Segodon (2018–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Satsuma no yassenbo - full transcript
TAIGA DRAMA
UENO, TOKYO
The famous statue of Saigo Takamori
was built exactly
DEC. 18, 1898
120 years ago in Ueno...
21 years after he died in the
Satsuma Rebellion.
Takamori can find peace now.
It's time, Sakurako.
Yes, Father.
SAIGO ITO - Takamori's wife
The hero has been revived.
He's dressed in a yukata.
The image of being a commoner
is just like Saigo.
SAIGO JUDO - Takamori's brother
He always went hunting
in that attire.
No.
My husband wasn't like that.
You shouldn't say that.
No.
No.
No! No!
My husband wasn't like that.
Why did Saigo Takamori's
third wife, Ito, say that?
Why did Saigo Takamori's
third wife, Ito, say that?
What was wrong about
our perception of Saigo?
It's too late to find out now.
That is not my husband!
We know it's a fact...
that he was very popular
with women and men.
We also know it's a fact...
that without him...
Japan could not be reborn.
With deep respect and affection...
everyone called him...
Segodon.
Written By:
HAYASHI Mariko
Written By:
HAYASHI Mariko
Screenplay:
NAKAZONO Miho
Music:
FUKI Harumi
Narrator:
NISHIDA Toshiyuki
CAST
Saigo Takamori:
SUZUKI Ryohei
Saigo Ito:
KUROKI Haru
Saigo Judo:
NISHIKIDO Ryo
Kokichi:
WATANABE Ao
Kumakichi:
TSUKAJI Muga
Saigo Kimi:
MIZUNO Kumi
Saigo Ryuemon:
OMURA Kon
Akayama Yukie:
SAWAMURA Ikki
Shimazu Hisamitsu:
AOKI Munetaka
Lady Yura:
KOYANAGI Rumiko
Shimazu Narioki:
KAGA Takeshi
Shimazu Narioki:
KAGA Takeshi
Okubo Jiemon:
HIRATA Mitsuru
Okubo Jiemon:
HIRATA Mitsuru
Saigo Kichibei:
KAZAMA Morio
Saigo Kichibei:
KAZAMA Morio
Saigo Masa:
MATSUZAKA Keiko
Shimazu Nariakira:
WATANABE Ken
Translations by MTI
Executive Producers:
SAKURAI Ken
SAKURAI Soichi
KONISHI Chieko
Director:
NODA Yusuke
Episode 1: Satsuma Weaklings
Going back about 180 years...
to when Japan was in isolation...
this is Satsuma province.
TSURUMARU CASTLE
Aunty, good morning.
You're up early.
The Gochu educators are here.
Brother, they've come.
Yeah. I know.
Good morning.
Let's do our best again today.
SAIGO KOKICHI
This lad is Kokichi, the
future Saigo Takamori.
And if you can't handle your opponent?
Satsuma had an education
system called Gochu.
It's like a modern
neighborhood association.
The Gochu seniors strictly
educated the juniors.
A Gochu education was
only available for males.
MASA - Kokichi's Mother
Shosuke, did you get up late?
Study hard, Sosuke.
OKUBO SHOSUKE
I will, Father.
SAIGO KICHIBEI - Kokichi's Father
The dad should work hard, too.
OKUBO JIEMON - Shosuke's Father
I am, even without your telling me.
RYUEMON - Kokichi's Grandfather
KUMAKICHI
Kokichi is the winner!
KIMI - Kokichi's Grandmother
Good job, Kokichi!
The Satsuma males strive to be
strong, admirable samurai.
Even during peaceful times
under the Tokugawa.
Even now in Satsuma,
the violent winds blow like
in an era of war.
I'm famished.
Kokichi, aren't you an expert
at catching eels?
Just leave it to me.
It's them again.
KORE TOWN GOCHU
It's the potatoes from
Shitakaji-ya Town.
Kore Town!
The river belongs to Shitakaji-ya Town!
SHITAKAJI-YA TOWN GOCHU
That's right! Get out!
Shosuke!
When did you turn into
one of the potatoes?
You reek like a potato
after moving to Shitakaji-ya.
You stink!
Baldy brains!
What!?
You're all mouth!
