Special Drama
A very small country is
about to become a civilized nation.
Three men lived in Iyo-Matsuyama in the Shikoku region.
Saneyuki Akiyama was born in this old castle town.
Saneyuki
During the Russo-Japanese War,
he planned the tactics to defeat the unbeatable Baltic Fleet.
And he successfully executed them.
His older brother was Yoshifuru Akiyama.
Yoshifuru
He trained the Japanese cavalry
to defeat the Cossacks, which was 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 possessed 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 Four: The Sino-Japanese War
July 25, 1894
The war had not been declared yet.
Off the coast of Pungdo, Western coast of Korea
But the first cannon was fired at sea.
Early that morning off the coast of Pungdo of Korea,
a Japanese squadron encountered a Chinese squadron.
A battle had started.
And at 10 a.m. that morning,
Cruiser Naniwa on a chase duty of an enemy ship spotted a new target.
It was a large steamship.
While it displaced a British flag,
the ship was packed with Chinese officers and men.
Cruiser Naniwa instructed the British steamship, Kowshing,
to follow the course of Naniwa.
However, the situation didn't proceed as expected.
Cruiser Naniwa's captain was Heihachiro Togo.
Naniwa sent an officer to the British steamship.
It doesn't seem to be going well.
It's apparent that the Qing soldiers are threatening the British captain.
If we force them to follow our command, the British crew will be in danger.
I can't meet their captain's request.
Send a signal to Kowshing.
Tell them to abort the ship immediately.
Abort the ship immediately.
They refuse to accept our request.
Quiet. Quiet.
The Japanese battleship will not attack our ship,
as long as this ship has British flag on the mast.
Kowshing is signaling us.
"Sail F"
Kowshing says to send a boat.
I can't send a boat.
That's just giving hostages to them.
Send the signal again.
Yes, sir.
I will send "No boat. Abort the ship immediately."
Prepare the boat!
If they attack us, your nation won't be silent.
Then the Qing can win the war.
Kowshing's response is
we will not obey your order.
Sink the ship.
Raise the red flag.
Togo ordered to display the red flag signaling a sign of danger.
They will attack us! Prepare to fight!
Engage on the right.
The target is Kowshing.
Engage on the right.
Target Kowshing. Distance is 800.
Ready to fire!
Both the main and the side batteries are ready for fire.
Fire the side battery.
Aim the center waterline.
Right side battery. Start fire!
Kowshing was sunk.
The captain and a few crew were rescued.
But most of the Qing soldiers drowned.
This incident was immediately reported to England via Shanghai telegram.
We sunk a British ship?
Prime Minister, Hirobumi Ito
We're still gathering details.
Why did you do that?
The captain... what was his name?
Heihachiro Togo.
Dismiss him immediately.
Gonbei Yamamoto, Minister of the Navy
Please hold on.
The British ship was transporting Qing soldiers.
We won't win the war if we put England against us.
Togo studied at a British marine merchant school.
He's well versed in the international law.
He is not a man to take any hasty actions.
Prime Minister, we should assess the situation first.
If we rush to dismiss Togo before knowing the details,
Munemitsu Mutsu, Minister of Foreign Affairs
we'd look like an immature nation in England's eyes.
The city of Beijing
The Acting Minister in Beijing who handled the Sino-Japanese War affairs
was Jutaro Komura.
Jutaro Komura, Acting Minister in Beijing
He was of short stature and was always hustling.
Diplomats of the great powers nicknamed him Rat Minister.
Hey, Kubo.
Give me a smoke.
I'm sorry but I'm out.
Let's get some.
Stop now.
Stop. Let me get off.
This is filthy.
Which way?
It stinks!
I'm amazed how filthy this country is.
Humans and animals all defecate on the streets.
It's filled with stench.
Here we are.
Let me have this.
Thanks for paying.
Thanks to my father who buried us in debts,
I can't even buy tobacco.
I'm probably the poorest diplomat of this wide world.
Are you sure we can go without an invitation?
Don't worry.
We need to knock China down.
On this day the city of Beijing was celebrating the 24th birthday of
Guangxu Emperor in grand style.
Kubo.
Kubo, come over here.
Excuse me. I'm sorry.
We should leave.
Here, drink this.
- Don't worry. - Sorry.
This is impressive.
Do you sense the piercing look?
The British.
They're not happy.
Governor Li has arrived!
That's Li Hongzhang.
Li Hongzhang was the leading statesman in Beijing at that time.
