On this day, a certain youth who had escaped from Japan...
...was about to end his year-long journey (July 20th 1865)
Everyone, up! Get ready to enter port!
Jo...
take a look...
Boston...
That's your New World.
That's America!
Niijima Jo: I finally made it to America.
Niijima Jo: That's America!
Hey!
American had concluded its Civil War three months earlier,
and was in the midst of rebuilding the country.
Meanwhile in Japan, a civil war was brewing.
Isn't Regent Nijo here yet?
Why is he late to a meeting to discuss Choshu's punishment?
Well...
Okubo of Satsuma: This 2nd Choshu expedition is the Shogunate's recklessness.
There is no justification.
An imperial order without justification is not legitimate.
Okubo, that's enough. I understand.
It's time for the meeting.
No!
I'm not done yet.
Is he being detained by a Satsuma man?
Yes. He should be here shortly.
Why should we be influenced by a lowly man's scheme?
The Deputy and I (Yoshinobu) will resign from our posts.
Do as you wish from here forth.
Yoshinobu's threat worked well, and in September of 1865,
the Court approved the second expedition against Choshu.
YAE no SAKURA
Episode 15: Satsuma-Choshu Secret Pact
Screenplay: Yamamoto Mutsumi
Theme Music: Sakamoto Ryuichi Music: Nakajima Nobuyuki
Narrator: Kusabue Mitsuko
Kawasaki Yae: Ayase Haruka
Yamamoto Kakuma: Nishijima Hidetoshi
Kawasaki Shonosuke: Hasegawa Hiroki
Yamamoto Saku: Fubuki Jun
Yamamoto Gonpachi: Matsushige Yutaka
Yamamoto Ura: Hasegawa Kyoko
Yamakawa Okura: Tamayama Tetsuji
Hinata Yuki: Gouriki Ayame
Matsudaira Katamori: Ayano Go
Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu: Koizumi Kotaro
Saito Hajime: Furuya Kenji
Sagawa Kanbei: Nakamura Shido
Jinbo Shuri: Saito Takumi
Kajiwara Heima: Ikeuchi Hiroyuki
Hirosawa Tomijiro: Okiada Yoshinori
Okubo Ichizo: Tokushige Satsoshi
Jinbo Kuranosuke: Tsukayama Masane
Tanaka Tosa: Sato Bsaku
Hayashi Gonsuke: Kazma Morio
Niijima Jo: Odagiri Joe
Katsura Kogoro: Oikawa Mitsuhiro
Saigo Kichinosuke: Kikkawa Koji
Emperor Komei: Ichikawa Somegoro
Matsudaira Shungaku: Murakami Hiraoki
Executive Producer: Naito Shinsuke
Yae no Sakura
Director: Kiyomizu Takuya
NEW YEAR'S DAY 1866
We pray for the welfare and good health of the Yamamoto and Kawasaki families.
We'll make our New Year's greeting together tomorrow.
Yes, I'll accompany you.
You're not accompanying me.
You're Yae's husband, and the head of the Kawasaki family.
Yes...you are right!
Shape up!
Father, I'll accompany you.
Oh...who came?
Mine! It's bad manners to wear shoes in the house.
Yes.
She must really like them.
My father in Kyoto sent them.
You're lucky to have such a nice New Year's gift.
Yes!
This is the fourth New Year's without Kakuma.
Mine must not remember his face.
He left when she was yet a baby.
When the war with Choshu is over, he'll be coming home.
I heard they'll be leaving Kyoto this year.
That's what the clan officials expect, too.
This will be a good year then.
Isn't that right, Ura?
Yes.
Now, stand up straight.
You've grown a lot.
You were this tall three years ago.
My...that's small.
When Father comes home, let's show him...
how you've grown each year.
Yes!
We can compare her height next year with Kakuma.
That's true.
I'm going to measure myself. I might have grown taller.
Now, don't be silly.
Take care of the rest.
How unsightly! Are they...? SHOGUNATE SOLDIERS
They're the Shogunate infantry. SHOGUNATE SOLDIERS
The order to punish Choshu was issued, so why are they dallying?
Is Satsuma interfering again?
What are they plotting?
Thank you for making your rounds.
Good work.
Though the Bessengumi can handle the city's security alone.
