SANADA MARU
Written By: Mitani Koki
Music By: Hattori Takayuki
Narrator: Udo Yumiko
CAST
Sanada Nobushige: Sakai Masato
Sanada Nobuyuki: Oizumi Yo
Kiri: Nagasawa Masami
Matsu: Kimura Yoshino
Ume: Kuroki Haru
Hotta Sakubei: Fujimoto Takahiro
Sasuke: Fujii Takashi
Uesugi Kagekatsu: Endo Kenichi
Lady Acha: Saito Yuki
Takanashi Naiki: Nakahara Takeo
Anayama Baisetsu: Enoki Takaaki
Muroga Masatake: Nishimura Masahiko
Takigawa Kazumasu: Danta Yasunori
Honda Tadakatsu: Fujioka Hiroshi
Kaoru: Takahata Atsuko
Tokugawa Ieaysu: Uchino Seiyo
Sanada Masayuki: Kusakari Masao
Producers: Yoshikawa Kunio Yashiki Yotaro
Translations by MTI
Director: Kimura Takafumi
Episode 5: Predicament
The Sanada's subjection to the Oda was decided.
Sanada Nobushige went to Nobunaga's stronghold in Azuchi.
to deliver Matsu as a hostage.
The (Honno-ji) incident occurred before dawn the following day.
On June 2, 1582, early morning,
June 2, 1582 Honnoji
Oda Nobunaga, the hero in turbulent times,
ended his checkered life of 49 years at Honno-ji.
It happened three months after the Takeda's demise.
NIJO CASTLE
After razing Honno-ji, the Akechi army
immediately attacked the heir, Nobutada, at Nijo Castle.
The father-son, who were famous for their irresistible force,
were suddenly out of the picture.
On this day, Tokugawa Ieyasu was heading for Kyoto.
with Anayama Baisetsu to meet Nobunaga for a tea party.
Hey!
Lord, it's me, Heihachiro.
What is it?
ANAYAMA BAISETSU
ISHIKAWA KAZUMASA
We have a crisis.
HONDA HEIHACHIRO TADAKATSU
Before dawn today...
Honno-ji, where Lord Nobunaga was staying, was razed.
Who attacked him?
Akechi Mitsuhide.
AZUCHI CASTLE TOWN, OMI
Slightly east of Kyoto, where the military coup-detat occurred...
Sanada Nobushige and Matsu were in Azuchi Castle Town facing Lake Biwa.
SANADA MANSION, AZUCHI
Many are fleeing here from the West.
Apparently, there was a huge fire in Kyoto.
A huge fire?
That explains why the town is in chaos.
Did you come from Kyoto?
Yes.
Did something happened?
We're not too sure either.
There's turmoil there...
Something about a battle.
A battle?
Not a fire?
We're in a rush.
What has become of His Excellency?
We are not certain yet, but rumor has it that he's dead.
What?
Let's flee.
If I were Akechi...
I wouldn't waste time
to attack the Oda allies that are nearby.
Map.
Let's rush back to Sakai and catch a ship to Mikawa.
No!
We're doomed if we get surrounded by pirates.
Isn't there a good escape route that is unexpected?
How about we head North and take the Tosando Highway?
No!
Passing Akechi's fief is out of the question.
Which means...
There is no escape route.
All right.
Let's head to Kyoto to save His Excellency.
Lord (Tokugawa)!
His Excellency is no longer alive!
What if he turns out to be alive?!
If he finds out that I fled...
that would be far scarier.
Lord, calm down.
How can I be calm?!
If Akechi Mitsuhide had acted with resolve,
he wouldn't fail in his assassination (of Nobunaga).
His Excellency is dead without a doubt.
Right now,
we must take a surprise route that Akechi wouldn't expect.
Map!
What about this route?
Head straight East...
and pass through Iga.
Iga?
What do you think? Isn't that unexpected?
But we'd have to go very deep into the mountains.
Yes! We can't move freely.
If we're found in the fugitive hunt,
we are doomed.
No! That is a good plan!
Akechi would never guess we would take such a route.
Exactly!
Me, it's the route through Iga.
We'll pass through Iga.