Li Hongzhang, Governor General of Qing Dynasty
The great power diplomats praised him as "Bismarck of the Orient."
In Japan, he was known as a manipulator of foreigners.
Thank you for joining us.
Governor Li.
Minister of Commerce with Korea of Qing Dynasty
The Acting Minister of Japan is here.
How could he have showed up
after sinking our Kowshing?
I'm convinced England will do anything for our country now.
Let's toast like triumphant generals with British diplomats.
For one thousand soldiers on Kowshing that lost their lives
and for the victory of Qing Dynasty.
I'd like to express my sincere congratulations to his imperial majesty.
Thank you.
How unexpected to receive such a greeting from a representative
of our enemy country.
I'd like to ask you some questions.
He'd like to take this opportunity to ask you questions.
Whatever you wish.
Looking around this room, you appear to be the smallest.
Are your country men all small like you?
Looking around this room, your height seems to be the shortest.
He wants to know if the people of your country are all small.
I'm sorry to say that most Japanese are rather small.
However, some of them are big in our country.
A large man like Your Excellency is said to be
"a large body but useless fellow."
Such men should not be given authority.
The Rat Minister
makes interesting statements.
Another thing.
We transport our soldiers in our ships.
We never indulge in that business,
such as firing guns behind the flag of a great power, like you did.
You're right. The Rat Minister makes interesting statements.
Thank you for your time.
The incident of sinking the British steamship
received criticism and demands for Japan's actions for liability.
But as more details came to light, it became apparent that
Naniwa's action was in accordance with the international law.
This calmed down the British.
Department of the Navy, Tokyo
However, the Minster of the Navy, Yamamoto was taking action with Togo.
He ordered Naniwa to return and told Togo come see him.
These two men both fought in Boshin War as Satsuma soldiers.
Togo was five years senior of Yamamoto.
They had been on the same battleship in the past.
That was a crucial decision.
Thanks to you, the Battle of Seonghwan brought us victory.
The Army is also very grateful.
But we had to calm down the worrywart Prime Minister Ito.
He said that a captain of a battleship is also a representative of a nation.
He doesn't believe the decision was based on a carefully worked-out plan.
But I know how meticulous you are,
and it's your hobby to study the international law.
But since I'm in the position to direct you, I'd like to say a few words.
If this type of incidents are repeated,
it could cause a serious hindrance in execution of the war.
Are you sure that was the best action to take?
If you had ordered to lower the British flag before sinking Kowshing,
the British press would have accepted it better.
I might have taken a different measure.
How about capturing rather than sinking?
That wouldn't have caused much issue from a diplomatic standpoint.
We couldn't have ordered to lower the British flag
because the Qing soldiers wouldn't have let that happen.
And it was impossible to capture such a huge steamship.
But listen, Togo.
The British Navy and press argued this one point.
Togo didn't rescue even one of the Qing soldiers that were drowning.
To save a helpless enemy soldier is the British Navy's philosophy.
They questioned about our knowledge of humanity during a war.
A serviceman cannot let the enemy escape in front of our eyes.
I take responsibility for my decisions.
I'll commit a seppuku if necessary.
But I have no regrets.
Since the Boshin War,
that's been my belief in fighting.
You're meticulous and tenacious on top of it.
A captain of a troop must possess that tenacity.
In this war,
I wholeheartedly count on your ability.
Liadong Peninsula, China
Yoshifuru Akiyama lead the first army cavalry
of the Second Army as the captain and landed in Liaodong Peninsula.
It was on October 24, 1894.
Yoshifuru lead his cavalry to scout any enemy activities at Port Arthur.
Port Arthur fortress was known as the best in Asia
or said be the only modern fortress of that time.
When the French over nor Courbet visited Port Arthur,
he estimated it would require more than 50 strong battleships
and 100,000 army soldiers to fight for six months to reduce this fortress.
First Army Cavalry Camp
However, the first one to realize the inaccuracy of Courbet's estimate
was the leader of the cavalry, Yoshifuru Akiyama.
Send a report to the Second Army Commander, Oyama.
I'm ready.
Our investigation confirms the enemy will desperately defend the fortress.
Yes.
The most effective way to attack the fortress is
to start at dawn with all our forces, pass through Shuishiying to
quickly reach the city of Port Arthur.
Yes, sir.
I'm entering.
Captain, we just received an alarming rumor.
We heard that the commander of the fortress has escaped on a boat.
What did you say?
The enemy's commander has escaped before the Japanese army's attack?
That's unheard of.
Go and confirm it.
Yes, sir.
What does this mean?