Excuse us.
SAITO HAJIME (Shinsengumi Captain)
Let's go.
Sir Sagawa.
I'm against using these questionable characters.
Let's go.
What's this?
Hey, what's happening?
These foot soldiers are drunk and going wild.
They're out of control.
Throw everything out!
Is he planning to kill them?
Hey!
I don’t' kill allies.
He's extremely skilled.
A disgrace to the Shogunate!
Go back to your base!
The Shogunate's soldiers are completely laxed.
That's Aizu's clansmen.
SAIGO KICHINOSUKE (Satsuma clan)
SATSUMA CLAN MANSION
With the war approaching, SATSUMA CLAN MANSION
Saigo and Okubo had, with the help of the Tosa clan deserters,
arranged a top secret meeting with their sworn enemy (Choshu).
Sir Sakamoto told me that you're returning to Choshu.
It's been ten days.
Even if I were to stay, I can't form a pact with your clan.
Please wait.
You're telling Choshu to accept Shogunate punishment... KATSURA KOGORO
Then, we'll discuss an alliance.
Lord Mori's retirement and stipend reduction.
If you accept and apologize, war can be avoided.
We can't accept that.
Sir Katsura.
We apologized and offered the heads of our councilors already.
Accepting unjust punishment will bring disgrace to Choshu.
Now is not the time to be stubborn.
Choshu...our comrades...
refused to withdraw against the Satsuma and Aizu.
Run from the flames!
If we abandon our pride now, we can't face our dead comrades.
Even if our province is reduced to ashes, we can't accept this.
I understand.
Let's proceed from there.
You needn't accept the Shogunate's terms.
I don't think there's a just cause for this war.
Satsuma is assigned to the Hagi offensive.
But we won't dispatch any troop.
Even if the war starts...
other clans will follow Satsuma and not dispatch troops.
What about Aizu?
Doesn't Satsuma has an alliance with Aizu?
We've severed ties with them.
Even if it means battling Aizu, we will side with you.
I don't know.
Our two clans are long-time sworn enemies.
What's more, my clan has the entire country against us.
Why would you wish to join hands with us?
We can't leave the country to the Tokugawa anymore.
Satsuma shares that sentiment.
Saigo: That is why we are not joining hands with Aizu.
Okubo: If anything, we have to remove Aizu from Kyoto.
Sir Katsura.
Let's allied with each other.
The western-style rifles that you desire...
shall be delivered to you in the name of Satsuma.
Please trust us in this.
All right.
Please help us (Choshu) out.;
The secret pact that Satsuma and Choshu signed that day...
would drastically alter Aizu's future.
SHINSENGUMI'S BASE AT NISHI HONGANJI TEMPLE
Hijikata Toshizo: I'm impressed. Everyone in the Bessengumi is strong.
I brought our best men.
With Aizu's army, victory can be expected against Choshu.
Kondo Isami: Choshu appears compliant, but is secretly making preparations.
If the Bessengumi didn't have to guard Kyoto,
we'd be storming their hideouts.
Saito!
Let's have a match.
Yes, sir!
Satsuma requested to not dispatch troops.
Keep an eye on their mansion for any suspicious characters.
Very well.
Awesome...I wonder who will win.
What do you think Kakuma?
Someone who has killed.. is strong.
Same to you.
June 7th...
was the opening of the second Choshu expedition.
Choshu gained momentum from their secret alliance with Satsuma
And overwhelmed the Shogunate's army.
After Oshima was taken,
The Hikone force in Geishu-guchi was also defeated.
Ii's Red Army...
We hard they were brave.
They were easily defeated by the enemy's rifles.
The Sakakibara clan fled without a fight.
Yoshinobu: What an embarrassment.
Hiroshima and Uwajima's refusal to dispatch troops is hurting us.
This was instigated by Satsuma.
Damn them!
Those bumpkins have us at their mercy!
I have urgent news from Osaka.
Another defeat?
No...actually...
His Excellency (the Shogun) is ill.
Shogun Iemochi had (wet) beriberi*. *lack of Thiamine causing heart failure.
At Osaka Castle, where news of defeat kept coming,
his illness took a sudden turn for the worse.
Why is the Shogunate army struggling against a small Choshu force?
