Special Drama
A very small country is
about to become a civilized nation.
This story is about three men from Iyo-Matsuyama in Shikoku.
Saneyuki Akiyama was born in this old castle town.
Saneyuki
During the Russo-Japanese War
he formulated the tactics to defeat the invincible Baltic Fleet.
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 was Shiki Masaoka, a poet and the founder of new literary forms.
Shiki
All three possessed the typical disposition of the Meiji era.
They only looked at what was ahead.
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 Nine: The Death of Hirose
Sasebo Harbor
On February 5, 1904,
The Combined Fleet Commander in-Chief, Heihachiro Togo, received a sealed order.
Battleship Mikasa
I'm delivering a sealed order.
To Heihachiro Togo Commander-in-Chief, Combined Fleet
From Gonbei Yamamoto Minister of the Navy
Imperial Council had finally made the decision to go to war with Russia.
Gather all commanders and captains to the flagship.
Yes, sir.
We have an Imperial command.
Hayao Shimamura, Chief of Staff, Combined Fleet
Following our plan already in place, the Combine Fleet is to destroy
the Russian Pacific Fleet and
gain control of the sea.
We order an immediate departure
to destroy the enemy's fleet stationed at Port Arthur and Inchon harbors.
This duty can dictate the security of our nation.
I hope all officers put their utmost efforts.
We have devoted ourselves in the battle practices for a long time.
We've spent our days and nights planning and practicing.
We worked hard to be ready for today.
I wish all of you for a brave fight until the end.
I would like to make a toast to our future victory.
- For victory. - For victory.
For victory.
We worked hard for this moment.
We will defeat our enemy.
- I am ready. - I am, too.
We will rely on your ability in the upcoming war.
Greatly.
Hirose?
Akiyama, it's been a long time.
Takeo Hirose, Torpedo Officer, Battleship Asahi
You're a torpedo officer on Battleship Asahi.
I came here with my captain.
I wanted to see you.
The Combined Fleet's strategic advisor.
That's quite an achievement.
I'm impressed with Commander Togo for selecting you.
Hirose.
It's finally here.
Hey, Akiyama.
I have a favor to ask.
What is it?
This war with Russia has a special place in my heart.
I will have to go on a killing fight against my brothers.
There must be a duty only I can fulfill.
It's your job to find that duty for me.
That tactic doesn't have to promise my return.
Hirose.
I don't plan tactics where soldiers of any ranks can't return alive.
I aim to keep everyone alive.
There are no such battle tactics.
At 9 a.m. on February 6, 1904,
the main force of the Combined Fleet made a sortie from Sasebo.
I will be waiting for your return.
The information the navy received about Russia's sortie en masse was correct.
They headed to Dalian on February 3rd and returned on the next day.
But they anchored in the outer port, not the inner harbor.
From the strategic standpoint, this was the opportune time for
the Japanese navy to launch a severe attack in the outer sea.
I recommend using the torpedo boats to attack Port Arthur at night
to destroy 4-5 enemy ships, or minimum of 2-3, to put us in advantage.
On the next morning, we use our main force for a final battle with the enemy.
The hills, the islands and the harbor at Port Arthur were completely armed
with battery of Russia as if the whole area was covered with iron and concrete.
Port Arthur was Russian Fleet's nest.
It was Impossible for the Japanese navy to enter the port.
The original plan was to invite them outside the port to launch an attack.
This action was the turning point to determine the winner.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Japan sent a notification to break on the diplomatic relations with Russia.
It happened on February 6, 1904.
I've approved Japan's interests in Korea.
Why are they sending this notice?
Russian Emperor, Nicholas II
The Japanese are completely ignoring my good will.
How could they?
This is such an insulting notice.
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
would you allow such a wrongful conduct?
What I suspect is
Lamsdorf, Minister of Foreign Affairs
there's a possibility Japan hasn't received Your Excellency's concessionary proposal.
The telegram from you has been held by Governor-General Alekseev.
Kuropatkin, Minister of the Army
It never reached Minister Rosen in Tokyo.
Is that what you mean?
Yes, unfortunately so.
Alekseev is Governor-General only in a name.