I have no idea.
Where do you want your liquor?
Thanks, old man.
Captain, our energy source has arrived.
Good.
Hey, old man. Thanks for your help always.
Here. For you.
We'll be staying here for a while.
We count on your help.
I hate soldiers.
Soldiers are all killers and thieves.
That goes for all the ones in Port Arthur and all of you.
I want you all gone.
The old man says he doesn't like us soldiers.
I see.
I can understand that.
We're great nuisance to the old man.
Hey, help him.
Captain, what do you think you're doing?
This is good.
It's not poisoned.
Captain, it's my job to taste for poison.
You're right. But I couldn't wait.
- Kumagai. - Yes, sir.
Tell the old man a war is starting soon.
Get away and be safe.
Old man, a war will start. Make sure to get away.
Inagaki, we'll continue with our report.
Yoshifuru sent his report to Commander Oyama
of the Second Army.
Oyama was a cousin of Takamori Saigo.
Iwao Oyama Commander, Second Army
He grew up with his cousin's influence.
He was a typical Satsuma commander
with great generosity and the tolerance fitting a captain.
Second Army Headquarters
The First Division Commander was known as an one-eyed dragon,
Motoharu Yamaji, First Division Commander
Motoharu Yamaji, a lieutenent-general.
Two brigades were under that division.
Maresuke Nogi, First Brigade Chief
The first brigade chief was Maresuke Nogi, a major general.
Did you all read it?
We expect nothing less from Akiyama.
This is the most impressive report.
It clearly states the enemy's positions,
analysis of the situation and the method of our attack.
I developed strategies based on Akiyama's report.
I want to share them with you.
Here, at the northern part of the Port Arthur defense line,
the enemy has assumed their main force on the right side.
I want to position our elite troop at this location.
Therefore...
I would like to request our brigade to be
assigned to the attack.
Our brigade spearheaded the attack of Jinzhou
and made Jinzhou fort surrender in merely one day.
We can apply our momentum to reduce the Port Arthur fortress.
Nogi, I am aware of your achievement at the fortress attack
and your speedy conquest without the commander's sanction.
I like your spirit.
Please let our brigade handle this attack.
Before we rush, why don't you give my strategy a listen?
They decided to launch an attack on Port Arthur on November 21, 1894.
Yoshifuru's troop left at 7 a.m. on the day after he sent his report.
They left the camp and proceeded on the course.
However,
around 10 a.m., his troop encountered an enormous number of enemy soldiers,
which led to head-to-head confrontation.
Take position!
Fire!
Company Commander!
Get the nurse!
They were at a disadvantage from the beginning.
And their position worsened as the time went on.
Captain,
it's dangerous out here.
You want a sip?
This is...
Chinese liquor.
Give it back.
May I ask one question?
Sure.
About your parade sword...
You mean this?
Everyone's worried
why you carry the parade sword and not a real sword.
Does it make you uneasy if a commander carries such a sword?
Well...
This is good enough.
Get the horse!
- Yes, sir. - Where to?
Captain?
The soldiers are weakening.
I'll lead.
Please don't be reckless.
That's dangerous.
Captain, please.
Please don't.
Let's go.
Captain, please stop!
Pay attention.
I'm ordered to go to Port Arthur.
We don't have an order to retreat.
We will not retreat!
Leave if you want.
I won't blame you.
I'll head to Port Arthur even if I'm the only one left.
Captain!
- Kumagai. - Yes, sir.
I need a translator.
You come with me.
Yes, sir!
Go forward!
Their cavalry has arrived.
We'll proceed.
Take position!
Fire!
An enemy attack!
A raid by the enemy!
An enemy attack!
The enemies are detected on the main stretch of Port Arthur.
They're heading this way.
Their approximate count is 3,000.
Their main force.
Why such an enormous force against a scout troop of mere 200?
What are they scheming?
There's no point in advancing.
Absolutely right.
Cancel the advance command.
Get the troop in the back to retreat.
Prepare to retreat!
- Inagaki. - Yes, sir.
Retreat is the hardest in a battle.
If the enemy senses it, they'll charge with full force.
We must stop their momentum and retreat orderly.
Yes, sir.
I will cover the retreat.
That's absurd!
Then who else will do it?
Prepare to retreat!
Captain!
Provide covering fire!
Cover us!
Fire!
Captain!
Retreat!
Many had called Yoshifuru an ancient warrior
and the biggest hero of a country at war.
But what was he truly like?