The Choshu's guns are hitting all their targets,
while the Shogunate's bullets don't even reach the enemy.
Matchlock muskets are out of date.
So are the Gewehr percussion muskets
Kakuma!
Yes!
Choshu is using Minié rifles.
They're far more powerful than the Gewehr muskets, (300 vs. 50 yards effective range)
and the bullets are... (300 vs. 50 yards effective range)
You, shoot for them.
That steel plate is the target.
The Minié bullet will penetrate the armor and kill you.
Rifles don't decide the outcome of battles.
The Shogunate army outnumbers Choshu.
The enemy uses the surprise strategy to confuse our allies.
When a big combined army falters, they fall apart quickly.
Isn't it odd?
Where did Choshu obtain such large quantities of modern rifles?
That's true...The Choshu are rebels.
They are not allowed to buy and sells guns.
So, someone must have helped them obtain those guns.
Hiroshima... Uwajima...
Or even Satsuma.
Impossible.
Satsuma and Choshu are sworn enemies.
You never know with Satsuma.
They might have temporarily allied with Aizu...
in the past, to remove their immediate eyesore (Choshu) with our help.
Which means, if we stand in their way...
They will try to remove us (Aizu).
Councilor, let's obtain Minié rifles immediately.
I know that!
But our crop harvest was poor due to the long rain.
Aizu finance is in dire straits.
Kakuma said the difference in fire-powers is affecting them.
In Kokura, a small group of cavalrymen destroyed their fort.
Choshu somehow managed to reform their military.
We keep losing battles.
Father, don't tell me...?
Don't be stupid!
Choshu is just one clan.
The Shogunate government wouldn't lose.
Yes.
But the way things are...
Kakuma won't be able to return for a while.
Saburo.
I'm sorry.
Mine, what's wrong?
She was playing in the shop again.
I told you not to enter without permission!
A samurai's daughter shouldn't cry so easily!
Yes.
I have the dangerous items in high places.
You never know what a child might do.
I know how she feels.
The shop is filled with many curious things.
You can't help but enter.
Isn't that right, Mine?
Don't spoil her!
Ura...?
No means no.
She needs to learn that well.
Mine is crying again.
She needn't be so harsh.
Mine is at the age to be disciplined.
It's not for you to interfere.
Yes.
But...
Ura looks mean these days.
I feel sorry for Mine.
If she's pampered, she'll end up like you.
Mother!
Ura must be on edge.
All we hear are bad news.
SUWA SHRINE
That sounds nice.
I got it from my father.
I wonder when he'll be back.
Pray so that he can return soon.
Yes!
Suwa Shrine is Aizu's guardian deity.
Your wish will surely be granted.
Yes.
Please don't make Mother mad.
Please make her smile always.
I thought once the Tokugawa army advanced,
the war would end quickly.
So did I.
Everyone feels gloomy at home.
This year's rice harvest was poor and they fear for the future.
There's nothing good.
Did you pray hard?
Yes.
I hope you don't get scolding from your mother.
Will my prayers be answered?
Don't worry.
Bad things won't continue forever.
That's true.
Go to Nagasaki?
To buy rifles.
Our finances are tight, but we can't let that stop us.
We need newer rifles that are superior to Choshu's.
Yes.
We'll need some time to raise the money.
Be prepared to leave in Autumn.
Yes, sir!
Shuri, go with him.
Me?
There are many clans going to Nagasaki.
You need to feel out the situation.
But if I leave the lord's side...
This is the lord's order.
It's been stressful ever since you came here.
He wants you to take this opportunity to expand
your knowledge and develop your abilities.
How gracious of him.
Yes.
Kakuma, you have another duty.
Furukawa Shun'ei is in Nagasaki.
He's learning medicine from a Dutch doctor.
That doctor is an eye specialist.
You were acting strange, so I questioned Hirosawa.
Fool! Why didn't you inform us sooner?
I'm sorry!
Kakuma, your eyes...?
Your eyes are critical to Aizu.
Consider it as your duty to get them cured.
Yes.
Councilor!
What is it?
We have a crisis.
His Excellency has passed away.
What?!
Lord...
Because I asked him to come to Kyoto...
his life was shortened.
Not so!