What do you say, Baisetsu?
That seems to be the best option.
In that case...
we will head to Iga!
Yes, sir!
We're passing through Iga!
What?
I'm going to Kyoto.
Kyoto?
Something terrible has happened. I'm going to check it out.
I'm going with you.
Please don't forget you are here as a hostage.
You're right.
I'll return as soon as I grasp the situation.
Be careful.
Please take care of Matsu.
Very well.
SANADA TOWN, SHINANO
News of the Honno-ji Incident had not yet reached
the Sanada homeland in Shinshu.
Excuse me.
What is it, Naiki?
Actually... I have a request.
Oh? That's unusual.
It's about my daughter.
What about Kiri?
She's reached a marriageable age.
It seemed like only yesterday that she was a child.
She's airheaded and restless as usual.
She's a problem.
Which is why I'm here...
Takanashi Naiki's daughter
KIRI
How do you feel about Sir Genjiro?
HOTTA SAKUBEI
What do you mean?
I think you two make a nice match.
Don't say things like that.
He's the young lord of the Sanada family.
But I think Sir Genjiro probably likes you.
UME
If you would marry him, I couldn't be happier.
My brother keeps saying that.
What's the problem? It's not out of the question.
Sir Genjiro is very good to me and that makes me happy.
But, what?
I don't think he has romantic feelings for me.
Ume.
Yes?
That's almost a sarcasm.
Did it sound that way?
Of course, he likes you. It's so obvious.
How do you feel about him?
We are of different status.
It's not as if he has to take you as his bride.
There must be measures you can take.
Let's stop talking about this.
Shall I help you out?
Just the thought is sufficient.
Thank you, Kiri.
I'm home.
Kiri!
I went to sewing class.
I have to talk to you. Come here.
Yes.
You are to work at the Sanada mansion from tomorrow.
What?
You'll be working in the inner quarters.
The Lord has approved.
Certainly.
If you work at the Sanada mansion,
you'll have more chance to talk to Sir Genjiro.
What is that supposed to mean?
I couldn't be happier
if you would marry into the Sanada family.
This is a strategic move.
This way might be faster.
Let's hurry.
Lord, please slow down.
I can't afford to die here.
Rushing ahead on your own can be dangerous.
You're too slow!
Sir Tokugawa... Sir Tokugawa!
Can we talk while we walk?
I was just thinking...
why don't I take a different path?
A different path?
If we split up, we may be able to confuse the enemy.
Actually, this is embarrassing.
but I, Anayama Baisetsu, have a chronic lower back pain.
The steep mountain paths are too rough for me.
As such, I'd feel truly bad if I held you back.
I'm sure we will meet again.
Let's part our ways here.
I refuse to die with him.
In the worst case scenario, I'll side with the Akechi.
Let's move on!
Where are we?
Anayama Baisetsu would not return to Kai again.
In the forest near Kizu River,
he was easily killed by the fugitive hunters.
Lord, I will guide you from here.
Hanzo!
HANZO HATTORI (NINJA LEADER)
Iga is my homeland
Yes, that is true!
My (Ninja) men have secured most paths along the way.
Please leave things to me.
Please follow me.
How promising.
Men, let's go!
Yes, sir!
According to the medicine vendors who returned from Kyoto,
Kyoto is flooded with the Akechi banners.
Something definitely happened there.
Unbelievable.
The temple where Nobunaga was staying, was burned.
It was reduced to ashes.
To think that Oda Nobunaga...
would be killed so easily.
As good as Akechi may be in battle, it's hard to believe.
Excuse me.
Sir Akechi's messenger is here.
I got the message.
Thanks for coming a long way here.
Soak in the hot water and relax here tonight.
That won't be necessary.
Don't hold back.
I must deliver letters to the other provincial lords.
If you will excuse me now.
Wait.
I represents the Chiisagata Lords.
I will take those letters.
You can't take them.
I will be disobeying my Lord (Akechi)
Don't say that.
Relax and recuperate your body and mind.
For about ten days.
Ten days?
Please come with us.
What did Sir Akechi write?
That he has just cause to punish Nobunaga.