Thinking back his youth in Matsuyama
or his teaching days in Osaka,
a hero wasn't what people thought of Yoshifuru.
He was quiet and kind as a boy, and as a young man.
Courage was not what he was born with,
but more a product of his self-development.
The Attack of Port Arthur by the Second Army began as planned
in the chilly dawn of November 21, 1894.
The fall of Port Arthur fortress was said to take six months.
However, it fell in just one day.
The victory was not because the Japanese army was superior,
but rather that the Qing soldiers lacked in fighting spirits.
The guards of the fortress ended up escaping toward Jinzhou.
Officer Nogi, we finally did it.
Kosuke Ijichi, Deputy Chief of Staff, Second Army
Congratulations on conquering Port Arthur fortress.
I am certain that Emperor will be pleased with this historical victory.
The Chinese poem you read when you left for the war
came to my mind.
I believe the poem ended with
"Travel to all 400 provinces of China on foot."
I am certain you will achieve that.
Nogi and Ijichi would later head the attack of Port Arthur during
the Russo-Japanese war as the Third Army Commander and Chief of Staff.
Back in Negishi, Shiki was also feeling the storm of war.
Thanks to the stories from the frontline,
newspaper "Nippon" was starting to enjoy prosperity.
And the journalists left for the frontline one by one.
I'm off.
Please stay away from the bullets.
Yes, I will. Thank you for your concern.
Masaoka,
I'll leave the rest to you.
Okay.
I will send great stories from China.
Look forward to them.
Good-bye, Kuga-sensei.
Banzai! Banzai!
Sensei, is it possible...
for me to go to war?
Masaoka.
I know.
I appreciate your concern for my condition.
But
my colleagues leave for the battleground one by one.
I'm left alone.
Your mission is the analysis of Buson.
To give light to old haiku is
like crawling in the dark inside a storage.
That is your battleground.
"Mogami River flows gushing with the water of early summer rain."
That was Basho.
"Two houses barely stand by the great river of early summer rain."
This one by Buson was more descriptive, therefore, superior.
That was an excellent review by you.
But I...
"Spring water flows though the land with no mountain."
How's this one?
"The land with no mountain" doesn't work.
Why not?
Where is that land anyway?
Maybe it's the Musashino area.
It's not good to rely on geographical notion.
Haiku must vividly depict the scene right away.
Therefore, haiku is
a painting.
A painting?
Yes.
It's obvious you're also fighting.
I'm back.
Brother?
What are you doing?
Just as you can see.
You look so serious when you do that.
I stepped out in the garden
and noticed the vivid color of the maple leaves that was out of this world.
So I want to keep
the bright red color forever.
Jun-san must be on a battleship out on the sea.
And his brother is riding around the vast land of Manchuria.
On the other hand,
I'm hitting a maple leaf against a stepping stone.
It is truly beautiful.
Isn't it?
January of 1895, Combined Fleet an attack on
Wenhaiwei where Beiyang Fleet was barricading itself.
Did you think of good tactics?
Bean shells on the deck means
a navigation officer is strategizing.
The nautical chart is ready.
The navigation officer is over here.
Let's go over there.
Ready to sail.
We will start firing tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
Never let your guard down.
The enemy's firing power is stupendous.
Yes, sir.
Do you have new loincloths?
Listen.
A loincloth can settle your spirit in the gut and calm you down,
so you have your mental and spiritual power at will.
Make sure to wear a new tight loincloth tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
Want some?
Yes, we'd love some.
Come closer.
These beans give me power.
Me, too.
You have a bag too?
I made one.
He idolizes you.
Thank you.
This is my good luck charm for the fight.
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing.
Fire the battery on the east!
On the following day, the Combined Fleet launched fire
aiming the Chinese battery on land.
Ready to fire!
The range is close! The left stern!
Close to being on course.
- 27.6 degrees. - Yes, sir!
Distance is 4,300.
Understood. 4,300.
Fix! Fix!
North-northeast!
Fix. Roger.
One three one eight.
North-northeast!
The fighting flag is down!
- Hanada! - Yes, sir!
Go put this up.
Without this, we look like we're surrendering.
Count on me for climbing the mast!
Twelve minutes to changing course!
Hanada...
Hanada!
I made it!
I finally made it!
"To the fields and the mountains, 30,000 soldiers march on."
I'm home.
Mother.
I'm going to war.
There was an opening for a journalist.
My passion won over Kuga-sensei.
I'm a war correspondent!
I'll travel across the ocean with the Osaka division!
The happiest time of my life was
when I moved to Tokyo from Matsuyama.