He's only after making a fortune for himself.
Therefore, it's not a surprise to us if he didn't follow up on your telegram.
Kuropatkin, are you saying Alekseev has disobeyed me?
Now that Japan is requesting breakup of diplomatic relations,
it's imperative to hold an Imperial conference immediately.
Our army and navy must be prepared for war.
That's not necessary.
This notice doesn't mean war.
And how can those coward monkeys challenge us to a war?
Dismissed.
Nicholas II had finally gathered the key officials for an Imperial conference
two days later.
Government-General of the Far East Port Arthur
The news about Japan ending relations with Russia reached Alekseev.
Alekseev, Governor-General of the Far East
Japanese residents in Port Arthur were scrambling to return to Japan.
Look at them.
The Japanese look desperate to leave this place.
Looks like a war is approaching.
Why don't we gather all officers of the army and navy?
That's not necessary.
It'll only create unnecessary confusion.
Also there's no need to inform the fleet in Inchon.
Port Arthur Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Stark, has requested
to proceed with positioning the fleet at action stations.
Just tell them to go about their days as normal.
Yes, that's right.
Newspaper reporter?
Governor-General is currently out.
Your Excellency, the local newspaper has obtained information
about the breakup of diplomatic relations from a British news agency.
They want to issue an extra.
Not allowed.
The end of relations doesn't signify a declaration of war.
That is what I will tell them.
The fleet's main force left Sasebo and reached 44 nautical mile east of
Port Arthur bay entrance at 6 p.m. on February 8, 1904.
Commander, please go ahead.
Send the signal to the destroyers.
Yes, sir.
To launch an attack as planned.
I pray for everyone's success.
Launch an attack as planned. I pray for everyone's success.
Ryokitsu Arima Combined Fleet Staff Officer
Shirakumo of First Destroyer Squadron
Send flag signal to pledge success.
Captain Shojiro Asai, Commander First Destroyer Squadron
Understood. Send flag signal to pledge success.
Five, seven, four...
The raid squadron left the main force.
The moon will set in six hours.
It'd be perfect for a surprise attack.
If we can get closer to the enemy fleet and launch torpedoes,
I'm certain we'll achieve our objective.
You mean to sink five battleships of the enemy.
I hope we can pull it off.
The rest is up to God.
Isn't that right?
The military power of their Port Arthur fleet and our Combined Fleet are equal.
We must damage as many enemy ships as possible to succeed in the final battle.
We must pull it off.
Right.
Chief, I'll go take a catnap.
Battleship Asahi
My dear Takeo, I hope this letter finds you well.
The endless snow in St. Petersburg
is keeping me inside my house.
I received a letter from Boris yesterday.
The battleship he is on
has reached a port called Port Arthur.
He says when he stands on the fortress,
he could almost see Japan where you're living.
Boris, are you out there?
I'm sure that's one of his jokes,
but my heart jumped when I read it.
Please take good care of yourself.
Port Arthur, things were peaceful with no signs of upcoming battle.
Lieutenant Commander, Boris Bilgitzki
On top of it, that day was a day to celebrate Virgin Mary.
It was a Russian religion tradition to celebrate women named Maria
who were named after Virgin Mary.
Russian Fleet's commander Admiral Stark's wife was named Maria.
Commander's wife invited many of the naval officers to their residence
and celebrated this holy day.
Hey, Boris.
What's the matter?
Going back to the ship?
I'm on night duty tonight.
Don't you suspect something?
Port Arthur feels different.
Japanese residents rushed out of here.
I heard a rumor about breakup of the diplomatic relations.
I think something's going to happen.
Even though Governor-General and officers are having fun?
Boris,
you worry too much.
I hope that's it.
Russia's Port Arthur Fleet
Battleship Tsesarevich
Aren't we supposed to set up the torpedo defense net tonight?
Governor-General Alekseev ordered us not to do it.
What was that?
Probably our patrol boat.
How wonderful.
On this day to celebrate my name,
I am deeply touched that you arranged a gun fire salute for me.
It's my pleasure, Madam.
Enemy attack! Enemy attack!
Don't move the light. I can't see the enemy.
