JANUARY 1888 PRIME MINISTER'S RESIDENCE
In January of 1888...
the year before the new constitution was promulgated...
the drafting led by Ito Hirobumi was being finalized.
Sir, Mr. Okuma is here.
OKUMA SHIGENOBU
Thank you for coming.
You kicked me out of the government.
What do you want?
I'd like you to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Japan is currently faced with two major problems:
The drafting of the Imperial Constitution...
and the revising of the unequal treaty.
We have...
different policies.
Isn't that a trivial matter?
The only one who can pull us through this negotiation...
...is you.
Okuma will join the Ito Cabinet later.
He would work on revising the unequal treaty.
Aunty, you're scaring Heima.
KYOTO - YAMAMOTO RESIDENCE
What's the matter?
That's odd. He stops crying with Mother.
Heima needs another 10 years of care.
I can't be feeling old yet.
Kakuma adopted Mine's son into the Yamamoto family.
Mother is excited.
She's been rejuvenated.
Is that right?
I'm glad...
...Hisae recovered.
Yes.
New Year’s of 1888... NIIJIMA HOUSE
Jo had a heart attack.
You started working the minute you feel better.
The doctor said you need complete rest.
No, I'm fine now.
The constitution will be promulgated next year.
Japan needs capable men so she doesn't go astray.
We need to found our college before the Diet.
YAE NO SAKURA
Episode 47: Remaining Time
Screenplay: Yamamoto Mutsumi
Theme Music: Sakamoto Ryuichi Music: Nakajima Nobuyuki
Narrator: Kusabue Mitsuko
Niijima Yae: Ayase Haruka
Yamamoto Kakuma: Nishijima Hidetoshi
Niijima Jo: Odagiri Joe
Yamakawa Kenjiro: Katsuji Ryo
Tokutomi Iichiro: Nakamura Aoi
Katsu Kaishu: Namase Katsuhisa
Makimura Masanao: Takashima Masahiro
Yamamoto Saku: Fubuki Jun
Executive Producer: Naito Shinsuke
Translation by MTI
Director: Hase Chiki
This is the new issue.
You've already published 17 issues?
Due to its popularity, it's published twice per month.
That's amazing.
You're the president of the Minyusha
and the Chief Editor for the People's Friend.
You're the success of the Kumamoto Group.
Look at this article.
Fukuzawa Yukichi and Niijima Jo?
You wrote about Jo?
You shouldn't have.
I'm no comparison to the well-known Mr. Fukuzawa.
They're both great teachers...
and appeal to two principles of education.
Mr. Fukazawa represents material education.
Mr. Niijima represents moral education.
This was a popular article.
In the East is Fukuzawa with Keio Gijuku,
and in the West is Niijima with Doshisha.
This will bring fame to Mr. Niijima's name.
We are grateful.
Your work is recognized by the people.
With heightened fame,
you will have increased supporters for the college.
This is a good time...
to have an evangelism speech in Tokyo.
Mr. Ichihara, Jo is still recovering.
Don't push him.
I'm sorry.
Are you still not well?
You won't be able to solicit donations.
Solicit donations?
I got acquainted with Mr. Okuma in an interview.
Mr. Okuma with Tokyo Technical School?
He's currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
He deeply empathize with this article.
He suggested inviting you to Tokyo to solicit donations.
Many VIPs will be there.
With dominant figures as supporters,
Doshisha will be secured.
That does sound good.
You're not fully recovered.
It's not good to travel when it's cold.
I have a police superintendant in my house,
so I'm under constant watch.
Jo!
I'm going with you.
You're a hard worker, so I have to watch you.
The superintendent will be coming along.
What a thing to say.
June of that year...
Please check in on our house while we're in Tokyo.
Sure.
But if you don't hurry back, I won't be around.
I'm going to Kobe in the fall.
Kobe?
I asked to go to Eiwa Girls' School after I graduate.
If women don't become independent,
they won't really know what life is about.
Is that right?
Study hard.
Father.
Don't worry about family affairs.
Live freely as you please.
Is that why my brother adopted Heima?
Maybe I'll work at the school after I graduate.
What?
I haven't decided for sure yet.
I wonder if I'm like you.
Summer of 1888...
Yae and Jo went to Tokyo.
The Imperial University is really something!
We're still lacking many things.
How nostalgic.
Reminds me of the (gun) shop.
I want to learn more about rifles and explosives.
The saltpeter determines the explosive power.
Handle it carefully.
Yes.
That was the start of my physics career.
The current Doshisha lacks science education.
Mr. Yamakawa, will you help with the hiring of teachers
and purchasing of equipment?
It is my wish to propagate the importance of science.
I will gladly help.
Thank you very much.
Just know that it is a costly education.
We are here (in Tokyo) to solicit donations.
Minister Okuma of Foreign Affairs is assisting us.
I'm happy to hear that.
But something that does not show quick results...
may not get much support.