Which means...?
Akechi wants my alliance.
The other letters say the same thing.
Burn them.
Yes
So, what do we do now?
Lord, it's a golden opportunity.
With Nobunaga dead, we won't have to fear the Oda.
Let's rise and regain Numata and Iwabitsu Castles.
Naiki.
Gather the other Lords.
What about Takigawa Kazumasu?
Will you inform him about this?
He hasn't summoned us,
so he must not know about the Honno-ji Incident as yet.
Leave it be.
Understood.
Is he gone?
Yes.
Damn!
After I bowed my head and gave him a horse!
I thought we were secure!
Why did he have to die?!
Damn Nobunaga!
Father!
What will happen to me after I gambled on him?
Father, are you planning to rebel against the Oda?
Though Nobunaga is dead,
the Oda army is the most powerful in Japan.
I know that!
It won't be wise to be their enemy.
But...
when word of his death spreads...
the daimyo lords throughout the country will rise.
The Uesugi, Hojo, Mouri, and Chosokabe...
Can the Oda, without their Lord, suppress them?
What are you going to do?
You won't side with the Akechi... will you?
I said nothing of the sort!
Father, I want to hear your true feelings!
My true feelings?
I'll come out and say it.
I have no idea what to do!
Genzaburo, tell me what to do.
Genzaburo!
Tell me what to do!
Hurry!
That's Akechi's army.
Are they heading to Azuchi?
Is Lord Nobunaga gathering his entire army in Azuchi?
I wonder who the enemy is.
Let's hurry.
Those are fugitive hunters.
Hanzo.... Hanzo!
Yes, my lord.
Aren't the path laid out for us?
For the most part.
Most part?
Being it was sudden, there are holes along the way.
Will we be all right?
You can count on me.
Hanzo.
What do we do now?
Force our way through.
What?
Follow me.
Wait!
Can we trust him?
I have never seen the sea.
I grew up surrounded by mountains.
But I'm in the middle of the sea right now.
In the rough sea.
There are big whirlpools everywhere.
Should we stick with the Oda?
Or join the Akechi?
Negotiate with the Uesugi or bow to the Hojo?
In any event, weak provincial lords like us...
have to attach to powerful daimyo lords to survive.
But...
I, Sanada Masayuki,
will survive this rough sea.
We have our lives to protect as provincial lords.
I'll see who will win in the end and latch on tightly.
It's starting to get interesting.
My father has never seen the sea before?
No... I doubt that.
That's what I thought.
It appears he's made his decision.
He seems to be plotting something.
Plotting?
It's Father's bad habit.
The Sanada and Oda vassals.
There should only be one path for us.
Why doesn't Father understand that?
I'm entering.
What is it?
I heard Oda Nobunaga died.
That's right.
I'm glad.
Huh?
I knew he'd receive divine punishment one day.
TN: Nobunada burned rebellious warrior monk temples.
If you ignore the gods and Buddha, that will happen to you.
Why are you so happy?
What are you talking about?
Matsu, who went to Azuchi as a hostage, can return now.
Matsu?
This is bad.
What is?
I'm talking about Matsu.
She was offered to Nobunaga as hostage.
With Nobunaga dead, there's no reason for her to be there.
Genjiro will surely bring her home.
You're missing the point.
The Akechi army that killed Nobunaga will march on Azuchi.
They will take Nobunaga's family as hostage.
What will happen to Matsu then
If Matsu is captured by the Akechi,
we will be forced to ally with them.
Please rescue Matsu.
Sasuke!
I'm here!
KYOTO
Sir Genjiro.
Did you find out?
Lord Nobunaga was victim of treason and killed.
Don't be ridiculous!
That's the word going around.
But...
The treason was committed by Akechi Mitsuhide.
HONNOJI
They didn't find Lord Nobunaga's body.
He could be alive.
If he was surrounded by a huge army here,
that chance would be slim.
My father would grieve if he find out.
I wonder why Akechi revolted.
Oh, no.
Let's rush back to Azuchi.
We passed the Akechi army en route.
They're heading to Azuchi.
Matsu is in danger!
Are we going down here?!
Hanzo!
