Our (Choshu) reinforcements are coming from the western road!
A huge force of 600 men!
KUSAKA GENNAI
MAKI IZUMI
The Choshu forces gathered at Fushimi, Saga, and Tennozan.
After being ousted from Kyoto, they waited to make a comeback.
However, the Court...
Sweep Choshu's army out at once!
KYOTO - AIZU MAIN CAMP
Choshu sent this.
A battle decree?
What does it say?
Disorder is due to our lord (Aizu) being military commissioner.
What?
He should be banned from the Palace and punished!
Punished?
Damn them!
As for the clans in Kyoto?
Lord Hitotsubashi has ordered them to march.
Good! Let us march, too!
Yes, sir!
Our vanguard main force will advance along Fushimi road,
and fight Choshu's main force, Fukuhara Echigo's army.
Our second force will guard the Palace!
Our gunnery unit will split and support both forces.
Let us crush Choshu!
Something bothers me.
Is the force at Fushimi really Choshu's main army?
General Fukuhara Echigo is Choshu's chief commander.
It's likely to be their main force.
The spirited Kijima is attacking from Saga.
Maki and Kusaka are attacking from Tennozan.
We will overwhelm them with military might.
We won't lose easily.
Aizu's army has headed for Fushimi!
Let us cut through their defense and attack the Palace!
YAE'S NO SAKURA
Episode 12: Battle of Hamaguri Gate
Screenplay: Yamamoto Mutsumi
Theme Music: Sakamoto Ryuichi Music: Nakajima Nobuyuki
Narrator: Kusabue Mitsuko
Yamamoto 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
Takagi Tokio: Kanjiya Shihori
Matsudaira Katamori: Ayano Go
Saito Hajime: Furuya Kenji
Kajiwara Heima: Ikeuchi Hiroyuki
Jinbo Shuri: Saito Takumi
Hirosawa Tomijiro: Okiada Yoshinori
Jinbo Kuranosuke: Tsukayama Masane
Tanaka Tosa: Sato Bsaku
Hayashi Gonsuke: Kazama Morio
Emperor Komei: Ichikawa Somegoro
Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu: Koizumi Kotaro
Katsura Kogoro: Oikawa Mitsuhiro
Saigo Kichinosuke: Kikkawa Koji
Princess Teru: Inamori Izumi
Ogakiya Seihachi: Matsukata Hiroki
Executive Producer: Naito Shinsuke
Translations by MTI
Director: Ichiki Masae
Match or no match?
Is he talking about the lids?
I don't know.
It'll kill two birds with one stone.
If not, all is lost.
He's been like that since he received the letter last night.
He mumbles and groans.
Who was the letter from?
I don't know.
Could it be bad news?
Maybe something happened to Kakuma in Kyoto.
Mother might know.
She's in the back with the master.
What's happening?
The doors are tightly closed when it's so hot.
Something must have happened to Kakuma.
What will she say to it? If only she'd readily agree.
She can be stubborn and not budge an inch.
That's true.
Let's play on her weak point.
You should talk to her.
Excuse me!
Father...is that a letter from Kyoto?
Is my husband ill?
Is he in confinement again?
What are you two saying?
Don't hide it and just tell us!
All right...sit there. I have to talk to you.
Yes.
Kakuma is safe. Don't worry.
It's about...
Yes?
...Yae's marriage prospect.
What?
Marry Shonosuke.
This is Kakuma's idea.
He wasn't granted employment for a long time...
but if he's your husband, things will be different.
If he's a clansman, he can push for the new rifles.
It's a brilliant idea.
Kakuma isn't forcing this. You both have thoughts.
But this is a good match.
I've already talked to Shonosuke.
I was waiting for his answer, but I've decided. Is that clear?
I...
...am against it.
I decline.
Kakuma and I already decided it. Don't oppose.
Even then...I decline.
What don't you like about?
He has good character and is a teacher at the Western School.
And once he's employed, he'll greatly benefit Aizu.
Hey!
It was out of the blue, so she's shocked.
Think it over well.
My answer won't change.
Wait!
I'll have a good talk with her later.
That crank! What is she unsatisfied about?
She doesn't care about how we feel.
Are you sure?
He's not a bad prospect.
It's been seven years.
What?
Shonosuke was here even before you came.
I thought of him as a big brother all this time.
I can't see him as a husband at this point.
That's dangerous!
Oh, no!
What is there was gunpowder inside?
I was in a daze.
You should know handling a rifle in a daze can cost you your life.
Yes.
Oh, that's right...this.
I borrowed an English book on gunnery.
We might find new ideas.
Yes.
Did you hear about Kakuma's letter from your father?
Yes, I did.
About that matter...
It's reckless, isn't it?
I was planning to decline, too.
What?
Even if it's for military reform...
it's unlike Kakuma to resort to blatant trickery.
