Episode 29

Atsuhime is struck with deep grief after learning Iesada's death and blames herself for pressuring him in politics. Atsuhime becomes a Buddhist nun and is named Tenshoin. She faces Ii to pursue Iesada's will to act as Yoshitomi's guardian. Nariakira's death caused confusion in Satsuma which Saigo tries to settle by following the late master's will.

(Official NHK Website English plot summary)

Atsuhime is despondent in her despair over Iesada’s death, sitting in her room and doing nothing, staring into space with tears rolling down her face. Atsuhime confesses to Ikushima that she blames herself for Iesada’s death, feeling that she pushed him into meeting Harris and choosing a successor, forcing him out of his pretense of idiocy. When Atsuhime does not go to morning prayers as usual, Iesada’s mistress, Shiga, begins to worry about Iesada.

Saigo was in Kyoto when he heard of Nariakira’s death. With the bond between Saigo and his lord so strong, the Buddhist monk Gessho is worried that Saigo will commit suicide to follow Nariakira. Urging Saigo to live and ensure the fruition of Nariakira's dreams, Gessho offers to take Nariakira's place, telling Saigo to symbolically place his "life" in the monk's hands. When Muraoka enters the room Saigo attempts to hide his emotions but Muraoka notices nonetheless, and comments on the luck of the Lord of Satsuma in having such good subjects. She then she presents Saigo with a letter from Konoe to the Bakufu, an attempt to put into play Nariakira's dreams. Saigo is requested to present the letter to the Bakufu and is greatly honoured by this request.

After the funeral for Nariakira, Tatewaki is summoned to meet with Nariakira’s half-brother, Tadayuki. Tadayuki remarks that, unlike his worldly brother, he is a country bumpkin and knows nothing of the world outside of Satsuma. He asks Tatewaki to be his advisor, for he is going to require all the help he can get if he is to put into place his brother's dreams. Tadayuki announces his intentions to do just that. Even if it takes many years he wants to build an army and then head for Kyoto and towards Edo. As the two toast the future with red wine from France, Tadayuki worries about how his father, Narioki, could cause trouble for him. Meanwhile, convinced of his son's inability to lead Satsuma, Narioki is planning to return to the domain to take over.

Atsuhime asks Ikushima what Iesada’s mother has been told, and insists that she wants to tell Honjuin about his death. Atsuhime remarks sadly that finding out he had passed away was all the more painful the longer it took for her to be told. She does not want to inflict the same pain on Honjuin and feels that it is especially important for his mother to know he has died.

Shiga visits Atsuhime, bringing with her homemade sweets that make Atsuhime think of Iesada. When Shiga asks abouts Iesada, Atsuhime tells her that it is as she thinks it is. Shiga pushes for a firm answer and Atsuhime tells her that he is no longer of this world, and then immediately apologizes saying that she knew but was sworn to secrecy. A distressed Shiga starts berating Atsuhime for not taking better care of the weak and sickly Iesada, and a stone-faced Atsuhime can do nothing more than apologize. As soon as Shiga leaves, Atsuhime goes to Honjuin’s rooms to tell her as well. At first Honjuin laughs and attempts to shake the news off as some sort of joke. Gradually, however, she realizes that Atsuhime’s story is true and flies into a rage, blaming Atsuhime for killing her son, beating Atsuhime with the flowers she had been arranging. Takiyama goes to stop Honjuin from attaking Atsuhime with wooden arm-rest, but Atsuhime yells not to stop her, apologizing and sayaing that she only just heard her self and she can only imagine the anger of a parent in finding out their son is long dead. When taken to Iesada’s funerary alter, Honjuin breaks down asking Iesada why he went before his mother, why he left her all alone in the world.

In Kyoto the emperor summons the lord of the Mito domain to the court to present him with a chokujo, an imperial order presented directly to the lord and bypassing the bakufu. This blatant disregard for the authority of the bakufu enrages Ii who vows to have revenge on the Mito domain and those who supported Yoshinobu.

