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 high above a hill,
they would only focus on the clouds and climb the hill.
Cloud Above The Slope
Episode Six: The Anglo-Japanese Alliance
End of 19th Century (1900)
The nineteenth century was a time of Imperialism.
With the world's largest navy and the strong industrial power,
the British Empire ruled the world.
May 7, 1900 Portsmouth Harbor
Saneyuki and Hirose reunited in England after several years of being apart.
Lieutenant Takeo Hirose Military Attache to Russia
Hirose was assigned to Russia as a military attache.
He was given a permission to go on a tour of inspection through Europe.
He met up with Saneyuki who was based in England and two went to Portsmouth
Battleship Asahi
to view the battleship, Asahi.
Its speed is 18 knots. The armor is 9 inches.
Four 12-inch guns, fourteen 6-inch guns, 32 rapid-fire guns
and four torpedo tubes.
After the Sino-Japanese War,
Japan rapidly expanded its naval force to face the threat from Russia.
But Japan had no ability to build its battleships.
80% of the battleship construction was ordered to England.
Salute.
The construction cost was astronomical.
The Japanese people gave up their food money to build these ships.
It's humongous.
As it should be for the largest battleship in the world.
I looked at all the Japanese battleships that are being built in England.
In addition to Asahi, Shikishima, Hatsuse and Mikasa, as well as
the modern cruisers like Izumo and Iwate are all impressively equipped.
We'll be able to fight the Russian Fleet at Vladivostok and Port Arthur.
Shikishima, Hatsuse and Mikasa
cost 58,514,000 yen.
Very expensive ships bought with the sweat of Japanese people.
We must treasure them.
What an amazing view.
This almost childish excitement would eventually bring
enrichment and progress to Japan.
It was certainly a time of joy.
Can we do it here?
This is going to be quite a photo.
The location is the world's largest naval port.
We're on top of Asahi, Japan's largest battleship.
And the two models are
the hope of the Japanese navy!
Don't move.
One, two and three.
Royal Naval College in London
Starting from the nineteenth century into the twentieth century,
countries were either to become a colony of another nation or
be an imperialist country with own industries and military power.
Those were the only two choices.
It was a time of conspiracy, diplomacy and war among the countries.
Diplomats and servicemen held the highest stature at this time in history.
We must establish an equal alliance with England to chase Russia out of China.
Minister Komura brags about this, but it's definitely a possibility.
Royal Navy is acknowledging our navy's superiority.
Russia and England were fighting to obtain control over the Far East.
And this situation continued until the Russo-Japanese War.
England had sent 400,000 soldiers to fight in South Africa.
Their military force in the Far East wasn't as prominent.
I must get rid of heavy items since I leave for France tomorrow.
I'll gift this to you.
Great reference for world's battleships.
Jane's Fighting Ships. Are you sure?
I have all the information up here.
Actually, I can only use what's in my head at battles.
All going to the secondhand bookstore.
Read as many military science books
to decipher the principle.
You need to be able to digest the principle to apply to war tactics.
The best strategy is the one with the least amount of casualties.
Do you still believe that?
If the strategy calls for a large amount of deaths in soldiers,
there's no need for a strategist.
Well, let me give you a book as well.
Knowing you, you might have read it already.
"The Art of War" by Makarov.
Nice.
He signed his photograph.
I met him in Kronstadt last year.
Don't get rid of it.
He's the best admiral in the Russian navy, actually in any navy.
Hirose, thank you.
On the next day, the two men left on a 40-day trip around Europe together.
They came across an astonishing news from the Far East during this trip.
What was known as Boxers rose in rebellion in China.
Boxer Rebellion
The uprising quickly spread to northern China.
The Boxers
These people known as The Boxers
attacked foreigners, burned foreign companies and destroyed the railroad.
They also attacked the telegraph office.
The Allied Forces were organized by England, German, the USA,
France, Italy and Australia.
Japan and Russia were also among them.
Japan and Russia devoted the most number of soldiers.
