Tokugawa Ieyasu
Episode 33: The Clouds of War Begin to Move
OSAKA CASTLE
December, 1591.
Hideyoshi passed down his title of Imperial Adviser
to his nephew, Hidetsugu, and assumed the title of Regent.
He was personally overseeing the preparations for war in Korea.
...you must've opposed this from the start.
Yes, but I have to help the Regent.
I'm relieved to hear that.
You can have a military conference in Nagoya with him.
Unless I do everything I can
to save the country from destruction,
I'll be disobeying the Buddha.
You are strong in fighting wars,
and you are considerate.
They may be cautious in dealing with you.
Though you serve the Regent,
you must show that you are not inferior to him in character.
Then you'll be able to control the country in a crisis.
Remember that the Buddha is always looking for a successor.
I see.
My decision to go to Nagoya has been reinforced.
I appreciate that.
SAKAI IN OSHU
Meanwhile, a merchant from Hakata named Shimai Soshitsu,
who was sent to Korea by Hideyoshi, returned to Sakai.
There is something I have to tell you
before the Regent's aide comes for me.
Did the Emperor of Korea accept our Regent's request?
That's a big lie.
Lie, their emperor lied?
No! The citizens of our country are deceiving our Regent!
You mean the monk, Yoshitomo is?
Yes, and Konishi Yukinaga from Sakai.
The Koreans don't expect us to attack them.
But, the Regent's emissary must've arrived there.
Yes, but all that emissary said was Hideyoshi wants to be friendly.
So send a messenger to congratulate him on the unification.
Then, our Regent replied that he's attacking China,
so he requests the Korean's help in leading him there.
But that message never got there.
The Regent thinks the Korean emperor accepted,
and they, in turn, think that we want to resume trade
What a strange misunderstanding.
How can he send troops out so recklessly
when this could determine our country's fate?
This is more dangerous that I imagined.
What shall we do, Naya?
Father?
Someone who knew that Sir Shimai is here, came to see him.
What?
Who could have known I was here?
It's Sir Ishida Mitsunari.
Ishida Mitsunari?
- Bring him in. - Yes.
Excuse me.
I have a favor to ask you before you meet our Regent.
What?
A magistrate at the zenith of his power wants my help?
On the matter of sending troops to China...
Starting such a war could lead us to destruction.
But the Regent wouldn't lend an ear to our requests.
But you have seen their country.
So, I'd like you to ask the Regent to stop this war.
You and Sir Konishi are both very selfish.
What?
If you state your opinion, you may anger the Regent.
He may execute you, or make you commit seppuku.
So, you want me to do it. Samurai are selfish.
So...
- You won't do as I ask? - Right!
Unless Sir Konishi decides to go abroad as a scout first,
I won't admonish our Regent.
Then...
Then, if Sir Konishi agrees to become our scout,
will you grant us our wish?
I am a man.
I'll risk my life for my country,
and tell the regent exactly what I saw.
Sir Soshitsu!
I appreciate it!
I swear make Sir Konishi accept.
Raise you head, a magistrate shouldn't do this.
Soshitsu?
Thanks for your efforts.
I hope you inspected the country thoroughly.
First, this is a map.
Bring it to me, Mitsunari.
We should set up camp in Pyuson and proceed to Keishi.
Set up camp?
I didn't tell you.
I'm building a castle in Nagoya.
This will be our base,
from which we send troops to Pyuson.
Once we proceed, we'll head straight for the Chinese capital.
I'm sorry to say, that won't be possible.
What?
What's not possible?
The emperor of Korea has long been the Chinese emperor's ally.
He will never betray the Chinese just to help you, Regent.
Soshitsu!
sAre you telling me not to send the troops abroad?
This war will require too much funds.
Chances are 7 or 8 out of 10 that we'll lose.
Shut up!
I asked you to find out about their geography and people.
I never asked for you opinion on this war.
But, in foreign lands, even the citizens are enemies.
You cannot proceed as you would in barren lands.
Mitsunari!
Kill him.
How many of your men are truly supporting this war?
What's most important in such a huge task,
is whether everyone is united in its support.
I believe it's better not to go to war at this point
but penetrate into their country with trade.
Because Soshitsu risked his life to tell him this,
Hideyoshi began to harbor doubts about his plans.
But he had already mobilized his troops.
The arrow has left the bow already.
I can't change my plans now.
Soshitsu...
You can't complain any more.
Arrest him, Mitsunari.
The whole country would laugh at him if he stopped now.
Ieyasu, who had turned 50 that year,
Heard of Hideyoshi's intentions.
He knew that the burden of stopping Hideyoshi rested on him.
Chomatsumaru, who changed his name to Hidetada,
returned from Kyoto on December 17th
with the news that Hideyoshi's departure date was March 1st.
...the troops departing next spring total 280,000.
If we add the laborers to this number, it will be a million.
It is on a much bigger scale than I imagined.
They request that you lead 5,000 across the seas
to clear the way for the regent.
If the wars are difficult,
you must admonish our Regent and send him home.
You're the only one capable of doing that.