My mother wanted to see me.
Is she still calling for me?
I was in the middle of maintenance, but...
I'll take care of it.
Thank you.
Yae!
What's wrong?
You looks so carefree!
What?
If you have idle time, go and help Shonosuke!
Yes...
Go quickly!
Will you take this then?
Kakuma has to cause problem.
Late at night on July 18...
Choshu launched their attacks from three directions.
OUTSIDE HAMAGURI GATE
The rebels have left Fushimi, Saga, and Tennozan. OUTSIDE HAMAGURI GATE
If they should enter the city,
be sure to guard the Palace Gate!
Yes, sir!
Don't let anyone in!
Yes, sir!
CHOSHU FORCE ON THE MARCH
FUSHIMI ROAD
What is this?
The Choshu force was already defeated by the Ogaki clan,
and retreated to the Fushimi mansion.
Is Fukuhara Echigo dead?
He's wounded and retreating. The Ogaki clan is pursuing him.
Let us head to the Choshu mansion in Fushimi.
Damn. The Ogaki clan got all the merits.
We lost our chance to shine in battle.
Odd...that was too easy.
Is the Choshu main army this weak?
We should go to war.
My troop will attack alone!
Where are those Choshu men?
Councilor!
The Choshu's Fushimi force may be a decoy.
What?
The defense at Saga and Tennozan are too weak.
They may be planning to attack Kyoto!
That's not good. The Palace is in danger.
Choshu was after the Palace that Kakuma guarded....
and was heading toward the Hamaguri Gate.
The Choshu's army is here.
Spearmen, step forward!
That's him!
I, Choshu clansman, Kijima Matabei am coming in!
You are not permitted to enter the Imperial Palace! Leave now!
Gunnery unit, step forward!
Are you planning to point your firearms at the Imperial Palace?
It's to kill you (Aizu) rebels and protect the emperor!
Attack!
How can they fire at the Imperial Palace! Are they insane?
Protect the emperor!
Spearmen, wait!
Gunnery unit, step up!
Ready!
Fire!
Cannons, ready!
Ready!
Fire!
Move!
Sir Kusaka!
Our (Choshu) Saga army is at the Palace's West side!
All right.
Let us (Tennozan Choshu force) move to the Palace south Sakaimachi Gate!
Hurry!
Don't shoot into the Palace!
Fire!
Don't withdraw!
Take Lord Aizu's head!
Fire!
Sir Kijima!
Bull's eye!
Shoot!
Choshu have broken through two (Western) gates!
The Choshu forces are approaching the Emperor's quarter!
Open the gate and take the cannons back inside!
Hurry! The Lord is in danger!
Choshu is attacking! They are close to here!
What is Hitotsubashi doing?
I told you we shouldn't make enemies of Choshu!
Your Majesty, please order peace at once.
Please wait!
You must not do that.
Silence! It was Aizu that angered the Choshu!
Prince, let's move His Majesty.
It's dangerous to leave the Palace.
I promise to protect you, Your Majesty!
Then heed their demand and go out of the Palace.
What are you saying?
That would result in peace.
Send a messenger at once.
Wait!
Making peace with Choshu is unthinkable.
Remove the rebels who shoot at the Palace! Guard us!
INSIDE HAMAGURI GATE
Fire!
Forward!
They're just outside! We're under attack from three directions!
Don't flinch! Keep shooting!
Ready!
Fire!
SATSUMA CLAN REINFORCEMENT ARRIVES
I'm Saigo Kichinosuke with the Satsuma Clan!
I am here to assist you.
You are...
It's a plump and delicious looking pig.
You're from that time.
Oh, it's you.
Let's get rid of the rebels first.
Fire!
SATSUMA VS CHOSHU
Fire!
Let's turn it around!
Reinforce the South side!
It's Satsuma's new (British) Enfield rifle!
The bullet doesn't stray.
Satsuma is truly strong.
Watch out!
Sir Kakuma! Are you all right?
Sir Kakuma!
Are you all right?
It's just a minor injury.
We're heading to the Choshu mansion in Kawaramachi.
I appreciate your help.
I'm Aizu clansman, Yamamoto Kakuma.
Let's meet again.
That's Saigo with the Satsuma clan.
Meanwhile, Choshu's clansmen Kusaka and Maki from Tennozan...
were holed up in Takatsukasa's mansion next to the Palace south Sakaimachi Gate.
KATSURA KOGORO
Our soldiers attacking the Hamaguri Gate are retreating! KATSURA KOGORO
What?
We are the only one (from Choshu) left. It's dangerous to stay here. Let's flee.
No...I can't flee.
Kusaka!
If Choshu loses, we'll be branded rebels.
We must show His Majesty that we are in the right!
Now is not the time. Withdraw for now.
We still have hope.