Fire!
A torpedo!
The enemy's destroyer attacked us.
So Japan made their move.
By tomorrow, newspapers around the world will report
about the unjust surprise attack without a declaration of war.
Our country now has the absolute position go to war.
We take our time and
cook up those Asian monkeys.
Unfortunately Japan's torpedo attack didn't go as smoothly as planned.
They launched twenty torpedoes,
but they only succeeded in damaging two battleships and one cruiser.
The damages on the ships could be restored in two months.
Considering the given favorable condition, it ended with humiliating results.
After this attack, the Port Arthur Fleet would safeguard deep inside the port.
They remained protected by the fortress.
On the next morning, the Emperor declared war against Japan.
Russia stressed self-defense against Japan's surprise attack.
But their position didn't gain international support.
n those days, a declaration of war wasn't a mandatory to start using military force.
I hope Boris is safe.
I just pray that Boris and Takeo don't have to face each other.
Father, please.
It's up to God now.
The Japanese legation in St. Petersburg packed up on February 8, 1904.
They left for Stockholm.
Shinichiro Kurino, Minister to Russia
Akizuki, take this.
Motojiro Akashi, who received Kodama's order to stir up a revolution,
Motojiro Akashi, Russian Military Attache
was also moving to Stockholm.
I'm deeply disappointed.
I wanted to resolve this diplomatically.
I just received information that, following last night's attack,
our navy launched a major attack on the Port Arthur Fleet this morning.
And?
But the enemy's battery was powerful.
The Russian fleet was unhurt and fled back to the port.
Stark is known as a coward.
I think the Port Arthur Fleet would stay inside the port for a while.
If that happens, our Combined Fleet would have much trouble.
The fighters of the Finnish Revolution are waiting for us in Stockholm.
They're thrilled about Japan standing against Russia’s tyranny.
Minister Kurino, do you have any rubles?
I'm short of funds to give those fighters.
I gave you a lot already.
I requested I need two million yen,
or two million rubles, for the anti-Russian scheme.
I got it then. How much do you need now?
I need
420 more rubles.
That should be enough.
Extra! Extra!
The war has started.
Newspapers in Japan issued extras to report the battle at Port Arthur.
People rejoiced about the Combined Fleet taking on the superpower Russia.
They congratulated their own country.
Extra is available here!
The war has started. A battle at Port Arthur.
Extra about the war!
The war has started.
I hope Jun-san is safe.
He has a tendency to be reckless.
Ri-san, you're looking pale.
Mother, I have to go somewhere.
What happened to her?
Ritsu-san?
What's wrong?
This is my father.
I'm Mafumi Inou.
Thank you for being a good friend.
Oh, I should be the one grateful.
I'm Ritsu Masaoka
Please come in.
Please.
She's an old friend of Saneyuki.
I see.
I learn cooking and sewing from her.
Sueko is a good friend of mine.
Oh, you wanted to show this news to my daughter, too?
Yes.
Good job for Saneyuki.
Our Imperial Navy finally did it.
This makes me very proud.
I couldn't wait to congratulate Sueko, so I rushed over here.
I'll get tea ready.
Sueko, please don't mind me.
Miss, please stay here and relax.
I'll go take a walk.
Newspaper Nippon Extra
My father only says good things about the war.
But that's his kind gesture not to depress me.
I know that.
I came because I was worried about you.
I was worried that you may be crying
or in bed depressed.
No one can act normal when a loved one is at war.
For you, too?
I'm sure.
But I'm fine, as you can see.
I'm not that weak as you or my father may think.
You're lying.
I knew it.
I hate to admit this, but I cried a little.
As I looked at Saneyuki's photo,
I told him he can't die leaving me alone.
Ritsu-san,
I have a request for you.
You said you used to be your brother's protector.
Well, yes.
While Saneyuki's away,
can you be my protector?
That would give me comfort.
Sueko,
when I saw this extra, I felt so frightened.
The next thing I knew, I was here.
Ritsu-san...
But as soon as I saw your face, I could feel myself calm down.
You have a special power.
I will gladly accept the duty of your protector.
Thank you very much.
You're being so polite.