Let's muscle it out!
What!?
They're really coming.
Let's get them!
Are you turning your back
to the enemy?
Coward!
Fighting will only make
you hungry.
Let's settle it with an
eel-catching contest.
What?
Catching eels?
Got one!
He caught one!
IWAYAMA ITO - Takamori's future wife
It's cooked.
We'll take turns taking a bite.
It's delicious.
It's delicious!
I know a spot where there's
something tastier than eels.
Where is that?
Hey baldy. Tell us.
The mansion in Iso.
The Lord's villa?
I serve there as a tea monk.
Whenever there's a tea party,
I see many sweets pass by.
I wonder what the Lord's
sweets are like.
Is it like New Year's mochi?
No, it's much sweeter.
You'll be surprised.
All right.
Let's sneak into the
Iso mansion tomorrow.
Kore vs Shitakaji-ya towns.
The winner is the side that
gets the sweets.
Wait.
I heard a scary goblin
lives there.
Goblin?
The guys from Kore
can do it alone.
No.
This is a test of courage.
We've arrived.
Is this the place?
I'm famished.
We can soon eat sweets.
Before we eat the sweets...
we may be eaten by the goblin.
Goblin?
Will you forego the sweets
out of fear of the goblin?
Weaklings.
Who's that?
We don't recognize you.
Who are you?
Ito.
Ito?
What's your first name?
Never mind. Let's hurry
to the sweets.
He took off.
Let's go quickly.
It's the sweets!
Sweets!
I want to see, too.
Shinpachi!
What are you doing!?
Darn! Scram!
Wait for me!
Stop!
Brother!
Run!
Keep running!
This way.
Hurry!
Wait for me!
Run faster!
Let's flee that way!
How pathetic.
It can't even handle
a little gunpowder?
I'm sorry.
Build a stronger cannon.
We can't fight foreign countries
with that.
Yes, sir.
It's the goblin!
Run for it!
Hurry, Shinpachi!
Hurry!
Hurry, Shinpachi!
Come!
Hurry!
Wait for me!
Goblin!
What?
For a goblin, your nose is...
First time you've seen
a short-nosed goblin?
Why are you here?
We heard there are really
sweet confections here.
You risked your lives for
measly sweets?
Please forgive us.
Please spare our lives.
I'm prepared.
Damn.
Satsuma samurai...
are always prepared to die.
What's so funny?
Satsuma samurai?
What a joke.
You...
fled, leaving your youngest
comrade behind.
If you can't feel for the weak...
you are worst than the weak!
Aren't they called weaklings
in Satsuma?
Sir Goblin, please forgive us.
We won't come here again.
What are you doing here!?
Shut up!
Who do you think he is?
It's all right.
I was here...
contemplating how to defeat
the foreign goblins.
Foreign goblins?
Yes, that's right.
They're big scary goblins.
You can't beat them unless
you're strong.
Don't tell anyone about
what you saw here.
If you do, consider yourselves dead.
You'll become shark bait.
Understood?
Go.
Kokichi, let's get out of here.
I know, but...
Hey, kid.
Take this.
It's bribery.
We should be safe here.
Aren't those sweets?
Watch out!
I'm first!
It's delicious!
It's sweet!
Does the goblin eat such
delicious food?
Well?
What is this?
A goblin's spell?
Hey. I thought you fled with
those brainy guys.
But you're here eating.
What a nimble fellow.
You guys are just slow.
What?
Have some shaved bonito.
Mother, thank you.
Your arms have become thick.
You'll become the biggest man in Satsuma.
Yes, he will.
Like his ancestor Mutekisai,
he'll be big and admired.
Kichibei didn't, though.
Kokichi, you can go easy
on the studies.
Train your body by fencing
and wrestling.
Yes, I will.
Strive hard at both.
Don't be a disgrace
to the Gochu.
Kichijiro and Koto are
relying on you.
Father.
Not only my younger siblings...
but I want to protect all
those that are weaker.
To do that, I want to
become stronger.
Brother, that goblin was
really strong.
Goblin? What are you talking about?
What's the matter, both of you?
A Satsuma samurai that
is a strong like a goblin.
That's what I want to be.
Then eventually serve
in the castle.