The Allied Forces raised the siege and entered Beijing on August 14, 1900,
and rescued the diplomats and residents of each country.
However, the indiscriminate slaughter and looting committed by them
were at the unprecedented level in the modern history.
Japan had its own issue to deal with which was to revise a treaty.
And Japan had to show its position as a civilized nation.
So it was following the international law and morality as much as possible.
It's the Japanese. Please help us.
Please save us. We're all Asians.
Are they Japanese?
Yes.
Japanese.
Hand over those infidels.
It's going to blow up. Take cover!
Hand over me these Boxers.
You consider this child a Boxer?
Long Live China!
How can this be allowed?
You'll be punished for your actions!
Officer, please take a look at this.
Negishi, Tokyo
Saneyuki finished his assignment in overseas and returned to Japan.
It was in the fall of 1900.
He was appointed as an officer of the standing squadron.
Shiki Retreat
Shiki was still recuperating at his house in Negishi.
But he wasn't the one to just rest.
He was paid a monthly salary of 30 yen from the newspaper Nippon.
So he had to write his columns.
To write his reviews of haiku and poems was more than his job.
It was actually his life's great undertaking.
Yes?
Is someone here?
Jun-san just arrived.
Brother.
I'll be fine.
Jun-san.
I've been waiting for your return.
Brother is so fortunate.
Natsume left for England but now Jun-san has returned to Japan.
I feel good thanks to you.
That's good to hear.
A souvenir from America.
How precious.
What is this thing?
It's called a Dreamcatcher
used by the native people to ward off the evil spirit.
You put this by your pillow and it'll take your nightmare away.
That's perfect since you cry out in your sleep.
What's the matter, Nobo-san?
Jun-san,
thank you
This sick bed itself is my nightmare.
I cry from the pain every day.
I hope this Dreamcatcher will catch my nightmares.
Then I'll be able to stand on my feet.
And I can travel to anywhere in the world with you.
Nobo-san.
I'm just complaining.
Ritsu, let's treat Jun-san to something from Matsuyama.
Yes.
Ritsu, can you change the bandage?
It's fine.
I want to be refreshed before I catch up with Jun-san.
Sorry, but can you wait a while in the kitchen?
Sure.
Jun-san, thank you. We'll be done in ten minutes.
Brother.
I'll endure the pain. So go ahead.
I don't agree with that opinion.
That haiku doesn't depict a picture.
That one is only stating his opinion.
The fellow Matsuyama poets, Kyoshi and Hekigoto,
were staying at Shiki Retreat to edit the haiku journal "Hototogisu (cuckoo)."
Kyoshi Takahama
Hekigoto Kawahigashi
That's Jun-san!
He has returned.
It's been a long time.
How are you, Ritsu?
Please forgive us for the unpleasant experience.
Don't worry.
Brother is fighting with his illness.
He's doing his best to fight every day.
Jun-san, I'm ready.
Okay.
We're here for your advice.
Nobo-san.
I'm tired.
I'll sleep for a while. Please stay until I wake up.
You can read my reviews.
- Kyoshi and Hekigoto. - Yes?
Shiki was writing at a fierce speed ever since he was confined to bed.
He was making his name in the world.
As Shiki made his mark in the literary world,
the young poets such as Kyoshi and Hekigoto were also becoming known,
as if they were celebrities of sorts.
Saneyuki read Shiki's articles while Shiki rested for about an hour.
Most were his theory on promoting innovation in haiku and tanka.
The more Saneyuki read Shiki's articles, he became infatuated by
Shiki's innovative thinking and his determined fighting spirit.
What did you think of them?
Nobo-san, you're truly...
Truly what?
Fascinating.
No soldiers can match your fighting spirit.
You think so?
Each word you write is like shots out of the gun that never misses.
Thank you.
I don't have long to live.
So I want to change the current thinking of haiku and tanka
so that the next generation of poets can take over for me.
I'm doing it as my last resort.