When the war started, Yoshifuru Akiyama was 46 years old.
He was the general of the 1st Cavalry Brigade in Narashino, Chiba.
He was Major General of the army.
The war started as the navy tried to secure the mastery of the sea.
The army was in a standby mode.
Jun, I hope you are doing well.
The whole country is rejoiced about the navy's succession of victories.
I don't know when I'll deploy, but we're well prepared for a big battle.
Attack.
Looks good.
That's good.
Jun,
the strategist must possess dexterity.
I wish you success for being an efficient communicator.
Don't ever ask for a glory.
A nation's decline starts with a corruption in the upper class.
Our family must devote ourselves for the country.
You must not desire your own fame or benefit.
Devoting oneself to the battle
brings the most glory to a man.
The enemy's Port Arthur Fleet is not coming out of the port.
The reason is
they're preserving their military power
until the Baltic Fleet arrives.
If those two fleets combine forces,
their power will be more than double of our fleet.
No chance of victory.
In order to protect our nation, we must do whatever possible
to destroy the Port Arthur Fleet before the Baltic Fleet arrives.
Don't hesitate to state your opinions.
I believe a blockade operation is our only choice.
The enemy is not coming out of the port.
We can block the mouth of the bay
so they are stuck inside.
If they can't come out to the open sea,
the Port Arthur Fleet is just bunch of metal.
Officer Arima, give us the details.
Yes, sir.
The mouth of the bay is 227 meters wide.
But it's shallow on both sides.
The battleships are restricted to use 91 meters in the center.
If we line up five or six steamships here
and sink them with explosives,
we can completely block the mouth of the bay.
Please hold on.
We must consider the strength of the fortress there.
Steamships may not make it there.
I also considered a blockage operation.
Unless we're prepared to sink a huge battleship, we will not succeed.
Officer Akiyama.
I'm surprised those are your words.
You observed the Spanish-American War
and praised the blockade operation at Santiago Bay.
You even reported about the innovative operation of blocking the enemy.
Officer Arima,
my report also covered the problem of many lost lives.
The fort in Lushunkou and Golden Hill surrounding Port Arthur is far larger
than that of Santiago.
They're thousand times strong.
We're guaranteed to lose many soldiers.
No strategist is needed if an operation is planned to lose tons of lives.
Akiyama,
we can't proceed if we keep fearing our enemy.
If I act as the captain of the operation, I'm sure you have no complaints.
I will risk my own life to lead the blocking ships.
I promise success.
I'm against this operation.
Please let me handle it.
We'll consider a blockade operation.
Prepare for it.
Yes, sir.
What's the time for a sortie?
At dawn.
If we get there at dawn, we can sink the steamships in the correct location.
The enemy could destroy our ships from their fort if you do it at dawn.
That's a suicidal act.
Should be done at night.
We can't see at night and have no prospect for success.
Apprehension is a poison in strategy.
We must be prepared for some sacrifice for our success.
Do a sortie at night.
Yes, sir.
We must think of ways to save the blockade soldiers.
We must not let our soldiers die.
Commander,
there's a man I want to assign to this operation.
This operation needs a brave commander who is not afraid to risk his life.
Who is it?
Battleship Asahi's torpedo officer, Takeo Hirose.
The disguise of the blockade ships are already underway.
We also have the explosives ready to go on the ships.
I wish we had a searchlight and some machine guns.
The enemy's off their guard. Don't worry if you don't have them.
You'll have an escort of one destroyer squad and two torpedo boat squads.
Then Arima's ship will take the lead and go to the bay in a single line.
The escort torpedo boats will join the blockade squad's cutters here.
The soldiers are to board the torpedo boats.
We'll lose the cutters.
Five ships were to be sunk at the mouth of the bay.
67 soldiers were needed in addition to the commander and ship captains.
Many desired to be part of this operation.
Actually 2,000 applied which surprised Arima and Hirose.
Some even sent petitions written in blood.
A petition in blood?
I'm prepared to die for Japan.
Akiyama.
We've already won.
A strategy that inspire the soldiers is an effective one.
I'm all for the blockade operation.
Even if it may be risky, it's smarter than blowing each other.