And let you all eat your fill
of rice with my stipend.
Thank you for this meal.
Your great-great-great-
grandfather...
was about 7 feet tall...
and a master swordsman.
No one could match him
in the castle town.
Everyone called him Muteki-sai.
One day...
Mutekisai set out to
hunt down the goblin.
He went to the monster's shrine.
He didn't see the goblin.
And Mutekisai...
Oh, they fell asleep.
Did Mutekisai also...
go to see that goblin?
From that day, the goblin
Iived in Kokichi's heart.
Meanwhile, at the mansion in Iso...
the goblin was summoned by the lord.
Brother.
Father, have some.
SHIMAZU NARIOKI - Satsuma Clan Lord
SHIMAZU NARIAKIRA - Eldest Son
Aside from the testing,
I made potato shochu.
This tastes awful.
You don't like it?
Nariakira, why are you here
in Satsuma,
without my permission?
The shogunate will punish
us severely
if the clan's heir returns from
Edo without permission.
Not to worry.
My double is in Edo.
Your double?
Brother.
Father.
Did you know England
invaded China?
China is a big country.
They'll repel England.
Actually, the opium addiction...
has weakened China terribly.
England is equipped with
the latest weapons.
China will definitely lose.
Father!
Nariakira is influenced by the West.
Ignore him.
Satsuma may be next,
after China.
How frightening.
Is that true?
Father!
I said, ignore him.
New weapons must be
developed immediately
in preparation of an invasion
from the West.
Are you planning to waste
clan funds again?
I won't let you succeed as lord.
Brother.
SHIMAZU HISAMITSU -
Nariakira's Half Brother
Going to Myoen-ji tomorrow?
Yes.
How we both...
wish to be unrivaled samurai
like Lord Yoshihiro.
Will you be going, too?
Nariakira.
LADY YURA
Don't forget you aren't
supposed to be here.
Hisamitsu.
You are too good-natured.
What?
You must become the lord.
Me? Become lord?
Don't back down just because
you're younger.
But Mother...
Get rid of your Satsuma dialect.
You don't want to be
ridiculed for it.
Learn more about Edo and Kyoto.
Nariakira has never lived
in his home province.
Are you going to let him
become the lord?
This is awfully sudden.
We pray for your protection.
Myoen-ji Mairi.
At the end of the Battle of Sekigahara...
At the end of the Battle of Sekigahara...
Lord Shimazu Yoshihiro's brave
raid of the enemy camp...
Lord Shimazu Yoshihiro's brave
raid of the enemy camp...
turned into a noted rite.
This child named Ito...
participated as one of the
Shitakaji-ya town gochu.
What? Mochi?
Starting this year, the top gochu group
will receive mochi.
Akayama-sensei will hand
them out personally.
Sir Akayama Yukie of the
Hioki-Shimazu family?
That's good to know.
HIRANO GOCHU
You're going to Lord Shimazu's
family temple
wearing that wretched attire?
We are truly sorry.
The Hirano Gochu will win
the mochi without fail.
Don't get in our way.
The lads, dressed in heavy armor,
advance to Myoen-ji Temple,
20 km ahead.
The various gochu groups
compete to arrive first.
It was a vigorous rite.
FOUR HOURS LATER
Good job.
Hang in there.
Hey. Hey, wait.
We're going first.
Hey, wait!
Kokichi!
Good job.
What was that for?
Hey! Get him!
How dirty!
I'm going ahead!
Let go!
Let go!
Go ahead! Ito, go!
Stop!
Go first!
Ito! We're counting on you!
Akayama Yukie.
He was of the Shimazu bloodline.
AKAYAMA YUKIE - Satsuma clan key vassal
Kokichi learned many things from him.
Finish line!
Finish line!
Akayama-sensei!
Shitakaji-ya town came in first.
Admirable.
Ito!
We can eat mochi, thanks to Ito!
You're really fast.
I'm glad we can eat mochi.
I'm really glad.
Here's your mochi reward.
It's delicious.
Finish line!
You're Iwayama's daughter!
There's a girl in the
Shitakaji-ya group!
What?
You're a girl?
What is your first name?
Ito.
I'm Iwayama Ito.
What a shocker.
You're a fast runner.