I understand how you feel.
I need to change the stereotype of the naval strategy and tactics.
Otherwise we'll lose the war and many solider will become victims.
But you know something?
I fight against what's become the norm in the world.
I find myself more attracted to tranquility more than ever.
Me, too.
Do you remember my grandfather?
Ipposa, who was the palace-attendant for the Matsuyama Domain.
I remember him.
He carried a branch of early plum-blossoms.
He used to make rounds by saying, "a tranquil spring has arrived."
That's right.
You remember it well.
Unfortunately, you lack in the tranquil elegance.
Kyoshi, why don't you show Jun-san?
No, that's too embarrassing to show Jun-san.
Do it, Kyoshi.
Go, Kyoshi!
As I hold a branch of early plum-blossoms,
a tranquil spring has arrived!
You're just like a buffoon.
Excuse my poor performance.
It was tranquil though.
The food is ready.
Mixed rice with vegetables.
We've been waiting for this!
This serene and comical episode of of my grandfather in Matsuyama
helps to calm me down.
Finally the spring has arrived and I'm enjoying its tranquil beauty.
But I may not be able to experience spring of next year.
The tranquil spring has arrived.
It truly is tranquil.
The tranquil spring has arrived.
Please eat as much as you like.
It's a special feast for Jun-san.
Thank you, Ri-san.
You must create picturesque haiku before you can drink sake.
You may look like a poet, but you still need lots of work.
After the Boxer Rebellion had settled, Russia strengthened its troops
and invaded Manchuria.
They conquered the Heilongjiang fort on August 30, 1900.
On October 2nd, they succeeded in taking control of Mukden
and continued to stay in Manchuria.
The Twentieth Century
The twentieth century in Asia got started as the Boxer Rebellion incident settled.
January, 1901
Port Arthur, Liaodong Peninsula
At least that was the view of the resident foreigners in Tianjin.
That year turned out to be a terrible year for China.
However, for the Great Powers of the West feeding on China's interests,
that was a year they welcomed with open arms.
"Dear Hirose,"
"Port Arthur is no longer China but a peninsula belonging to Russia."
"Russia is investing 90 million ruble to this territory."
"They're bringing Russian cultures here and plan on staying for good."
Saneyuki went to inspect Port Arthur as an officer of the standing squadron.
The Japanese military didn't leave intelligence work up to the specialists.
Instead, they selected the most capable officers and sent them to the enemy land.
"Chinese lost their freedom and are forced to build the fort with very little pay,"
"as if they're Russia's new slaves."
St. Petersburg, Russian Empire
"Stationed in the bay are Russian battleships Retvizan and Petropavlovsk,"
Battleship Retvizan
Cruiser Pallada
"and cruisers such as Pallada and Novik."
"Those are just a few among many destroyers and torpedo boats."
"You taught me about the power these enemy ships possess."
"I suspect what I see is just a small group of the Port Arthur fleet."
At that time, Russia was in the midst of strengthening their navy with full force.
By the time Japan obtained the information of Russia's effort,
it appeared obvious that Japan's defeat was inevitable.
The late grandmother, Chima
Takeo,
teach me your language.
You want to learn Japanese?
Yes, I do.
What would better to start from?
Ariadna
What about that?
Asahi.
A-sa-hi.
Asahi means sunrise.
Asahi, asahi. What a beautiful word.
Boris Bilgitzki
Tea for you?
Actually, it's also a name of our battleship.
A battleship?
A Japanese battleship that was just completed in England.
How interesting!
Traditionally, Japanese battleships are name after nature.
For instance,
Asagiri.
Akebono.
Murasame.
The fog lifts.
The day breaks.
And the rain falls.
They're all so poetic. Not valiant.
Not only strong and brave, but also caring.
That's the goal of a Japanese soldier.
If I tried to think of a Russian word you often use,
it's similar to "humanity."
"Humanity," how people care for each other.
I trust your country and my country will connect with humanity some day.
I hope that will happen.