Education is neither a private venture...
nor a government venture.
It is a joint venture.
For those who have gathered here today...
please initiate and support Niijima's venture.
This is the list of people who are in attendance.
Impressive.
They're all distinguished.
They are all wealthy, but...
whether they donate or not rides on Mr. Niijima's speech.
The purpose of the college...
is to nurture national spirit and leaders.
We'll start with literature...
then add history, philosophy and economics.
Then expand to science and medicine.
However...
However...!
Building a school and hiring faculty is extremely costly.
Please donate to our cause.
I deeply empathize with you.
I'd like to donate 1,000 yen.
1,000 yen!
Thank you very much!
What about you men in the financial world?
In Western Europe...
it's common for the wealthy to conduct charity.
I'll donate 6,000 yen.
Same here.
I'll donate 5,000 yen.
Same here.
I'll donate 5,000 yen.
Thank you!
Thank you very much!
His enthusiasm prevailed.
I'm glad.
It was worth coming to Tokyo.
The donation collected in current value...
exceeded a hundred million yen (1 M dollars).
Did you read the paper?
Are you going to donate for that?
It’s not just something material like Rokumeikan.
Are you all right?
If you're not feeling well, we can leave early.
No, that won't be right.
I was impressed with your speech.
Please have a drink.
I'm sorry. I don't drink.
Oh, a non-drinker.
Missus, you match Western clothing very well.
Is bringing your wife to a men's gathering...
a Christian standard?
You must dislike gatherings like this.
But you need to attend to get donations.
Thank you for your help.
It was nothing.
When I established my own school,
I suffered greatly raising funds.
But you built a fine school.
Did you hear?
Fukuzawa wants to turn Keio into a college too.
You've got competition.
Please excuse me.
How far is the negotiation for the treaty revision?
Not that again.
You're sweating.
Are you all right?
I'm going to step out a bit.
Jo.
Sir?
How do you feel?
Difficulty breathing?
Don't get up yet.
The donations will stop if they think I'm ill.
Tokutomi and the others already took care of it.
Don't worry.
Is that right?
In that case, I'll rest a bit more.
Let's go home now.
Don't push any harder.
You're right.
Let's go somewhere breezy tomorrow.
Of all the people I met...
there are only two who I've truly feared.
One was Saigo of Satsuma.
The other was Sir Yokoi Shonan.
They are both dead now.
Those with potential are pretty much all dead.
The government has narrow-minded men.
But everyone donated willingly.
What did you think?
I'm grateful for the donations.
But some weren't interested in the college.
They see the Christian college as a symbol of Westernization.
Like Rokumeikan, ridiculed for the monkey dancing.
That's a bit harsh.
But...
Even if that is so, it cannot be helped.
One need money to establish a college.
Are you going to put a leash on your college?
Independence from the government.
Free education. Isn't that your motto?
It's a college for the people, not the government.
Then appeal to the common people.
...and ask for their support.
Receiving 1,000 yen from one person...
or receiving 1 yen from a thousand people...
still amounts to 1,000 yen.
Jo has only one body.
He can't be going around Japan soliciting donations.
Use Tokutomi.
Tens of thousands of people read his publications.
Have him print it on this so they can read it.
You'll be speaking to tens of thousands of people.
You're right.
After you draft it, have him review it.
He rouses people with his writing.
Yes.
Let's ask Tokutomi when we return to the inn.
Hey! Is Soho home?
Yes!
Tokutomi rents across from him.
I'll go to see him now.
Has he lost weight?
He has a heart problem.
Heart? How about taking him to Kamakura?
Kamakura?
There's a good rehab facility there.
If he keeps up at this pace, he'll break someday.
It's nice and quiet here.
KAMAKURA
You can relax here.
Yae and Jo spent the summer at the rehab facility in Kamakura.
Shall we go there from now? There may be shops open.
Yes! Bull's eye!
You're very skilled.
Sir, she's beating you.
Let me try next.
Aim straight. Focus.
Will you be quiet and let me do it my way?
You're way off!
I won't lose next time.
You need to practice ten years then.
Ten years...
That's far ahead.
but it's nice, isn't it?
To be able to relax together like this.
Yes.
Mr. Makimura!
Where did you go?
I was getting tired of waiting.
What brings you here?
I heard you were soliciting donations.
Is there a problem?
Why didn't you come to me?
When you were shut out of Osaka,
I gave you permission too open your school.
Aren't I like a founder of Doshisha school?
It's only proper that you come to me first.
My donation.
Well, I am a founder.
I spent a little of it.
Mr. Makimura.
Thank you so much.
Sure.
I'm determined to work more for Japan.
I was conferred to Baron last year.
When the Diet is inaugurated, there'll be a House of Lords.
I'll muscle my way in to the national Diet next.
Please excuse me.
What about dinner for your guest?
Fool! Get it ready!
Wait.
No country food for us.
Order fine cuisine from a restaurant in the city.