And another is today when I became a war correspondent!
Will you be fine without me?
Don't be a fool.
No war correspondent will take his sister.
Japan is fighting with a country we used to be close to.
What did you say?
Look at it.
The scroll has a Chinese poem.
The plate shows Chinese children playing.
Kanji is from China.
Of course.
Our grandfather was Kanzan Ohara,
a master of Chinese studies.
Grandfather told us many stories about China when we were young.
China was like a dreamland.
No one thought it would become our enemy.
The defeat of Beiyang Fleet came on February 12, 1895.
Commodore Ding Ruchang killed himself by taking poison.
Akiyama.
Hirose.
Takeo Hirose, Naval Second Lieutenant
I'll head back to Sasebo before you.
I received an order to bring Zhenyuan ship in.
Drink with me.
A ship carrying the casket of Commodore Ding sailed out.
A famous general like him lost the war
because his troops lacked discipline arid his country was deteriorating.
The funeral salute to Ding sounded more like it was for China to me.
Hirose.
Yeah.
I'm not fit to be serviceman.
What happened?
A battle scares me.
A guy who was by my side
is gone in a flash.
A battle can be cruel.
But,
you can't fight if you're afraid.
He was...
looking forward to be back with his family.
If I didn't give him an order,
he'd still be alive.
Hirose.
I'm not...
fit to be in the military.
Liushutun, China
Shiki's duty at war ended quickly as if it was a child's play.
By the time he left Japan, Li Hongzhang was visiting Shimonoseki,
and peace negotiations were already underway.
Japanese are here!
This road
of rubbles and dirt is
the road of the conqueror.
The people of China are
welcoming us Japanese with their upmost gratitude.
They're delighted!
Let's keep going.
Don't take that from us.
If you take that from us...
Get off me!
This village has nothing left.
You people took everything from us.
How are we supposed to feed ourselves? There is nothing left.
Hey, soldier. Stop hurting him.
This boy's parents were killed by you.
This boy will take revenge one day.
What did he say?
He said thank you to the Japanese soldiers.
You're lying. That man was furious.
What did he really say?
Sergeant major!
Please wait!
Hey, journalist, stay with us.
They can attack you anytime. Let's go.
Hey, you.
Who do you work for?
I hope it's not newspaper "Nippon".
That's the one.
Anything wrong?
If you're a correspondent from "Nippon",
you should watch what you say.
How can you call a soldier
of you own country a liar?
Moron!
You called me a moron?
A sergeant major shouldn't use crude language.
Journalists like you should write what I tell you to write!
Thank you to the Japanese soldiers.
That's good enough!
Stop your nonsense!
I don't understand Chinese.
But I know that man wasn't thanking you.
Hey, you!
Say that again!
I'll kill you!
Hey, hey.
Director of Military Medicine.
You're acting immature in front of our guest.
I'm sorry.
Shouldn't you be holding
a pen and not a short sword?
Are you Masaoka from the newspaper "Nippon"?
Yes, I am.
And you are...
Rintaro Mori, Director of Military Medicine.
Rintaro Mori was
Ogai Mori, a great writer Of the Meiji era.
"Spring grass, grow and hide the corpse of the deceased."
It's a realistic haiku as expected from you.
It's to the point.
That's why it moves us.
I hope to carry the torch for haiku's revival.
I was a fan of your series in the newspaper.
I read them all.
I read Clausewitz' "Theory of War" translated by you.
What is your take on the reality of this war?
I'm happy Japan won the war.
We won but lost a lot.
The reality is this.
We had about 8,000 casualties.
Two thirds died from illnesses
such as dysentery, cholera and frostbites.
Our troops lost to illnesses fore they could fight.
Unfortunately, it exposed the medical unpreparedness of our military.
I was reminded how powerless I was as a doctor.
How do you see this war?
Is this an interview?
Well... yes.
Commander Ito of our Combined Fleet sent
a summons to surrender to Ding Rushang.
It told China to rebuild the country after the war,
using Japan's restoration as the model to follow.
But Ding Rushang killed himself by poisoning.
It's a sales job for the restoration and civilization.
The restoration and civilization?
It's a strange goodwill.
And the same strange goodwill is directed towards Korea.
It's a nuisance to them.
I regard the newspapers that derail from the true nature of the war to be sinful.
I expect nothing less than truth from you.
Yes.
A petty fight between the Asian countries is over.
Now that we know Qing Dynasty wasn't a sleeping tiger at all,
it'll become a prey to the great powers such as Russia, England and France.