I've missed.
Takeo.
May I have a word?
Can you buy flowers?
You will come today at Pavlov's concert?
Kovalsky also will be there.
Of course.
It's hard for me to admit this.
But she is completely infatuated by you.
I'll give up Ariadna.
Takeo, I truly respect you as a person
I want you to take Ariadna and make her happy.
Don't worry about me.
But I hope this won't affect the friendship we have.
Beijing, China
On September 7, 1901, the Great Powers and China signed a peace treaty.
The Boxer Protocol
The key person to coordinate the eight nations with China
to reach this treaty was Jutaro Komura.
Jutaro Komura, Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Dagu, China
Cruiser Chitose
After the treaty was signed Komura was welcomed on Cruiser Chitose.
He was to be inaugurated as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
I hope you're not too tired.
Commander Admiral Morooka is waiting for you.
Where is Akiyama?
He was on Azuma with me.
And,
I'm starving.
This is Akiyama.
Come in.
Nice to see you.
I was taking Azuma to north China to protect the Japanese residents.
Congratulations on your assignment to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
I doubt the Japanese people even know who I am.
Join me for the navy's curry rice.
How is Port Arthur?
You were there to collect intelligence.
Port Arthur is no longer part of China.
It's controlled by Russian money.
Russia is also building their city in Dalian.
If this continues, all of Manchuria will be under Russia's control.
This tastes good.
Curry rice on Cruiser Chitose is quite delicious.
I'll join you.
Akiyama, listen.
There's no justice in Imperialism.
Imperialism is a world
where the law of the jungle prevails.
I'm sure you're well aware of that.
The culprit of the Boxer incident was
the rebellion by the Chinese against the invasion of the Great Powers.
Japan followed England's intention
and succeeded in showing our capability at war.
"Japan now a menace."
They fear Japan now.
The European press praised Japan.
England is reminded of our power
and knows Japan can't be excluded from the issues surrounding the Far East.
I told you to become the Iroquois Tribe when I saw you in New York.
Yes.
The time has come
to risk the fate of our nation to proceed the the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
We join hands with England to chase Russia out of the Far East.
Katsura's vacation home in Hayama
The Ito Cabinet had collapsed in Japan.
The new prime minister was Taro Katsura, a former army general.
Taro Katsura
Known as a skilled flatterer, Katsura invited the former statesmen
to lay the groundwork for the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
I now lead the cabinet. As you know, I'm not that competent.
I don't have the confidence to fight against the superpower of Russia.
I feel we must form an alliance with one or two countries of the Great Powers
so we can contain Russia's actions.
I would like to hear your opinion on this matter, Mr. Ito.
Hirobumi Ito, Former Prime Minister
I'm sure you've already settled this matter with Komura in Beijing.
I believe that one country is England.
Masayoshi Matsukata, Elder Statesman
Why do you need my opinion?
Mr. Ito, that is absurd.
I'm asking you without preconceived notion.
Katsura.
None of the former statesmen are against the alliance.
But whether that is realistic or not is a different story.
I'd like to see if we have a way to form an alliance with a different country.
Possibly with a country no one expects.
Is there such a country?
There is.
Which one?
It's with Russia.
Kaoru Inoue, Elder Statesman
Russia?
You must be kidding.
With all due respect,
the country of armed robbers are invading our next village.
Are we to lower our heads and beg them not to touch our village?
Is that your suggestion?
Katsura, I like your description.
That's right.
What's wrong with begging the armed robbers?
It's for the protection of our citizens.
We can't afford to pretend anymore.
If we propose something attractive, the armed robbers won't attack us.
Ito viewed the Anglo-Japanese Alliance only good as a theory.
That powerful England would not form an equal alliance with Japan.
Ito decided he would visit Russia.
By the time Komura returned to Japan, Ito had already left for Russia.
His thinking is too old-fashioned.
Because we fear Russia, we're to join hands with them?
Shame on him!
Japan is not a minor power anymore.