This is no time to be impressed.
Shitakaji-ya won with help
from a girl.
When did it turn into
a girls' group?
Yeah, that's right!
The girl won it!
We're disgraced because of you!
Girl, leave!
Leave!
Leave now!
It's not good to lie.
Leave!
Quiet!
Why did you dress up like a boy?
Why can't females join the gochu?
I want to study, fence,
and wrestle, too.
That's not for girls!
Quiet!
Are you crying?
Do you have stomach pains?
Does it hurt somewhere?
I'm not in any pain.
But...
I want to be a boy.
That's not possible.
Someone who isn't a girl
wouldn't understand!
Sir Hisamitsu is here!
Akayama!
Which gochu took first place
this year?
Shitakaji-ya town.
I see.
Shitakaji-ya gochu,
raise your heads.
Did you get your mochi?
Why, you are...!
You're that goblin.
Who's the goblin?
Pardon me, Sir Goblin.
Kokichi, what are you saying?
He's the heir.
He's Sir Shimazu Nariakira.
Children are the treasures
of this country.
Satsuma is secure with
children like you.
You children are promising.
Go on.
Go on.
The heir?
He talked to Kokichi.
What did he say?
Children are the treasures
of this country.
Satsuma is secure with
children like you.
You children are promising.
The heir said such
gracious words.
Sir Nariakira is exceptionally intelligent.
He's famed for his wisdom
and greatness.
Because of him, Satsuma can
boldly speak up
to the shogunate.
That someone, who is like a god...
had spoken to the young sirs?
We are very fortunate
and grateful.
Kokichi! What's wrong?
Will you look more proud!?
His father looks prouder!
Let's drink to celebrate!
Kokichi couldn't sleep
that night.
If you can't feel for the weak,
you are worst than the weak!
Aren't they called weaklings
in Satsuma?
I want to be a boy.
Someone who isn't a girl
wouldn't understand.
Out of my way!
Move!
You're in the way!
Women should walk
close to the sides!
Why are you washing
them separately?
You should know why.
That bucket is for men.
The other is for women.
That's troublesome.
Why not wash them together?
That's just how it is.
Why?
I don't know.
Look there.
Isn't that a boy?
Kokichi!
Father!
Why in heavens are you dressed
like a girl?
Father.
A girl gets hit for walking
in the middle of the road.
Their laundry can't be washed
with the men's.
What about that?
It's boring being a woman.
Females are pitiful.
They can't join the gochu,
to study or fence.
They're human beings like men.
It doesn't make sense.
Never mind.
Take off that women's clothing.
It's embarrassing.
What a strange boy.
Kokichi is interesting.
Father.
Can I serve Sir Nariakira
someday?
What are you saying?
I'll strive even harder.
Like Akayama-sensei,
I want to be useful to
Sir Nariakira.
Idiot!
Know your place!
I've been wanting to
tell you this for a while.
Be strong like Mutekisai.
That's what the women in our
family are telling you.
Don't let it go to your head.
People of our status...
must use the abacus to
escape from poverty.
Our family of nine could
get by...
because I learned how
to use the abacus.
I won't tell you to do
the same, but...
It's good to have ambition.
But don't voice your
outrageous desire.
You'll be ridiculed for not
knowing your place.
Understood?
Yes.
I won't voice it again.
I'll keep it to myself
until I achieve it.
You don't understand, do you!?
He's striking harder.
He's showing more spirit lately.
I wonder what happened.
He's the reincarnation of
Mutekisai, after all.
Again, young master.
That mochi was truly delicious.
I wonder if we can have
mochi again today.
I sure hope so.
I want to eat it.
Have you forgotten our
grudge from Myoen-ji?
Attack!
Stop!
Damn you.
Look!
Die!
Die!
It's not my fault.
Kokichi.
Kokichi!
Kokichi...
How awful.
Excuse me.
The deep wound...
had Kokichi groaning
with a high fever.
Kokichi...
to have such a terrible wound...
what kind of fight was it?
It's not a fight.
That's a sword wound.
Excuse me!
Sword fights are forbidden
among the gochu.
Moreover, he injured
someone younger.
So he can't be excused.
Did you slay him?
No.