But it's dangerous.
If you receive a fierce attack, make sure to turn around.
Don't you die.
I won't die.
I will make this operation a success.
Then I'm thinking of going to Port Arthur with Commander Togo's permission.
I could go on a junk.
I'm sure I've told you before
that I want to meet Governor-General Alekseev.
I want to talk him into surrendering.
Russia is my second country.
I know many of the officers stationed in Port Arthur.
I can't let them die.
That sounds like you.
Just wait arid see.
The First Port Arthur Blockade Operation
At dusk on February 23, 1904, five ships of the blockade squadron
Tenshinmaru
gathered at the nautical mile 20 southwest of Port Arthur.
This was their starting point and they would take different routes from here.
Houkokumaru
What does that say?
"To the respectable Russian navy soldiers,"
"I ask if you remember me."
I am Takeo Hirose, a Japanese navy Lieutenant Commander."
"I've arrived here on board Hokokumaru."
"I will come again in the future."
"To my good friends, stay well."
Thanks.
The connection is good.
We'll test it.
We're testing it!
The conduction is good.
- How is it? - It's good.
It's good.
Lieutenant Commander, I have a question.
What is it?
What is that banner?
A letter to my friends.
That's... a letter.
Let's fight with courage.
And when the fight is over, let's enjoy drinks together.
That's the message.
That sounds good.
When that time comes, may I accompany you?
Of course.
Thank you.
This operation was called the first blockade operation.
But it didn't bring a good result.
Hirose.
I guess we failed.
How's your injury?
Don't worry. It's just a scratch.
But Akiyama, you were right.
They had thousand times of battery power than Santiago.
We were only able to sink your ship at the port entry.
That doesn't do much to block the port.
That searchlight was too bright.
Everything turned white when that light was on us.
We couldn't get a good read on the direction or distance.
We sunk before we could determine our position.
But I learned a lot from this.
I won't fail the next time. I'll block the port entry for sure.
It's done.
Thank you.
Hirose.
Tell me if there were any problems.
What do you mean?
Arima blamed me for the failure.
A night time sortie kept the injured to a minimum.
But it meant nothing since we didn't achieve the blockade.
Are you in doubt?
Don't be.
Your suggestion for a night time sortie was good.
If we had done it at dawn, the enemy would have found us.
We couldn't have survived if they launched concentrated fire.
Akiyama, we'll do another nighttime sortie.
Now that I've been there once,
I can get there with my eyes closed.
You're not the only one who learned from this operation.
Russia will be prepared, too.
If they ambush us, our damage will be tremendous.
We need a new strategy.
That's right.
That's your job to strategize.
Akiyama,
I trust your strategy implicitly.
I'm looking forward to the next blockade operation.
My friends in Port Arthur are waiting for me after reading my banner.
What the hell is that?
It's in Russian.
Takeo, you were here.
This man became the commander of the Port Arthur Fleet in March.
He was vice-admiral Stepan Makarov,
a great asset to the Russian navy.
Old man Makarov goes outside
and shakes his beard left to right.
He was the best theorist among all of European naval forces.
and shakes his beard left to right.
Then the Port Arthur Fleet starts fighting.
He greatly increased the activity and defense of the Port Arthur Fleet.
Thank you, all of you.
You know Hirose lived in Russia for four long years as a military attache.
It's not easy to
block the blockade operation led by Hirose.
Lieutenant Commander Boris Bilgitzki.
What type of strategy would you use against him?
How about setting underwater mines along their route?
I like your idea.
But I'm sure Hirose already predicts it.
Any other ideas?
Have destroyers wait outside the port.
Not a bad idea.
But once again, Hirose would predict that.
I would do this.
If they use steamships,
we'll confront them with steamships.
If we sink steamships on the course of their blockade ships,
they'd be forced to change their course to avoid the sunken ships.
We'll have the destroyers waiting on the new course to attack with torpedoes.
How's that?
Brilliant.
Let's get some steamships.
Listen, all of you.
What do you do when you encounter an enemy weaker than you?
Launch an attack!
What about the enemy fleet is the same level as you?
Launch an attack!