That cunning fellow...
He still hasn't recovered from the fear of
Choshu being defeated by the attack of the combined fleet of four countries.
Prime Minster Residence
I'm not sure if you can lead our nation.
Everyone knows Mr. Ito suffers from the fear or Russia.
Fear of Russia Disease
Cunning fellow with fear of Russia.
That's pretty funny.
The new regime with all new cabinet members ended up
leading Japan to the Russo-Japanese War.
Russian Empire
St. Petersburg
Ito headed to the Russian capital, St. Petersburg, with a small hope.
He wanted to negotiate with Russia without the help of his government.
He put his own life on the line to avoid the Russo-Japanese War.
However, Russia took an unexpected stand towards Ito.
Ito received a hearty welcome.
Former Prime Minster
What is it? It's open.
Minister Witte has just arrived at this hotel to see you.
Finance Minster Witte?
He's known as a peace lover.
What an honor for us that he paid us a visit.
We mustn't offend him.
Finance Minister Witte
Witte was the only Russian minister that opposed the war with Japan.
He was well aware that Ito had the same belief.
I'm truly happy to have you visit our country.
On the day I arrived in the capital of Russia,
I am truly honored to have you visit me directly.
Please.
Ito let his guard down to the welcome he received from Witte.
To keep peace in the Far East, we can no longer overlook Russia's invasion.
They discussed about the peace in the Far East and
the invasion effort by Russia that was taking place at that time.
There's a general who is favored by the Emperor.
He is planning on invading
not only Manchuria but also Korea.
Of course Emperor or our government have no intention for that.
And as a Finance Minister, I am completely against it.
I want to make sure there's no misunderstanding.
Do I have your word?
Of course.
I'd like to make one suggestion.
In addition to the commerce and industry in Korea,
I'd like you to entrust me to manage the political and military affairs.
What I mean by military affairs is
mostly to maintain public order within Korea.
That will lead to peace in Asia.
If necessary, I will guarantee the next three matters.
First is the independence of Korea.
The next is the ban of the military use on Korean soil.
Lastly, no military facilities or equipment along the Korean coast.
How do these sound?
Ito focused on Korea for their discussion.
He feared Japan's independence would be in danger if Russia invaded Korea.
If we can have those three matters guaranteed,
I have no objection to what you'd do with Korea.
If you're willing to work with us,
I see a high possibility of our countries working in harmony.
If there's peace between our countries, Russia will gain tremendous benefits.
On the following day Ito and his staff had an audience with Nicholas II.
Catherine Palace
Russia welcomed Ito as if he was the head of a country.
Have you seen the Emperor?
Not since the horrible incident.
It's been ten years.
I would like to express my gratitude for the honor to meet your Majesty.
Nicholas II of Russia
We know that you're a politician that believe in amity with our country.
It is my pleasure to meet you today.
Thank you very much, your Majesty.
Your Excellency speaks English.
Very little.
Then, let us speak in English.
Did I see your Excellency when I visited Japan?
Where was it?
Ten years ago at Otsu in Shiga
I saw your Majesty in Kyoto.
And I had the pleasure of accompanying you to Kobe.
I see, I see. Now I remember.
I remember very clearly.
Everything about my trip to Japan
is a good memory.
For a long time your country and mine had a very close friendship.
When I think of that, mutual friendship between Japan and Russia
is not an impossible thing.
If the two countries cooperate,
it would help greatly to maintain peace in Asia.
I agree and I have complete faith in what you say.
I'd like to present to you the Order of Alexander Nevsky,
for the friendship of the two countries.
Thank you very much, your Majesty.
Japanese Legation
What an joyous day.
Even I didn't expect such a friendly treatment by Russia.
We need to rethink the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
I will inform Katsura that an amicable agreement with Russia is a possibility.
That is a good news.
I'm Lieutenant Hirose, a military attache.
For the last five years I've studied in Russia,
I devoted to learning how to destroy our moral enemy.
