seiichirō-dono

This way

You wrote in your letter that you wouldn't meet me

Why? A year ago when I visited you

didn't we exchange promises to stand together?!

I ask you once more convey our thinking to Tamura-sama

Tamura-sama is retired

The fact is that he tried to participate in Mito’s plan...

It's the same for both my father and me.

Everyday the magistrate's office keeps a sharp watch

I beg you!

Don't drag us and the Han into this

Look at this!

Your wanted posters have begun to circulated even around Totori

from both the Bakufu and from Mito

Even Lord Nariaki has abandoned you

Don't say it!

Seki-san!

Was the attack on the Tairō really right?

Were you able to change anything?

Didn't you make a mistake?

Please wait

I am employed as the swordsmanship instructor for this Han

I am Inaba Kazunori

Inaba-dono, overlook this

Adachi-dono, I'd like to borrow your sword

What for?

When I passed by, I could not help but overhear your conversation

Seki Tetsunosuke-dono

As someone receiving a stipend from this Han

I express my heartfelt sympathy for your regrets

Nonetheless, time passes

Now, had I left you at liberty

The Han and the lord would be entangled in trouble to a degree that would be immeasurable

But to capture you unarmed

is a disgrace for a warrior

I know I want to play fair

I gratefully accept your cordial gesture

Seiichirō-dono

Please lend me your sword

Inaba-dono is our Han's best master...

If it's that person I'll have no regrets even If I'm defeated

Seki-san, seriously, will you travel to Satsuma?

As I promised, I'm headed for Kyoto to get troops sent out

If they say no, Saigō, Arimura, and I will stab each other to death

Return to Mito and report my situation

Satsuma, however, closed all the barriers, and

Individuals from other clans were forbidden from coming and going

7th month 9th day (August 25, 1860)

7h month 9th day (August 25, 1860) Hitachi-no-kuni Northern District Fukuroda Village

It's me...it's Seki

Seki-sama

Go and quietly wake Genjiemon-dono

(Village Headman Sakuraoka Genjiemon)

Seki-sama... (Village Headman Sakuraoka Genjiemon)

(Village Headman Sakuraoka Genjiemon)

How wonderful... you are well

Genjiemon-dono

Well...this way

Yoichi, the tatami

Yoichi, you may go

Seki-sama...

Your dearest wish...

you have achieved...

Are the Bakufu's investigators here?

After the incident, people we weren't accustomed to seeing disguised as merchants and alike, were staying at inns, and

wandering around the neighborhood

There are wanted posters from the clan circulating

to report the deserters deserters when spotted

Is that so

But now it's becoming far more loose

Both Nomura-sama and Okabe-sama

are safe...We're hiding them in a new person's house

We have been waiting for you

Kōunsai

Yes

This is the flow of the time in which we cannot stop the commerce with foreign countries

But with the current treaty

the profits are taken one way to the foreign countries

The price of goods is even rapidly rising for that reason...

We need the power to amend the treaty

The first thing is to make cannon out of iron

Bronze cannons can't reach the black ships off shore

The black ships' cannon reach ten times farther than Japanese cannon

Can't we use the Nakaminto reverberatory furnace yet?

Ah...unfortunately, not yet...

The Han is showing an inclination for an allegiance with the Bakufu

Even about the Imperial edict, I heard that Nariaki himself ordered

Yoshiatsu-sama to return it to the Bakufu without delay

Without even knowing that …

I set out for Satsuma

To Satsuma is it!

But in the end I couldn't enter the Han

There's a rumor that Arimura Yūsuke was ordered to perform seppuku

Nothing's been heard of Saigo-dono

whether he's alive and safe or not

In the end...

there was not even one Han that sympathized with our thinking

But since trade with foreign countries started

rice, silk, gold, silver and so on, everything has gone up terribly

And Ii Naosuke Tairō's error is the reason

... that the people are bitter

Among the people of Mito, you

Sakurada Patriots...

Sakurada Patriots...

Seiichirō...

father was saying that

when you use a hoe, your swordmanship will get strong too

Is it true?

farmers are the country's treasure too

What's wrong?

Tono!

Somebody! Somebody!

8th month 15th day (September 29, 1860) -Tokugawa Nariaki died suddenly from a myocardial infarct age 60-

This is Genjiemon

Yes

Seki-sama, an express courier from Mito

He said that the old lord died suddenly

Nariaki-sama?

Mito's that way?

Well...

You look well...I'm relieved

You're safe and sound too

Ah, somehow I'm staying alive

Fusa-dono also received a harsh investigation, but

there were no suspicions, and she was released

Because Fusa's from a farm family

It was good I didn't submit the registration that she's my wife

To change the subject

The Mikado's younger sister will be married into the shogun's family

The Mikado's younger sister?

A marital union... The Imperial Court and the Bakufu have become relatives

The Mikado was opposed at first, but

because the Bakufu said it will break the treaty it signed with the various foreign countries

he gave approval

Break the treaty?

Already the Bakufu's influence has plummeted to the ground

The fact is that they have no choice but to accept the Court's request

At last....

The purpose of our action has borne fruit

The death of the Sakurada-mongai comrades

was not pointless

I heard that in Hikone Han

all of the samurai except for the ashigaru accompanying Ii that day

were condemned for not protecting their lord, and

had to cut open their stomachs

What the...

One more thing

It's difficult to tell you but...

Ino-dono, who you were keeping in Kyōhashi, was arrested

I heard that she was tortured and died

Ino?

Speak!

Where is Tetsunosuke – say it!

Let me go...

I don't know so I can't tell you...

Obstinate woman – increase the rocks!

No! ... No!

Let me go! Let me go!

I don't know!

Ino...

I'm sorry!

My sympathy...