How about if they're stronger than you?
Launch an attack!
Very good.
The fighting spirit wins the war!
Now that I'm here,
I'll make sure we will destroy Togo's Combined Fleet.
Dear God,
what did I or Takeo do to deserve this?
This is such a cruel punishment.
Takeo and Boris have to fight as enemies and kill each other.
What a frightening thought.
The second blockade squadron, Fukuimaru captain, Takeo Hirose,
and seventeen soldiers.
Four ships were selected to go on the second blockade operation.
The commander was the same as before.
And fifteen soldiers.
The general commanders were Ryokitsu Arima,
Takeo Hirose,
Shichigoro Saito and Yoshimoto Masaki.
I applaud you for taking on the duty.
I wish you much success.
Yes, sir.
Ready.
Load the shell.
The shell is loaded.
Fire.
Hirose.
Oh, it's you.
Two machine guns are on your ship.
You entered the enemy's camp empty-handed last time.
We can fight back now.
But what a luxury to have machine guns on a ship that'll be sunk.
It may not mean much compared to the enemy's force.
No, it gives us Herculean strength.
I hope you can return without being seen by the enemy.
I'll block the port entry this time and surprise the Old Man Makarov.
What if we bring back the machine guns on our cutter?
Hirose,
what did you write on the pontoon-bridge?
Same as before.
"My dear fellow Russian naval officers,"
"Even though we're enemies now, don't forget Takeo Hirose's name."
"I am forever your friend."
Akiyama,
I'm betting everything to this operation.
If we succeed with this operation, we can win without launching further attacks.
I wish for a moon light and calm sea.
I want to do it again.
The rice cake eating race.
I hope your mother will make them again.
Let's do it. For sure.
I have one more request for you.
What is it?
I'm almost done with this letter.
Can you wait while you read this?
Okay.
If anything were to happen to me,
I want you to deliver this letter to the lady in the photograph.
Her name is
Ariadna Kovaleskaya.
Understood.
The Second Port Arthur Blockade Operation
At 6:30 p.m. on March 26, 1904,
four ships left the base for the next operation.
And at 2 a.m. on March 27, 1904,
as they reached near Laotie Mountain, they formed a single line to stay on course,
Chiyomaru at the lead, then Fukuimaru, Yahikomaru and Yoneyamamaru.
Fukuimaru
We're entering the Port Arthur harbor.
Failure by one could take the lives of all.
You must keep that in mind.
Yes, sir.
Everyone,
grab your testicles!
Yes, sir...
Hope they're not shrunken.
No, sir.
Sugino, what's wrong?
Magoshichi Sugino, Petty Officer
Mine are fine.
Good.
I will pull off the blockade operation
so you can all return alive!
Chiyomaru ordered us to strike.
Advance at full!
Get to you positions.
Yes, sir.
They found us.
That's enemy's destroyer.
They were waiting.
Fire the machine guns!
Fire the first one!
Good.
Prepare to anchor.
Prepare to sink ship.
Chiyomaru is sinking.
Go around the left of Chiyomaru!
Prepare to fire!
Lieutenant Commander, confirm our maneuver.
Prepare to fire!
Prepare to anchor and sink!
Yes, sir!
Prepare to anchor and sink!
Sugino.
You do it.
Yes, sir!
Lieutenant Commander!
Stop and prepare to retreat.
Stop and prepare to retreat!
Pull the anchor!
Everyone on board!
All to evacuate!
Load the detonator.
Got it.
Lower the boat. Quickly!
Is everyone on the boat?
Count with a loud voice.
One, two, three, four
five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve...
We're missing Petty Officer Sugino.
Sugino.
We must find Sugino.
Sugino, where are you?
I don't plan tactics where soldiers of any ranks can't return alive.
Sugino!
I aim to keep everyone alive.
Lieutenant Commander, Sugino must have been thrown out
when the enemy's torpedo hit our ship.
Lieutenant Commander, please get on the boat.
Did you see it happen?
Don't tell me if you're not sure.
What if he's still alive?
Hey, Sugino!
Where are you?
Sugino.
Get down and get ready.
Yes, sir.