On the other hand,
Russia has become my second home country.
Russian people are just like us and I have a lot to learn from them.
Lieutenant Hirose, what's your point?
Please continue.
Unfortunately, the information I obtained confirms
Finance Minister Witte no longer has the Emperor's trust.
A group of hard-liners is gaining the Emperor's favor and
they plan on invading the Far East.
This agreement is a sham until Russia completes the Trans-Siberian Railroad.
Are you going to rain on my parade?
Your Excellency.
I don't have such information.
Lieutenant Hirose,
I trust the political power of my fellow politician, Witte.
When Witte loses the Emperor's trust,
Russia will end as well.
I'm so happy to see you.
I was relieved to receive your letter. I have something I need to tell you.
The teachings of Russia says the most impoverished is the most honorable.
The iconic saints are all poor.
The most impoverished is the most honorable.
Yes.
I wonder what happened to the good old Russia.
The children of my home town were all poor.
They were always hungry and had no shoes in cold winter.
Ariadna, please listen.
I received an order to return to Japan.
I must leave St. Petersburg in one month.
I knew... I knew this day would come.
Could I go to Japan with you?
With your country...
With Russia?
It's inevitable that we'll go to war.
Are you sure that is the only resolution?
Just like how you and I are,
Russia and Japan must be able to understand each other
as long as people show "humanity" and care for each other.
That's what you said about the caring Japanese soldiers.
Ariadna.
I know that this is not allowed.
But I'm in love with you.
I feel the same.
If the war
with Japan and Russia is inevitable,
I will fight for my country with a gun in my hand.
Catherina Palace
Witte, when Ito visited our country,
you tried to offer our help to Japan of all things.
Your Majesty.
You tried to reach a compromise in regards to Korea.
You even offered a large sum of financing to Japan.
Bezobrazov, Advisor of the Emperor
I am...
Why?
You have been a loyal retainer since the last Emperor.
Why did you even make such foolish proposal to the Cabinet?
No wonder the army minister, Kuropatkin, just laughed about it.
So why?
To put Japan under an obligation.
Japan under an obligation?
Currently, the war expenditure covers more than half of Japan's national budget.
An island country with no industry to speak of is starving themselves
so that they can strengthen their power against our country.
It is too dangerous to motivate Japan in any way.
But if we loan them money,
they'll feel obligated and won't act on anything extreme.
Witte,
what made you into such a defeatist?
Why do you fear such a small island nation?
There's no guarantee our financing won't be used for the war expense.
Hirobumi Ito is one of the rare Japanese politicians we can trust.
He's the only person who can control Katsura and other war initiators.
There will be no war even if Japan gets motivated.
May I ask how you can be so sure?
That's because
I'm against the war.
Just put pressure on Japan.
Nicholas II believed Japan had no capability to fight with Russia.
Unless Russia initiated, there would be no war between the two countries.
Bezobrazov made sure that Witte was no longer part of the Emperor's circle.
Witte couldn't help to predict the Russo-Japanese War.
On December 17, 1901,
Ito received a response from Russia while he visiting Berlin.
Berlin, Germanic Empire
- It's finally here. - Yes.
I'm sure it's a good news.
Your Excellency?
"Russia is free to conduct any activities in Manchuria."
"Only limited activities by Japan in Korea will be accepted."
What is this?
They ignored what I told them!
Russia's response completely ignored the requests proposed by Japan.
Ito had failed.
This is a frightening situation.
The next piece will be the last music we play tonight.
I also have a sad news to announce.
The person who was adored by all of Russian navy officers
will be leaving this country.
That person is Lieutenant Takeo Hirose.
Ladies and gentlemen.
For the six years, you have shown me your friendship and kindness.
I take this opportunity to thank you.
I will be returning to Japan tomorrow.
From the wonderful performances, I was touched by the soul of Russian music.
It gave me such joy.
Thank you very much.
As a token of my appreciation,
I'd like to present a music composed by a fellow Japanese composer.