Will you be able to get along with the new Regent
after I cross the seas?
Yes.
Hidetsugu invited me over to tell me he was like my brother.
And? What did you reply?
I appreciated it, so I asked him to lead me well.
Who do you think is better, the Adviser or the Regent?
The Regent, naturally.
Then you don't mind being lead by a mere Adviser?
This is a war against a foreign country.
If you hear that I am killed,
and Hidetsugu orders you to lead our entire clan overseas,
what will you do?
I'll cross the seas to avenge your death...!
What else?
Can't you answer me?
Yes.
I'll tell them that for the security of my territories,
I can't set off to war with my entire army.
Hidetada?
Yes?
What if he insists and orders you repeatedly?
Neither one can give in.
That's when wars begin.
What will you do, Masazumi?
Please give me instructions.
Toshikatsu?
I'm unable to answer that.
Masanobu, tell these youngsters what one should do.
What's most important is to always be on one's guard,
to prevent being cornered into such a predicament.
There's nothing we can do
if both sides are cornered like that.
What's most important is to be careful
not to let such a situation emerge.
Understand, Hidetada?
Make your brother in Edo understand that
you won't obey stupid orders.
Then he'll be careful,
and discuss matters with you before he orders you.
I shall keep that lesson in mind.
Now that you understand, I can set out for war.
You are capable of keeping the fort in my absence.
February 1592, Ieyasu went to Kyoto.
Many people are saying this war is my biggest mistake.
Unless I can conquer China now,
the Europeans will come and destroy China, Korea, and Japan.
Then we'll become their slaves.
I'm setting out for war because I can see far ahead.
So...
I'd like your opinion.
Can you stay and control the country?
That's a surprise. What will you do?
I'll lead the army myself.
You must not do that!
Such a war should not be fought!
Even if you're controlling the country?
The new Adviser and I cannot carry out the task.
There's one promise I'd like you to keep.
That's if the wars should escalate, I'll lead the army.
If I'm killed,
You must withdraw your troops and set out another day.
This war should be fought with ease,
or it shouldn't be fought at all, Sire.
All right.
We're talking of the worst.
I'm happy, Councilor.
Because of you, nothing will affect our country.
I can escort you to Nagoya with peace of mind.
Hideyoshi left Kyoto and arrived in Nagoya on April 25th.
By then, the second wave of troops arrived in Pyuson,
and the war in Korea was becoming serious.
...not only ships, but 10,000 boatmen have set out,
and 5,000 will depart soon.
Well...
Our navy must have been defeated. We're in trouble.
I'll write a letter so please be my messenger.
It's for Nagoya, isn't it?
It's rough to travel by sea. Koetsu will be your escort.
It's not like you, father.
If you can't go, isn't it natural that I go in your place?
There was another woman who was tormented by this war.
...I pity the young and old.
They must have been afraid of the foreign soldiers.
I hope they're not cruel to them.
Don't worry.
I know my son better than you do.
He's sick! He won't stop fighting until he dies!
Mother...
Nene, I beg of you to write to him.
I have had nightmares for the last 2 - 3 nights.
Many ships were burned in a pool of blood,
and he was on one of them!
All right. I'll send a letter immediately.
Dreams are not reality, so please don't worry.
My dream may come true.
Announcing the Adviser!
Hidetsugu?
Mother!
We have just received news
hat our navy was destroyed off the coast of Kyosei.
Hidetsugu!
Don't tell me my son was there.
He is in Nagoya.
But he intends to go to raise the soldiers' morale.
No! Don't let him cross the ocean!
But, once he says something, he'll never listen to others.
My dream was true! That's the ocean of hell!
Write to him now or he'll set off to sail!
- Mother? - Grandmother?
Call a doctor!
- Mother! - Grandmother!
How dare you give me such a useless report!
Forgive me, but reports from the front...
You're still talking!
As the war prolonged, the civilians began to resist vehemently.
The Japanese army was at a disadvantage.
I will cross the ocean myself and scold the entire army!
Please wait.
Councilor? Even you want me to admit our defeat?
Just calm down, and remember our promise.
Our promise?
I shall cross the ocean first.
Councilor...
Mitsunari reports that the war is bitter.
Yet, you'll go there?
Give me the order to send my troops out.
- I'm afraid, but... - What!
Please allow me to go first.
Unless we can go and see the situations with our own eyes,
we cannot carry out your order. Please let me go.
I'm glad you said that.
You saved my reputation!
Hideyoshi sent Ishida Mitsunari, Otani Yoshitsune,
and Masuta Nagamori to inspect the troops.
Delicious cucumbers!
Just then, Kinomi arrived from Sakai.
How about delicious cucumbers to take to your kids?
All right, I'll take three.
Here you go.
What a pretty lady. For that, I'll give you one free.
What a generous cucumber-vendor.
Your generosity resembles that of the Regent
who gives provinces away to those who did well in battle.
He even gives away foreign countries now.
What?
This is the Regent. Watch your manners.
She said something quite intelligent.
Forget the formalities. Stay and watch this game.