Also, some sake.
There's a famous brewery quite a distance away.
Have the best sake from there delivered.
Serve it nicely chilled.
Yes.
Go quickly!
We're going to drink up tonight.
Mr. Makimura hasn't changed.
After a month of relaxation, they returned to Kyoto.
No chance of recovery?
It's best not to inform Mr. Niijima.
No matter how much mental training one has,
it's still difficult to face one's own death.
What did you just say?
Jo is going to die?
His heart is extremely weak.
It may be the end if he has another heart attack.
When will that be?
I don't know.
It could happen at any moment.
You should ask him important things now.
Blanket...
I have to buy Jo a blanket.
It gets chilly at night. I can't let him catch a cold.
I'm home.
Welcome home.
You're in a good mood.
Oh, you're up.
My fever has subsided.
I have to finish the draft to Tokutomi.
Don't push yourself. You can't work yet.
Rest today.
Go on.
I splurged and bought a nice one.
It's fluffy. Feel it.
Yae.
Yes.
What did Dr. Akashi say?
Don't forget to take your medicine after meals.
Drink plain hot water.
Chilled water isn't good for you.
What did he say about my heart?
It's the same as usual.
He said to take care.
Yae.
Don't hide things from me.
Tell me. I won't be surprised.
There's nothing else.
I have to prepare dinner.
I have things to do.
If my death is near, I have to prepare.
I'm not afraid of dying.
I fear dying unready and unprepared.
Yae.
Your heart could give out at anytime.
I was told to ask you important things now.
You poor things.
How shocked you must have been to hear that alone.
Don't worry about me at a time like this.
My life rests in the hands of God.
There's nothing to fear.
MINYUSHA, TOKYO
Mr. Soho.
Mr. Soho!
Iichiro, he's calling you.
Please review it before it goes to print.
YAMAJI AIZAN: What are you reading?
Regarding the founding of Doshisha College?
It finally came from Mr. Niijima.
He asked me to touch it up and print it in my publication.
"I have long wished to establish a private college".
I get it. It's an ad to solicit donations.
That's smart.
No, it's nothing like that.
Mr. Niijima is worried about Japan's future.
Japan's future?
He wants people to stand firm to govern the nation.
With the promulgation of the constitution, Japan will change.
It's a manifesto for a new Japan.
Jo's draft was touched up by Soho and printed
in The People's Friend and 20 other newspapers.
It received great response.
However...
that caused Jo to intensify his work.
Don't worry. I'm still breathing.
Jo...
Get some rest.
If you stay up to watch me, you'll get ill and collapse.
Don't worry me. It's bad for my heart.
I'm sorry.
I'm wide awake now.
Do you want warm milk?
I'd like that.
Jo!
What happened?
I'm all right.
I was going to offer my prayers, but I fell.
Am I not going to make it?
I'm so close to founding the college!
Please lie down.
Nothing has ever come easy!
I'd get interferences and criticisms.
By thinking they were God's will,
I could see the trials as joys.
But I can't bear it anymore!
After coming this far...
I can't see the college open!
To think...
...I'll die midway!
Why doesn't God give me a little more time?
Jo...
Death is catching up to me!
I have to write a letter.
I have to ask for more help.
Stop it! You have to rest!
Thanks to Tokutomi... we have more supporters.
I can't let this opportunity slip. I have to act now.
Enough! Please stop it!
Your heart will give out!
Forget the college!
You're more important than the college!
Why won't you think of living as long as you can?
I don't want to lose you!
Doshisha is important.
So is Japan.
But...
nothing in this world...
is as precious as your life.
Jo, someone else can found the college.
It doesn't have to be you.
Even after I'm gone...
those behind me will finish the work.
I believe so.
But for that to happen...
someone has to sow the seeds.
The first grain must be planted in the ground.
That is why I must do it.
This is...
...your battle.
You can't turn your back and run away from it then.
Until my very last day...
Please fight with me.
On February 11, 1889...
the promulgation ceremony for the constitution was held.
The constitution was based on the Emperor's sovereignty,
but with the opening of the Diet,
the people now has a voice in government.
In fall of 1889...
Mother, how do you feel?
I'm feeling better today.
Listen to the doctor and take care.
I'll be home after the fund-raiser in Kanto.
I'll be going now.
Can't I go with you?
Please watch the house.
Please take care of my mother for me.
But...
Don't worry. I have the doctor's permission.
Promise me...
you'll rest when you are not feeling well.
I promise.
Send me postcards.
I'll write, I am doing well.
I'll be going then.
Bye!
In October of 1889...
Jo departed for Kanto alone.
END OF EPISODE 47
That's not what love for one's country is!
The Aizu people are very active in the Diet.
She blamed herself for Aizu's defeat.
Sir...Sir!
I said I'd stay with him and fight!
We are about to lose something precious.
I don't want to part with you yet.
Goodbye...let us meet again.