The name of this music is "Moon over the Ruined Castle."
This piece of music portrays
the town where Lieutenant Hirose spent his childhood.
I appreciate I am given such an honor to introduce this music in Russia.
Are the Japanese can compose music?
I bet this music is a plagiarism.
What's gotten into that girl?
The composer is Rentaro Taki.
He's 24 years old, currently studying in Germany.
I told you this was a copy. No Japanese can compose such music.
How ridiculous.
Doctor Pavlov...
Don't worry Boris. I'll take care of them.
I played as I imagined the old castle in your hometown.
Thank you very much.
This is farewell.
It truly saddens me to say goodbye.
We have one proposal.
In the near future, our countries
may face the misfortune of war.
We should all fight for our countries.
I accept your proposal.
We will fight fair and square.
But please know that our friendship will last for eternity.
I feel fortunate to have met you.
Thank you.
Same here.
Please take care.
Hirose's long stay in Russia was ending.
During the six years, he came in contact with many Russian naval officers.
Hirose was the most popular military attache among the Russians.
Two years later,
Hirose would fight against his Russian friends in Port Arthur.
The day broke.
Open it.
"A" for Ariadna.
It's for "Amour."
Please keep it with you at all times.
I will definitely treasure this.
I won't go to the station tomorrow.
It'll only make me sad.
But please promise to write.
It doesn't matter how short of a letter it is.
I promise.
No, wait.
No short letters.
I want to know what you did, what you felt and the people you've met.
Please share all the details with me.
I will wait for your letter every day.
I promise to write.
I believe I'll visit Japan some day soon.
Don't you think that'll happen?
Yes, if our fate allows.
On January 30, 1902,
the Anglo-Japanese Alliance was signed.
Russia took this as a military alliance against Russia.
But to the Japanese who suffered their lives to pay the high tax,
signing of this alliance was a welcome news.
What's the matter, Minister?
You don't look happy.
With your accomplishment of this alliance,
it's been rumored that you'd be promoted to the nobility.
But the true value of me as a diplomat is yet to be proven.
There's still a lot of to do.
Standing Squadron
Saneyuki was completely engrossed in studying the naval tactics.
He told people around him that this was his hobby for life.
Saneyuki predicted his knowledge would be put to test for his country's fate.
He knew that time was approaching.
This is Hirama. May I enter?
Enter.
It's rough out there.
You received a letter.
Thanks.
"Akiyama, I hope this finds you well."
"I received an order and will be heading back to Japan."
"I rode on the Trans-Siberian Railroad to check their transportation capacity."
"I plan on crossing the bitter cold Siberia on a sled."
"Then from Vladivostok, I plan on going to Port Arthur via Manchuria."
Hirose bought a sled in Sretensk
and hired a horse keeper and three horses at the station.
"Surprisingly, there are wild rumors in Siberia about Russia going on a war"
"or a war with Japan had already started."
"If this continues, a war is inevitable."
"I may have to fight with my second home country."
Hirose wrote his last letter to Ariadna from his hotel in Irkutsk.
"God bless the dearest person in my life."
That's how he concluded the letter.
"I have so much to share with you once I return to Japan."
"Keep honing the Akiyama strategy and tactics."
"Do your time at sea and wait for my return."
"In Irkutsk."
"From Takeo."
Hirose...
Preview of Next Episode
Excuse me.
He tries to hang on even in so much pain.
Episode Seven: The Death of Shiki
I write my haiku.
They must be your elites.
Brother, please come back to us.
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
Takahiro Fujimoto as Takeo Hirose
Marina Aleksandrova as Ariadna
Shinya Owada as Kaoru Inoue
Toshiaki Ayata as Taro Katsura
Naoto Takenaka as Jutaro Komura
Go Kato as Hirobumi Ito
Executive Producers: Yasuhiro Kan & Yoshiki Nishimura
Producer: Satoshi Sekiguchi
Director: Mikio Sato
Translation and Subtitles by Noriko Morisaki