Iesada’s remains are interred in Ueno’s Kan’ei-ji, and the women of the Ooku begin to plan for the ceremony marking Atsuhime's new status. With her husband dead, her hair is to be cut and she is to become a Buddhist nun. Ikushima offers to take care of preparing Atsuhime herself, and even manages to coax a smile from the despondent Atsuhime, as she teases the young widow. Ikushima then tells her that when her hair is cut she will be reborn, and Atsuhime comments that she has already lived many different lives. With a soft smile on her face she comments that no matter what, Ikushima will remain beside her. Ikushima's face clouds at this, and she changes the subject deftly. The ceremony is held a few days later, and Atsuhime is given the new name of Tenshoin, which she says makes her feel closer to the departed Iesada who was also given a new name. Shiga decides to withdraw from the Ooku, retiring to become a nun herself In their parting, the two women both beg forgiveness from each other, but Tenshoin tells Shiga she has nothing to apolgoize for, as she was in the right. Shiga responds by asking Tenshoin why she cries, saying that Tenshoin was obviously loved by Iesada, since he showed her his real self instead of pretending to be an idiot. The fact that he never did this for Shiga proves that he did not love her in the same way. Having been loved by one you yourself love, says Shiga, is pure luxury. Shiga’s words prompt Tenshoin out of her despondency, reminding her of Iesada telling her he wanted her to help in the ruling when Yoshitomi became shogun. Tenshoin calls Ii to remind him of Iesada’s wishes, but Ii feigns surprise and says he has never heard of the idea. He insists that Tenshoin should relax in the Ooku, leaving the ruling to be done by him and the others ministers. Tenshoin is angered by this and insists that she will not and cannot ignore the deceased Shogun’s wishes.

Episode 28

Ii becomes shogun's chief adviser and Yoshitomi is chosen as the next shogun. Iesada orders Ii and Hotta, the chief retainer of the shogunate, to entrust Atsuhime with Yoshitomi in emergency. Suddenly Iesada suffers a stroke which fact the shogunate tries to hide even to Atsuhime and Honjuin. Ii signs a treaty with the U.S. without the shogunate's approval. In Satsuma, Nariakira passes away. Atsuhime shortly learns the death of another important person in her life.

(Official NHK Website English plot summary)

A love struck Atsuhime wanders in the garden daydreaming of Iesada.

Iesada meets with Ii, who requests that he be allowed to name Yoshitomi as the next shogun. Iesada agrees, with the provision that Atsuhime be named as guardian. Ii asks why, remarking that there is no precedent for this type of action. Iesada replies that, as he has told Ii before, Atsuhime is interested and skilled in politics, and would provide the young Yoshitomi with invaluable guidance. Iesada meets with Hotta to tell him the same thing, but refuses to repeat himself with explanations. He storms out to the garden where he sees beautiful flowers, and decides to cut one and send it to Atsuhime. As he is about to cut the flower, however, Iesada collapses.

Ikushima begs Atsuhime once again to urge Iesada to name Yoshinobu as the next shogun. In her impassioned plea, Ikushima says that this will be her final request of Atsuhime, and that it is Nariakira’s order and desire.

Nariakira is telling Tatewaki about his plans to form a Western-style military force, with 3000 guns and a warship ordered from France, when an exhausted and filthy Saigo arrives. With his head to the ground, Saigo announces that Yoshitomi will be named as the next shogun and apologizes for failing his lord. Nariakira does not seem surprised or upset, telling Tatewaki and Saigo that he has other plans, plans involving his Western army and the two of them.

The lower-ranked samurai of Satsuma are greatly excited by the news that Nariakira intends to head to Kyoto. They assume that this is to make war and get so excited by this prospect that they rush off to practice nosily, leaving Tatewaki and Okubo to muse on their lord’s deeper plans.

When Ii hears that Franc and England are approaching the shores of Japan, and that Harris wants the treaty with the US signed before the other countries arrive, Ii tells the negotiators Inoue and Iwase to attempt to do their best to kill time until they can obtain the emperor’s support. Despite this, however, the treaty is signed on board the American ship the Powhattan, on the 19th day of the 6th month of 1858.