Sugino, are you in here?
Chief engineer, if we don't move quickly, they'll destroy our cable like last time.
If that happens, we won't be able to sink the ship.
Sugino.
Are you in here?
Where are you?
Sugino!
What if Lieutenant Commander is killed?
- Did you find Sugino? - Not yet.
Lieutenant Commander.
Lieutenant Commander!
Launch the boat.
Prepare the oar.
Position the oar.
Sugino,
forgive me.
Use your voice!
Good.
That's good.
I'll get you back alive.
Koike!
Lieutenant Commander, Koike was attacked!
Got it.
I know how you're feeling. So calm down.
You just have to row.
Just row.
Don't be afraid.
Nothing to be afraid.
Just look at my face and row.
Teach me some Japanese words.
What about that?
Asahi, a rising sun.
Lieutenant Commander was hit!
Lieutenant Commander!
Fukuimaru and Yahikomaru sank below the battery on Laotie Mountain.
But the port entry wasn't blocked.
In addition, the soldiers who died in the action are
Lieutenant Commander Takeo Hirose,
Petty Officer Magoshichi Sugino,
Second Engineer Kozaburo Koike,
Second Signal Petty Officer Seiji Suginami,
total of four casualties.
We failed to complete this operation.
As the operation's commander, I take the full responsibility.
I'll go catch a catnap.
I want to do it again.
The rice cake eating race.
I hope your mother will make them again.
Let's do it. For sure.
The hope of the Japanese navy!
I aim to keep everyone alive.
There are no such battle tactics.
Akiyama,
I trust your strategy implicitly.
The local newspaper of Port Arthur
published a detailed article about Hirose's death on April 3, 1904.
The article stated that a Japanese officer's body was found near Fukuimaru's bow.
The Russian navy mourned the death of this brave officer and
performed a funeral for him following the orthodox church's tradition.
Russian naval soldiers carried his casket.
He was buried while a choir sung the funeral music.
Farewell, Takeo.
Hirose's letter to Ariadna reached her via a neutral country.
You taught me once.
In Russia, you refer to "humanity" when people care for each other.
Even if our countries are enemies, I will not forget the meaning of this word.
Even though Ariadna was a daughter of a Russian Admiral,
she went into mourning for this Japanese naval officer to whom she was to marry.
Japanese navy's blockade operation ended in failure.
The enemy's powerful fleet was hiding inside the bay of Port Arthur.
If this large fleet were to push forward and freely roam the sea,
Japan would lose its maritime rights to supply its army in Manchuria.
That would imperil its army to become cut off.
The Combined Fleet was blocking the enemy from leaving the port.
There was one solution to put a stop to this situation.
That was for the Japanese army to capture the fortress at Port Arthur.
Battle of Port Arthur might have been the first modern battle experience
for Japan to face as a newly modernized nation after the Meiji Restoration.
The fortress at Port Arthur was a symbol of modern times.
The Japanese would eventually learn that ugly truth with their own blood.
End of Part Two
Original story "Sakano Ue no Kumo"
Screenwriter: Hisashi Nozawa
Music: Jo Hisahi
Theme song: "Stand Alone" by Maki Mori
Titles: Ryotaro Shiba
Narration: Ken Watanabe
Starring
Masahiro Motoki as Saneyuki Akiyama
Hiroshi Abe as Yoshifuru Akiyama
Miho Kanno as Ritsu Masaoka
Mieko Harada as Yae Masaoka
Takahiro Fujimoti as Takeo Hirose
Maria Aleksandrova as Ariadna
Masaya Kato as Ryokitsu Arima
Go Rijy as Shinichiro Kurino
Satomi Ishihara as Sueko Akiyama
Takako Matsu as Tami Akiyama
Hiroshi Tachi as Hayao Shimamura
Masao Kusakari as Tomosaburo Kato
Keiko Takeshita as Sada Akiyama
Tetsuya Watari as Heihachiro Togo
Executive Producers: Yoshihiro Kan & Yoshiki Nishimura
Producer: Satoshi Sekiguchi
Director: Takafumi Kimura
Translation and Subtitles by Noriko Morisaki (JVTA)