This is a shortcut.
Please follow me.
Here I go!
We want your apology first.
Why should I apologize?
You want to side with the Oda!
How would I know then that he'd be killed by Akechi?
You have no eyes for the future!
Men...
as you know, Nobunaga was killed by Akechi Mitsuhide.
After we sided with the Oda...
everything went wrong.
As such...
Wait!
We won't do as you say anymore.
You won't heed me?
That's right.
Wait.
You've all decided to unite under my father.
Shut up, kid!
Read this.
It's a secret letter from Akechi Mitsuhide.
He's crying for our allegiance.
I haven't responded yet.
What's your point?
Akechi selected me to represent the Lords of Chiisagata.
The Sanada name is known throughout the land.
May I continue talking?
I'll make this clear.
With Nobunaga gone,
the Oda lack the power to rule.
As such, the Lords of Chiisagata,
will desert the Oda.
Father!
I've already decided on it.
Then what?
We'll side with the Uesugi.
The Uesugi?
Among the daimyo lords that target Shinano,
only the Uesugi know the true worth of the Chiisagata Lords.
We will become Uesugi vassals,
to protect Chiisagata.
(Tsk)
First the Oda, now the Uesugi?
That's right.
We will no longer be at the mercy of your impulse!
How dare you call it that?!
It's a decision based on careful consideration.
The Oda won't stand for it.
I'm taking measure for it.
Which is?
I'm getting help from the Uesugi to dispel the Oda from Chiisagata.
I can't see the Uesugi going along with that.
My brother, Nobutada,
went to see Uesugi Kagekatsu.
Chiisagata district
Immediately north of Chiisagata,
is Kawanakajima, where the Takeda and Uesugi had fought 5 times.
Kawanakajima
Kasugayama Castle
Uesugi
As former Takeda vassals,
they held the deepest roots with the Uesugi.
Chiisagata district
Kawanakajima
Kasugayama Castle
Uesugi
KASUGAYAMA CASTLE, ECHIGO
This man is Uesugi Kagekatsu
UESUGI KAGEKATSU
He inherited Echigo from Uesugi Kenshin four years earlier.
Though he's not Kenshin's son,
his compassionate and righteous character,
were truly like Kenshin.
NAOE KANETSUGU
Sanada Nobutada is here.
All right.
Understood.
In that case,
the Uesugi will take in Chiisagata.
Thank you.
Masayuki's younger brother
SANADA NOBUTADA
My master and the other lords will shed tears of joy.
However...
Yes?
However...
I will not dispel the Oda from Shinano.
With Nobunaga dead, the Oda are now weak.
I will not instigate battle at such time like this.
Isn't it our chance because they are in a weakened state?
The Uesugi don't engage in such battles.
It is our family tradition to help the weak and crush the strong.
We will fight the Oda...
after they have recovered,
and rebuilt their strength.
But...
Sir Sanada.
Now is the time to attack the Oda.
We know that, yet we are saying otherwise.
Please understand this.
The Uesugi declined.
In the battle against the Oda,
we were invaded by his army of 40,000 and Uozo Castle fell.
Thank Heaven Nobunaga died.
but the Uesugi are now at a critical stage.
We can't continue on with battles.
But...
I've given up on the Uesugi.
Father, may I speak up?
What is it?
Lord Nobunaga died but the Sanada are still Oda vassals.
Shouldn't we stick to that path?
Naturally I have my doubts with Nobunaga gone.
I am not supporting the Oda.
But we decided to follow the Oda...
I heard you.
Excuse me.
Sir Takigawa's messenger is here.
You've been summoned.
He must have finally heard about Nobunaga.
Most likely.
What's my move?
It's a good opportunity to cut ties with the Oda.
I'll go and meet him.
Heihachiro, thank the villagers.
These are the best rice balls I've ever eaten in my life.
The villagers are all our allies.
How far are we?
About five miles.
TN: From Ise, Tokugawa returned home in Mikawa province by sea.
We are close to the Sea of Ise.
We're almost home (Mikawa Province).
Let's move on.
Hanzo, you've been of great help.
We're not safe yet.