Ikushima tells Atsuhime that Ii has had the treaty signed without imperial sanction and Atsuhime wonders why Iesada wasn’t involved. She worries that Iesada may be unwell, causing Ikushima to muse that she has heard nothing of Iesada’s recent actions. Atsuhime calls for the shogun’s doctor to demand news. Meanwhile the doctor is meeting with Honjuin, telling her that Iesada is only somewhat unwell. When Honjuin demands to see Iesada the doctor insists that Iesada be allowed to rest peacefully. Honjuin forbids anybody to tell Atsuhime of Iesada’s illness, saying that Atsuhime will insist on seeing Iesada which will tire him and worsen his condition. Takimiya objects, saying Atsuhime will be just as concerned as Honjuin, but Honjuin will not change her mind. The doctor obliges and, when he visits Atsuhime, lies and says that Iesada is simply too busy to see Atsuhime. Atsuhime does not seem to believe this, but since she cannot see Iesada, asks that the doctor pass him something from her. She sends to Iesada one white Go piece, one of the pieces that she and Iesada had enjoyed playing with. Iesada is touched by her gift, but saddened that she has not come in person. He wonders if he will ever see her again, if she will come and visit him as he can no longer go and see her.

Ii begins to flex his political power, first by barring Hotta from the castle. Yoshinobu goes to Ii to complain of Ii’s behaviour in signing the treaty despite the emperor’s lack of support, but Ii simply offers empty apologies. Yoshinobu’s father, Tokugawa Nariaki also goes to see Ii, but is kept waiting all day and has to return home without having met with Ii. Nariaki and Yoshinobu discuss Ii’s actions, and Yoshinobu apologizes to his father. Nariaki says that he feels that someday soon a large and important role will be assigned to Yoshinobu, but Yoshinobu replies that he does not want the responsibility.

Ii formally presents Yoshitomi as the shogun’s successor, thereby signaling the demise of the hopes of the Hitotsubashi (Yoshinobu) faction. Ii follows this up with orders barring various Hitotsubashi supporters from visiting the castle.

After a day reviewing the troops in the hot sun, Nariakira falls sick with an unknown illness. On his deathbed he tells his half-brother Tadayuki that he has an important message for him. Nariakira says that his son, Tetsumaru, is too young to be lord of the domain and that, in his place, Tadayuki’s son Matajiro should be named lord, with Tadayuki as guardian. Tadayuki, with tears in his eyes, thanks his older brother and promises to follow his wishes. Nariakira then turns to Tatewaki and says that he wanted to see Atsuhime one last time. He then apologizes for having stolen Atsuhime away from Tatewaki. He then dies, wondering if Atsuhime has received his letter.

Atsuhime is worried about Ikushima, who appears listless after the announcement about Yoshitomi despite Atsuhime’s attempts to interest her in delicacies sent from Satsuma. Takimiya presents herself to Atsuhime and tells her that Iesada is sick, but that she does not know any more. Atsuhime insists upon seeing Iesada immediately and Takimiya promises to look into the matter for Atsuhime. While this is going on an urgent messenger arrives from Satsuma with the news that Nariakira has passed away. Atsuhime is in shock and Ikushima laments the loss of such an important figure. Atsuhime finally opens the letter from Nariakira and cries as she reads his words. In the letter Nariakira apologizes for the pain he inflicted upon her, tearing her from her family and sending her far from her homeland. He also apologizes for the day that may come in the future where her new family and her homeland become enemies. He tells her that if and when this time comes, she should be strong and trust her heart for she is the only one who could accomplish what she is doing. As Atsuhime is reading the letter, Takimiya arrives with a shogunal minister. Takimiya tells Atsuhime that Iesada has died, and that his death has only just been announced. In response to Atsuhime’s shocked question, the minister admits that Iesada passed away on the 6th day of the 7th month, nearly a month previously. An inconsolable Atsuhime demands to be taken to Iesada’s room, where she collapses in tears against his funerary altar.