Yes.
I will sing you a song about the cucumber-vendor.
What an interesting girl.
Do you know her?
My camp is filled with rough men.
You called Yodogimi over, so I copied you
and called this cucumber blossom here.
So this is what the cucumber blossom looks like.
Don't take him for granted. Excuse yourself.
You did something terrible.
Was I rude to him?
The wars will escalate if he stays here.
We were thinking of a reason to send him to Kyoto.
The game today was part of our strategy.
Yet you exposed the fact that we were just humoring him.
What can I do to correct my mistake?
You'll have to stay here, or would you deceive him?
But I only had to deliver the letter to Lord Tokugawa!
Therefore, you must serve me or your life will be in danger.
- But... - What!
I can't serve as a concubine.
Why not?
I have a disease.
What sort of disease?
I have a fit when I approach men.
That's a strange disease.
All right. You may serve as a man.
Someone! Bring a change of clothes!
This person is dressed as a woman but is in fact a man.
He'll be taking care of me.
Sir Hon'ami Koetsu has an urgent message.
Sir Koetsu!
Reporting.
Omandokoro is in critical condition.
What?
The Regent has returned to Kyoto.
Omandokoro passed away the evening after Hideyoshi left.
Nene! Nene!
I said this is a tiger hunt! Why don't you come and get me?
If you don't, this tiger will eat you up!
Please do so...
Just do whatever you want.
Nene...
I was in charge in your absence yet I lost your precious mother.
I just don't know what to say...
Don't mention it.
I was an unfilial son...
Instead of being with her in her last moments,
I was absorbed with a war that she hated the most.
She said that you may not stop fighting wars 'til you die.
She asked that I pray for the departed souls
and discuss matters with the Councilor.
I see.
So...she said to ask Ieyasu...
She wanted the two brothers to grow old peacefully.
My poor mother...
Ma, you must have been lonely.
You must've been in pain...
You must've been mortified...
He constructed the Seiganji Temple for his late mother,
and announced his plans to build the Fushimi Castle.
But when he heard that the Chinese army headed for Korea,
Hideyoshi went to Nagoya that Autumn.
...what's most important is to call a truce
before the Chinese army attacks us.
I know!
But before that, we have to change the tide of war.
The problem is...
What is the problem, Councilor?
I am worried about their supplies,
for they will be spending bitter winters there.
First, we need ships.
The fate of our army rests on our transport ships.
I told you to make new ships, Kanbei!
I told them to rush,
but we needed 35,000 laborers to construct Fushimi Castle.
The funds are being depleted...
Fool! We need that castle to welcome their emissaries.
We can't have a castle which may put us to shame!
Why not reassess this war at this point?
But this will affect the troops' morale
So don't tell anyone.
Yes.
Reporting!
There is an urgent letter from your wife in Osaka!
Bring it.
Nene's letter reported an important event,
which changed the course of the war.
Chacha was pregnant again.
Regent?
...that's a lie.
What's wrong?
This is a lie. How can I believe this?
Sire!
It says I'll have a child again.
This may be fate's trap.
This is happy news. Congratulations!
There is a certain confidence one feels
after misfortune passes and a new day begins.
However, this may bring about a certain uneasiness.
By New Years, 1592, Hideyoshi was full of life.
I'm going to have a child again. I'm not old yet!
I'll cross the ocean and destroy the Chinese army!
However, the Chinese general, Lee O Sho
combined forces with the Koreans and attacked.
The situation grew worse for the Japanese.
Didn't Sir Konishi Yukinaga plan on negotiating peace?
But if even Konishi was defeated by the Chinese,
our Regent would be put to shame
and our generals will be thrown into terribly bitter battles.
And how is our Regent?
He says nothing will be accomplished unless I go.
His hair has turned white.
What a time for a child to be born.
Konishi Yukinaga suffered a bitter defeat.
Ishida Mitsunari returned that May
to plan a strategy to reorganize the army.
Don't try to be polite.
Just tell me what you saw.
Then, I shall listen and use that information
to discuss future plans with the Regent.
I appreciate that.
Tell me.
All I can say is that more wars will be a loss for us.
You and Konishi knew that from the beginning...
All we wanted to do was negotiate peace
which would be to our advantage!
And what about the regiments of Kato and Kobayakawa,
are they unaware of the truth?
I have returned this time to open a military conference.
I'll have to state the reality of the situation.
And?
The generals regretted having to retreat,
so they have reorganized, and seized the Chinese castle.
Now is the time to negotiate peace, and I have returned.
I understand.
The Regent knows that we are at a disadvantage.
You know well that he won't admit it openly.
Therefore...
Therefore, I suppressed my feeling of shame
to come to discuss this with you.
It's no time to be talking of shame.
I shall accompany you to see the Regent.
Please talk to him.
However...
We must avoid letting the Regent make the wrong decision.
Therefore, everything in your report must be absolutely true.
Keep this in mind.
These two agreed upon the urgency of ending the war.
However, these two were to be on opposing sides years later
at the decisive Battle of Sekigahara.