There are Akechi forces up ahead.
Akechi?
What are we going to do?
Push through with full force.
Again?
Lord! Please get up!
UMAYABASHI CASTLE, KOZUKE
I am finally done with Kanto.
major Oda vassal
TAKIGAWA KAZUMASU
I'm not used to this arduous work.
He doesn't seem to know yet.
Maybe he's feeling us out.
I summoned you today because...
I wanted to ask you...
if you knew of a good hot-spring cure nearby.
Hot springs?
With one battle after another, I am quite exhausted.
I wanted to get some rest.
I would recommend Kusatsu.
Kusatsu?
I'll keep that in mind.
Lord of Awa.
Yes, sir.
There will soon be no more battle in this country.
No battle?!
From Oshu in the far North, to Kyushu in the South,
Lords are seeking subjection under His Excellency,
and sending messengers.
Even in Oshu?
With unparalleled power,
there won't be any need for battles.
That is His Excellency's thought.
Something only His Excellency would think of.
At first, I thought it was a pipe dream.
But now, only the Mouri in Aki, and the Uesugi in Echigo are left.
There will soon be no battle.
Then, my role will be finished.
Oda Nobunaga had a preposterous vision.
Indeed.
His unparalleled power is moot now.
How foolish of Akechi.
Genjiro!
Where's Matsu?
It's a terrible situation.
The Oda soldiers took Matsu to the Castle.
To Azuchi Castle?
They suddenly showed up.
Can we get in the castle?
With these confusions, we may be able to slip in.
AZUCHI CASTLE
That was rather easy.
Genjiro!
Matsu!
I didn't think you would come.
Let’s leave the castle at once.
Where to?
In the midst of the chaos, let's return to Sanada.
Can we do that?
Where are the guards?
After they gathered us here, they fled.
Matsu!
Sir Shigemasa!
Let's hurry!
Wait!
What's going to happen to the other hostages?
That's not our problem!
They're terrified!
What can we do?
Let's take them with us.
The more people we have along, the harder it is to escape!
We must hurry. The Akechi army is approaching.
We shouldn't abandon them.
Please do as she says.
Please!
Where are they?
This many?!
What do we do?
A castle of this size must have a secret passage.
Let's look for it.
It wouldn't be in a place that can be readily found.
TANUKI (RACOON DOG)
I have an idea where it may be.
It bothered me from the time I saw it.
Why? Everyone has a well.
There is a secret passage!
Oh!
Let's go.
Welcome back Lord (Tokugawa).
Acha...
I thought I was a goner.
This way.
Hurry!
Careful!
Sanjuro, let's go!
Two days had passed since the Honno-ji Incident.
History was slowly, but steadily moving.
END OF EPISODE 5
Go to Matsu!
Mother, don't blame Genjiro.
Then there'll be no reason to stay with the Sanada.
Hashiba Hideyoshi has killed Akechi.
The start of a big gamble!
Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture
Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture. This area since ancient times...
voice of announcer Odagiri Sen
was hotly contested by the Takeda, Uesugi and Hojo.
Tone River
Maebashi Castle Ruins (Maebashi Park)
At it's cemter was Umayabashi Castle.
TN: Mayabashi is the old name of Maebashi Castle. The Umayabashi area was renamed in 1649 to Maebashi. Umayabashi comes from Umaya (stable), a stable for carrying rice.
Umayabashi-jo Kuruma Monzeki
In 1576 May 10, Nobunaga was given this castle...
Takigawa Kazumasu (National Diet Library collection)
by Masayuki Sanada, when he joined the Oda clan.
Earthwork
Choshoji
In the south of Umayabashi Castle was Chosho-ji temple
musical play by Nobuyuki Tsujii
Here was created a full-fledged Noh stage in the precincts
where people amused themselves with dances.
Takigawa Kazumasu memorial tablets
It was occupied for only 3 months by Kazumasu Takigawa.
At the end came a new chapter of light and darkness for the Sanada family
as they traveled a new path.
Maebashi Castle Ruins (Maebashi Park)
Take bus from Maebashi to Maebashi Koen Mae.
NEXT EPISODE
"Adrift"