Episode 27

Atsuhime decides not to side with neither Yoshinobu nor Yoshitomi until she is convinced who better suits as the next shogun despite Nariakira's order to push Yoshinobu. Meanwhile, Takiyama asks Atsuhime for her support in recommending Ii as shogun's chief adviser. Although Ikushima urges Atsuhime to turn down the request, Atsuhime doesn't give an immediate answer which widens distrust between the two.

(Official NHK Website English plot summary)

Takimiya presents a formal request to Atsuhime asking for her support in promoting Ii to the position of chief minister (tairō). Ikushima is angered by the request and Atsuhime steps in to stop the argument that develops. Much to Ikushima’s annoyance, Takimiya tells Atsuhime that she is a member of the Tokugawa family, asking Atsuhime to think carefully about the request.

When the two are together in her rooms, Honjuin tells Iesada that he should choose Yoshitomi as his successor. Iesada remarks that he will decide for himself and Honjuin comments sadly that he has changed. Iesada tells his mother that any changes in him are due to her, as she was the one who brought him such a energetic bride from Satsuma.

Tatewaki (Naogoro) regrets his behaviour towards Nariakira and goes to apologize. Nariakira tells Tatewaki that he has thought of a new way to advance Yoshinobu, by recommending Yoshinaga from Echizen domain for chief minister instead of Ii.

As Iesada is returning to his room from visiting Atsuhime, he comes close to collapsing – grabbing at his heart and clutching a post to keep himself upright.

After much thought, Atsuhime tells Takimiya that she cannot agree to support Ii’s bid to become chief minister. Atsuhime remarks that there is no precedent for the wife of the shogun to become involved in these types of matters. Ikushima is relieved but her pleasure is short-lived as Atsuhime continues and tells Takimiya that she should continue forward in whatever way she sees fit, pretending she never consulted with Atsuhime.

Hotta returns from Kyoto and apologizes to Iesada that he was unable to obtain the emperor’s support for a treaty with America. Hotta requests that Iesada name Yoshinaga chief minister. Meanwhile Ikushima is also begging Atsuhime to convince the shogun to do the same.

Iesada asks Atsuhime to join him when he meets with Ii and Yoshinaga. Both men are surprised by Atsuhime’s presence. When asked about his opinion on politics and ideas for the future, Yoshinaga suggests a new system whereby all daimyo are invited to discuss and make decisions together. In contrast, Ii stresses strengthening the bakufu and the power of the Tokugawa family. After having met with both men, Iesada tells Atsuhime that he favours Ii because it was Ii who said he wanted to protect the Tokugawa. Iesada says he wants to protect his family.

When Ikushima discovers that Ii is to become chief minister she berates Atsuhime, accusing her of not carrying out the duties charged to her by Nariakira. Ikushima then presents Atsuhime with a letter from Nariakira, but Atsuhime says she will read it later, that she needs to speak with Iesada immediately. She goes running through the Ōku and comes to the doors to the rest of the palace – which she demands be opened for her. Iesada is surprised by Atsuhime’s sudden arrival, but agrees to listen to what she has to say. Atsuhime proceeds to apologize, saying that she has not been a proper wife or member of the Tokugawa family. From now on, she tells Iesada, she will endeavour to be a proper wife and work for the good of the family.

Ii becomes chief minister on the 22nd day of the 4th month. Following this, Ikushima goes to Atsuhime in tears, begging her to stop Ii from pushing Yoshitomi as shogunal successor. With tears in her eyes, Atsuhime responds that she is a Tokugawa and must do what her husband says. Atsuhime begs for forgiveness, but Ikushima cries harder and expresses her pain.

As they are getting ready for bed, Iesada tells Atsuhime that he has decided to name Yoshitomi as his successor. Iesada then tells Atsuhime he wants to memorize her face. This strange behaviour frightens Atsuhime who turns away from Iesada. He reaches around and hugs her from behind, asking her if she regrets having married such a weak man. She responds forcefully, telling him she has never once regretted marrying him, that he is the best man in Japan. She says he is number one not just because he is shogun, but that he is number one for her, and for that she is grateful. He tells her he no longer wishes he had been born as a bird, but is happy as himself as that way he is married to her.