If the battle continues...
those cowardly nobles will propose a truce.
But...!
I'd rather die here than withdraw!
Kusaka!
You can flee!
AIZU ARMY ATTACKING THE TENNOZAN CHOSHU FORCE HELD-UP AT TAKATSUKA MANSION
The mansion's wall obstructs our way!
If we let them bide time...
those cowardly nobles may switch over to Choshu side.
Sir Hayashi!
Let's destroy the wall and attack Choshu.
Shall we?
Very well, let's do it.
Step forward!
Aim for the wall in front!
Ready to load!
Ready!
Load!
Gun ready!
Fire!
We did it.
Attack (the Choshu)!
Retreat! Everyone, retreat!
Sir Kusaka!
Retreat to Tennozan to regroup!
Even if I die, there will be others!
You can't stop the flow!
Sir Kusaka!
Retreat!
Run! Run from the flame!
Fanned by strong wind,
the fire from Takatsuka mansion spread throughout Kyoto.
Kusaka, I'll do things my way to open a path for us.
Out of my way!
Daddy!
Did you get separated from your family?
Mommy!
Daddy!
Mommy!
The first news of the battle had reached Aizu.
Is our Lord safe?
Yes, he is.
He's at the Imperial Palace protecting His Majesty.
What's the situation? What about our allies?
Aizu soldiers are dauntless, but...
the enemy wouldn't withdraw, so it was a scuffle.
What?
Sir Okura...
Who are you?
Everyone, listen calmly.
The Choshu clan fired at Aizu, who was protecting the Imperial Palace.
Battle has commenced.
How can they point their fire-arms at the Imperial Palace?
They are fearless.
Our allies have casualties.
It's a battle of rifles and cannons.
There will be casualties on both sides.
Was our gunnery unit led by Kakuma?
He's fighting at the forefront.
Will he be safe?
It hurts.
I'm sorry.
Don't say such things!
He's safe and fighting bravely!
I'm sorry for saying that.
It's our first battle in some time.
The value of the gunnery unit will be vindicated.
I received more news!
The Choshu have fled from Kyoto!
Is our Lord safe?
Yes.
I am so glad!
They breached the enemy's mansion wall with a cannon to defeat them.
The cannon proved useful?
Excuse me...
Well...
I'm sure Kakuma is safe.
Did you receive words from him?
No...not yet.
When our allies are disheartened,
it would be Kakuma to make a hole in the enemy's wall.
That's true.
Kakuma shot that cannon!
It must have been Kakuma.
No doubt about it.
Yes, it must have been him.
Are you still working?
Yes.
Yae...please look at this.
It's very detailed.
Look here.
You're right.
Thank you for earlier.
Your words made everyone feel relieved.
To be honest, I was confused.
I lacked preparedness as a samurai's daughter.
I'm ashamed of myself.
I don't blame you.
It was our first battle.
But...
...is Kakuma really safe?
I hope he didn't get hit by a bullet.
Don't worry.
I'm sure he's safe.
We can't be idle here.
The battle took place.
Once we get the facts, the superiors will think differently.
It'll be a good chance to change our rifles.
That's true.
I will help you.
Yes.
The city has been destroyed!
The last big fire like this was during the Onin War (1467-77)
Is this the result of warfare?
A city built over hundreds of years burned down overnight.
How long will it take to rebuilt?
Is that a shelter?
Aizu will provide rice immediately.
Yes, sir.
Demons!
Aizu people are demons! Leave Kyoto at once!
Demons who burned Kyoto!
Murderers!
Demons? Us?
I want my mother back!
Me, too!
I want my dad back!
Get out of here!
Hey...Hey!
Don't be rude to the Aizu men.
That's enough.
Go and get some gruel.
Please forgive them.
Master Ogakiya.
Why, it's Sir Hirosawa.
He's the head purveyor for the Aizu clan.
He manages the construction, labor and lodging arrangements.
I'm Yamamoto Kakuma.
I'm Ogakiya Seihachi.
I am pleased to meet you.
Where shall I transport the rest?
-To Rokkaku and Takoyakushi.
-If necessary, transport more supplies. -Yes.
There are shelters all over?
The Kyoto fire lasted three days, burning 20,000 homes.
A couple of shelters are not enough.
Did those children lose their homes too?
Their homes and families.
Battle is a samurai's trade.
And it's our trade to receive business from samurai.
But when I see innocent children face such hardships...
I feel the cause and effect of my trade.
If I don't do this much...
I'll be punished by the gods that I believe in.
Sir Yamamoto.
In Western studies...
Is there a way to have wars without burning the cities?
END OF EPISODE 12
You're late!
When is the Choshu expedition?
The clans will unite to destroy Choshu.
I wouldn't advise it.
What are we fighting for?
We mustn't bind you to Aizu.
I want to live here...
...in Aizu with you.