I offer you

We...

to take one head, Ii Naosuke's,

have dragged how many lives into this?

You're under arrest!... You're under arrest!

You're under arrest! ... Youre under arrest! You're under arrest!

Seize him!

Seki-sama, I will come in

What does Nomura-sama write?

He heard that Okabe-dono has been arrested

I, Seki Tetsunosuke, remain...

the only one...

Seki-sama

Do not weaken

I don't understand anymore

Must I ...

still run away?

Seki-sama... for us

you are our pride

For this nation, for this great cause

you gave up everything

Now, without exception, the day for all of us to be of service is coming

Until then, we will gamble our lives too

We will shelter you

The large number of people involved as conspirators... 1861 August 31

1861 August 31

on the occasion of an important government official's castle attendance... 1861 August 31

1861 August 31

in a revered official site, without hesitation...

perpetrated a plot culminating in violence...

Because of the resprehensible indifference to authority ...

the death penalty shall be imposed

Stand!

- Kaneko Magojirō beheaded age 58-

Take him away! -Kaneko Magojirō beheaded age 58-

-Kaneko Magojirō beheaded age 58-

Stand!

-Ōzeki Washichirō beheaded age 28-

Take him away! -Ōzeki Washichirō beheaded age 28-

-Ōzeki Washichirō beheaded age 28-

Stand!

-Hasuda Ichigorō beheaded age 29-

Take him away! -Hasuda Ichigorō beheaded age 29-

Stand!

-Moriyama Shigenosuke beheaded age 27-

Take him away!

Stand!

-Sugiyama Yaichirō beheaded age 38-

Take him away! -Sugiyama Yaichirō beheaded age 38-

-Sugiyama Yaichirō beheaded age 38-

Stand!

-Mori Gorokurō beheaded age 24-

Take him away! -Mori Gorokurō beheaded age 24-

-Mori Gorokurō beheaded age 24-

Stand!

-Okabe Sanjūrō beheaded age 44-

Take him away! -Okabe Sanjūrō beheaded age 44-

-Okabe Sanjūrō beheaded age 44-

-Kurosawa Chūsaburō died of injuries age 30; Saitō Kenmutsu died of injuries age 38; -Satō Tetsusaburō exiled-

Arrest him!... Search that shed over there!

Sakuraoka-dono

We are very well aware of your relationship with Seki Tetsunosuke

It is now futile to protect him any more

For us to arrest someone who served the same Han ...

is painful

I don't know anything about Seki-sama

If this is a lie you too will have to be punished

I don't know anything

Andō-sama!

I report that

Seki Tetsunosuke is not to be found anywhere... Only this man remains

Search… this is a search

We know about the hide-out in Fukuroda Village Go and find it without fail!

Go!

Yoichi

I'm depending on you.

Yes...

Seki-sama, let's go

Seki-sama, we should hurry, in all the villages around here

an official notice is out that not a single person who hides you will be left unpunished

Sorry

I've caused trouble for you too

No, it's my duty for you to escape safely

What is it?

I remembered...there's a place I'll go to

It's Suibara Village in Echigo

Suibara Village?

Ah... a merchant named Kisaburō is there

The money lent to that man for the Emishi trip is still there

I'll go and have it returned

And with that money, what?

I'll go across to the Emishi and send for allies

Even Nariaki-sama was talking about it

If we reclaim the Emishi country, this country will be more wealthy

Tomorrow, you return to the village... Tell my comrades this plan

Wait! ... Wait!, wait!

Chase him! Chase him!

You're under arrest!

Unfasten the rope

You helped Seki Tetsunosuke's escape... I respect your noble-minded spirit, but

for this you too have become a wanted man

If you cover up anymore, there's no mistake you will imprisoned

For Sakuraoka-sama too, you don't even know the trouble he'll suffer

Think of your family, and cooperate with the search

If you do, you won't be charged with a crime

Seems like a reward will be offered too

The business with Kisaburō, I remember too

He was the man who came to the Han with talk about an Emishi land reclamation

At that time, Seki-san was ordered to research the Emishi land reclamation

Is that so.

A man who definitely looked like the one in the wanted poster visited two days ago

But since Kisaburō had been away to go to the Emishi

The man insisted that when Kisaburō returned he contact the Taya Ryokan in Yuzawa

They said he left this letter

Without a doubt it's Seki-san's handwriting.... no mistake

Let's go to Yuzawa

Is that it?

Second floor on the far right...

He's on the second floor in the room on the far right

Understood...Arrest him

Go!

You're under arrest!

Is this Seki Tetsunosuke? Arrest him!

We have arrested Seki Tetsunosuke!

Well...

if it isn't Andō and Ōuchi

This was unexpected

I was thinking that Suibara Village magistrate's gang would come to arrest me

Are these Mito people?

If so, I would have waved a sword and run away

Ah-no.... Some sake?

Ando ... Ōuchi

The Bakufu won't last

Just like the Kamakura Bakufu ... the Ashikaga Bakufu

Sooner or later it will be overthrown by the might of the allies of the Imperial courtu

At that time, what will Mito do?

I too want to help overthrow the Bakufu, but

this is a dream that won't come true

1862 June 8

2 years after the Sakuradamon Incident

-Seki Tetsunosuke beheaded age 38-

Mito Han Retainer Hiroki Matsunosuke 3 years after attack seppuku at Jōgyōji, Kamakura age 25

Mito Han Retainer Mashiko Kinpachi Meiji 14 died of natural causes age 60

Hitachi-no-kuni Shinkan Kaigo Sakinosuke, employed in Metropolitan Police Meiji 36 died of natural causes age 78

8 years after the Sakuradamon Incident

1868 (Meiji 1st year)

Saigo Saa?

This is the Sakurada Gait

It started here

It happened in an instant