Episode 26

I've been watching NHK's historical drama, Atsuhime, since it started in the new year. (links: NHK's Japanese page, English Drama page, and Wikipedia) The NHK's English plot summaries are not terribly detailed, and while I understand most of what's going on (watching it twice a week helps with that!), I still enjoy reading more detailed summaries written by Auberginefleur at Japan Now & Then. Back in June I got an email from Aubergnefleur asking me if I'd be willing to fill-in and write the summaries for July. Between the end of term and my father's visit, July was crazy busy for me and I'm only now getting around to watching the episodes I taped on my cell phone. It is months and months late, but here is the first of my summaries...

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While the dispute over shogun's successor heats up, Ii Naosuke, siding with the Kishu-Tokugawa family that pushes Yoshitomi to become shogun, visits Honjuin to ally with her. Atsuhime, under Nariakira's order to make Yoshinobu the next shogun, is driven into a corner. Nariakira submits an official statement declaring his position on the next shogun to the Tokugawa shogunate, which stirs the shogunate including "Ooku."

(Official NHK Website English plot summary)

Honjuin meets with Ii Naosuke and asks him to promise to push for Yoshitomi to become the next shogun. Ii agrees, and Honjuin offers to help Ii in the future, saying he is the only one she can trust.

Atsuhime receives a letter from Nariakira and fights with Ikushima over influencing Iesada to choose Yoshinobu as the next shogun. Meanwhile Nariakira gives a new name to Naogoro (Tatewaki) and charges him with an important role in relations with America. Naogoro asks Nariakira how he wants to change Japan, and is told that Nariakira wants to get rid of the bakufu and create a new country. Naogoro, worried about Atsuhime’s safety, asks how this will affect her. Nariakira assures Naogoro he intends to look after Atsuhime, but Naogoro worries deepen when he hears about the kenpakusho (petition/letter) written by Nariakira. The kenpakusho reaches Ii, who sends a copy to Honjuin. Upon reading the letter Honjuin cannot suppress her rage and just about collapses in anger.

When Atsuhime and Iesada are playing go and discussing politics, Iesada tells Atsuhime about Hotta, who is going to Kyoto in the new year to ask for the Emperor’s blessing for the opening of the country. Atsuhime finally asks Iesada to make Yoshinobu the next shogun, but when she responds to Iesada’s question by stating that Yoshinobu is her choice and not just that of her father, Nariakira, Iesada gets up and leaves the room. As he leaves he tells Atsuhime that he thought she was the only woman he could actually believe.

Hotta goes to Kyoto to speak with the Emperor and Ii sends his retainer Nagano to Kyoto as well. Despite a belief that getting the Emperor’s agreement would be a straightforward matter, Hotta discovers that the Emperor is not pleased with the idea of the sacred earth of Japan being befouled by foreigners. The Emperor refuses to support the treaty with the United States and Hotta returns to Edo in disgrace. Meanwhile Saigo’s actions trying to drum up support for Yoshinobu prove useless as the court decides that matters of succession and who will be the next shogun are internal Tokugawa family matters and not to be interfered with by the court.

Iesada turns to Atsuhime to discuss the emperor’s refusal to support the treaty with the United States and the future of US-Japanese relations. During their discussion Atsuhime remarks that she is happy to have been born at this time in history as she is excited to meet foreigners and feels it is time for Japan to be opened to the rest of the world. Iesada apologizes for having spoken harshly to her about Yoshinobu, and Atsuhime apologizes in turn, admitting that she lied about her true feelings. She admits that she doesn’t know whether she should support Yoshinobu or Yoshitomi and, as a result, has decided not to support either one. As they are falling asleep Iesada says that if he could choose he’d like to have been born a bird so he could fly away and be free. Atsuhime starts to reply that she would still want to be herself, but then stops. Iesada attempts to tickle her answer out of her, but stops when the two get too close. Atsuhime follows him back to his futon, however, and tickles him until he hits his head on the standing mirror. After Iesada falls asleep, Atsuhime completes her answer, saying that even if she could change everything she would want to be herself so that she could be still married to him.