That was his lifespan.
I should've given up my post and gone to the battlefield.
His Majesty wouldn't allow you to leave Kyoto.
If we should lose this war...
there will be a major crisis.
Due to Shogun Iemochi's sudden death...
the Shogunate army had no chief commander.
It was imperative to find a replacement.
We've decided to have you (Yoshinobu) succeed as Shogun to lead the Tokugawa.
Despite what the Elders say...
I'm not fit for such a major role.
Don't worry needlessly.
We are in the midst of a war!
Please accept the role for the sake of our country.
Say, Shungaku...
Yes?
This sounds very familiar.
To unite nobles and samurai, to save the country...
a lord from Oshu became Commissioner...
At that time, you were the one who persuaded him.
The Court requests it, too.
I humbly accept succeeding the Tokugawa main family.
But I decline to become Shogun.
Then there will be no Shogun.
Let it be so.
Let the post be vacant for a while.
What...?
Jumping to become Shogun will only invite trouble.
Aren't the Satsuma men visiting you?
That's fine. I will no longer be fooled.
I will personally settle the matter with Choshu.
On August 8 1866, after succeeding the Tokugawa main family...
Yoshinobu reported to the Throne his intent to lead the army.
Since you are raising an army under Imperial order...
be sure to carry out the cause.
Yes, sir.
Come closer.
Emperor Komei: Lead the expedition and get speedy results.
I shall suppress the rebels (Choshu)...
to ease Your Majesty's mind.
I wish you success.
Yes, sir.
I received a sword from His Majesty.
It means he leaves everything in my hands.
Yes, sir!
The Tokugawa main family is dispatching troops.
We will not withdraw until the score is settled!
We'll crush the Choshu rebels!
Those who are willing to die, follow me!
Yes, sir!
I’ll accompany you!
I'll stake my life on it!
That should change the tide of war.
Once we win a huge victory,
Choshu should give in and want to negotiate peace.
Then Satsuma, who sided with Choshu,
will lose face and all will be settled.
Kakuma, what's wrong? You look discontented.
No...just that...
that courageous speech sounded superficial.
I agree.
His (Yoshinobu) calculating nature have frustrated us many times.
That very character may bear fruit this time.
What?
With a glorious victory in hand,
he (Yoshinobu) plans to assume the post of Shogun.
He'll succeed as Shogun after raising his fame?
I see what you mean.
Even so, he received a sword from His Majesty.
He must want victory.
Yes.
If Choshu yields, and Lord Yoshinobu becomes Shogun...
peace will be restored to Kyoto.
Finally, there will be hope we can go home.
Miss.
Mother! Yae!
Welcome home!
The fire started in Gonobun-machi district.
The wind from the West is fanning the flame.
Ura, have everyone prepare for an emergency.
Yes.
The wind is getting stronger.
Move everything from the gun shop.
Mine! Mine!
What's wrong?
Mine isn't here.
She's not in the back or the kitchen.
Since when?
She was with me until the fire.
I scolded her for entering the gun shop again.
Could she have gone out?
They're not here.
Her clogs are missing.
She went out after all.
I scolded her harshly.
That must be why...
The fire is spreading! It's near Suwa Shrine now!
Is she near the fire?
The Miss is missing!
What?
I'll search around here!
Let's search too!
Let's check the back!
What's wrong?
Have you seen Mine?
She's not here?
She disappeared after being scolded.
Of all times!
Ura went to look for her. I hope she's nearby.
She was scolded?
Please don't make Mother angry.
Could she be at...?
She might have gone to Suwa Shrine!
The fire is spreading there!
Yae! Be careful!
While Aizu was engulfed in a big fire,
something unexpected was happening in Kyoto.
Lord Yoshinobu cancelled the Choshu expedition?
Yes, he proposed a truce to the Court.
That's outrageous! After recently receiving a sword!
What is he thinking?
Mine!
Ura!
END OF EPISODE 15
Unforgiveable! Soon after swearing to achieve victory!
Shall we defeat the Shogunate?
The Shogunate's time is up.
The Tokugawa's prosperity or Japan's existence?
Which is more important?
That's Miss Takeko for you.
Firearms are mere tools...
they are different from swords and spears.
I don't want to lose to her.