The country will crumble and fall.
An emergency!
It was a time of imperialism.
The great powers were carnivores with blood dripping from their fangs.
Shiki's duty at war only lasted for a month.
On May 14, 1895,
he boarded Sadokuni-Maru in Dalian together with other journalists.
He headed back to Japan.
Hey, Masaoka!
We can see sharks from the deck.
Sharks?
Masaoka, come over here.
Check out the sharks.
Can you see the fins?
They're coming.
Amazing.
The Sino-Japanese War ended with Japan's victory.
The Combined Fleet returned in triumph to Sasebo and celebrated its glory.
Hirose, let's take a picture.
- Hirose. - Hey.
Akiyama.
I'll go to Russia.
To Russia?
I must study Russian and become an officer.
I will go to the center of Russia.
I want to get the true picture.
A scouting mission.
The Trans-Siberian Railroad's construction is underway.
Do you know the meaning of the last station?
Vladivostok means
to conquer the east.
Russia has their eyes on Manchuria, Korea and Japan.
We can't let the sea of Japan be Russia's water.
The critical time for our navy is approaching.
Akiyama,
I won't let you quit the navy.
I won't allow it.
First Lieutenant Hirose, Commander wants to see you.
I'll be there.
Let's all toast to our victory!
Kanpai!
I'm sorry.
Banquet is not for you?
No.
I'm not in the mood either.
Why don't we drink?
Yes.
Thank you.
I've seen you before.
Four years ago, in Kure.
Oh, that's right.
Come over here.
They're unauthorized intruders.
I am Ding. Commander in Chief of Qing Beiyang Fleet.
We lost a good general.
True.
Which ship are you on?
I'm on Tsukushi.
I lost three soldiers.
One of them
died because of my command.
Admiral,
may I ask one question?
What makes a good commander?
I have a hard time grasping it.
Have you ever regretted your command?
I apologize.
That was a rude question.
My command ended up killing 1,100 Qing soldiers with one blow.
A commander must make decisions
and give out orders.
Once you pull out your sword and decide to fight, you must fight.
But you must consider numerous factors to reach your decision.
That's the obligation of a commander.
But...
After contemplating and reaching a decision,
I don't think I can stop grieving.
I'm a human after all
just like you.
I'm no stranger to worries and grief.
But as a general,
I must believe in my own decision to lead my soldiers.
You need to make quick decisions.
But years of preparation is required to make a good decision.
What makes a good commander?
Think carefully to honor the soldier that fell victim to your command.
Haste makes waste. Slow and steady wins the race.
What's that?
The words of my deceased father.
I was listening to you, his words came to my mind.
Sounds good to me.
Want to try?
Saneyuki would later become known as a well of resources and
make lieutenant commander nine years later.
For the Russo-Japanese War, the navy would put their trust in his ability and
assign him as the staff officer of the Combined Fleet led by Togo.
He would board Mikasa.
Saneyuki would develop strategies for Togo to implement.
Preview of Next Episode
This is huge.
The country's future will depend on what the military attache learns
from this battle.
I don't know how long I have.
I will cure Brother.
Episode Five: An Exchange Student
I have a much higher goal.
I want to form a completely equal alliance with England.
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
Original Story "Sakano Ue no Kumo" by Ryotaro Shiba
Screenwriter: Hisashi Nozawa
Music: Jo Hisashi
Theme song: "Stand Alone" by Sarah Brightman
Titles: Ryotaro Shiba
Narration: Ken Watanabe
Starring
Masahiro Motoki as Saneyuki Akiyama
Hiroshi Abe as Yoshifuru Akiyama
Teruyuki Kagawa as Tsunenori (Shiki) Masaoka
Miho Kanno as Ritsu Masaoka
Mieko Harada as Yae Masaoka
Shiro Sano as Katsunan Kuga
Takahiro Fujimoto as Takeo Hirose
Takehiro Murata as Kosuke Ijichi
Ren Osugi as Munemitsu Mutsu
Takaaki Enoki as Rintaro (Ogai) Mori
Go Kato as Hirobumi Ito
Naoto Takenaka as Jutaro Komura
Masakane Yonekura as Iwao Oyama
Akira Enoki as Maresuke Nogi
Koji Ishizaka as Gonbei Yamamoto
Tetsuya Watari a Heihachiro Togo
Executive Producer: Yoshiki Nishimura
Producer: Satoshi Sekiguchi
Director: Takeshi Shibata
Translation and Subtitles by Noriko Morisaki (JVTA)