There was no sword fight.
Kokichi.
I swung down hard,
so the sheath broke.
Which means, it wasn't
a sword fight.
Even if you didn't draw
your sword,
it's a fact that you injured
someone with a sword.
Eisaku, slit your belly now.
Sir, that is ridiculous.
It's a child's fight. Hara-kiri
is going overboard.
Both parties are guilty
in a fight.
Isn't that right, Kokichi?
Besides, your son is injured, too.
We should be the ones
to apologize.
I'm sorry.
Please forgive my son.
Kokichi, apologize.
It's all right.
Eisaku, let's go.
A MONTH LATER
Raise it.
Ouch.
Unfortunately...
this arm...
is useless.
He can't hold a sword?
Doctor!
Please heal him.
He's Mutekisai's reincarnate.
He's born to be a master swordsman.
Doctor, please help him.
Please...
I'm begging you.
Please heal Kokichi's right arm.
Please don't deprive him
of fencing.
God, please take my arm...
and give it to my son.
Please.
Please, I'm begging you.
Please.
I want to get stronger.
To protect all those that
are weaker.
I didn't think I could go hunting
with you before you left for Fdo.
I'm not returning to Edo.
I'm going to Ryukyu.
Ryukyu?
Then go to war-torn China.
I want to see the power
of the West for myself.
Why?
To protect Japan, our country.
That's dangerous!
Sir Nariakira.
It's you again.
What are you doing?
If I may speak humbly...
I want to serve you loyally
someday.
But...
my right arm...
can never hold a sword again.
To live has no meaning.
Stop crying, weakling!
You must not die.
The era to carry two heavy
swords will end.
From now, those who hear
the voices of the weak...
and devote themselves
to the people.
Will be the truly strong samurai.
Become such a samurai.
Brother.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I'll be right with you.
Sir Nariakira!
I'd like to see you again.
Let's meet again when you
turn into a strong man.
Be strong.
There's no record of Nariakira
being in Satsuma that year.
Was the man Kokichi met
a goblin?
A double?
Or...?
Come quickly. I'll show you
something good.
AKAYAMA YUKIE'S MANSION
After some time had passed...
This is the world.
And this speck is Japan.
How tiny.
Around this area in Japan...
this little point is Satsuma.
The pointed area?
In this small place...
we have territorial battles?
How foolish.
I agree.
What?
How do you read this?
It's Kagoshima.
Kagoshima?
Satsuma is this tiny
compared to the world.
But look.
Kagoshima is printed
on the foreign map.
The world has their eyes
on Kagoshima.
SHIROYAMA
It's a race to see who can
work in the castle first.
Okay!
These lads who were
always hungry...
OYAMA TSUNAYOSHI
will eventually overthrow
the Tokugawa Shogunate...
MURATA SHINPACHI
create a new Japan...
and be central figures
in the administration.
KAIEDA NOBUYOSHI
and be central figures
in the administration.
Even Sakurajima wouldn't
have known that.
OKUBO TOSHIMICHI
SAIGO TAKAMORI
I'm famished.
Kokichi, let's go catch eels.
Yes, let's go!
Shall we end the story here
for tonight?
Segodon! Go!
End of episode 1.
If the farmers die...
Satsuma will be destroyed.
Helping out again?
Brother!
Idiot!
I'm happy to have met
a fine samurai.
Don't do it, Kichinosuke.
Your head will fly.
I believed in Sir Nariakira.
An ominous air looms over Satsuma.
You can hate me.
Kill them!
Brother.
Kichinosuke!
Tlhe people were waiting
for a savior.
This is what the new lord
looks liike.
Satsuma has changed.
Satsuma...
will change?
Isn't Ito in love with someone?
Kichinosuke is interesting.
He will never notice Ito's
true feelings.
Brother is a weakling.
I'll stake my bets on Saigo.
Love and friendship.
The days of youth unfold
in Satsuma.
The days of youth unfold
in Satsuma.
Don't miss Segodon.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Next episode: An Admirable Samurai.
Prefecture Kagoshima, Kagoshima city
Segodon's travelogue
A magnificent Sakurajima
rising over Kinko Bay.
Its crater always in smoke is an
ordinary scenery for people living here.
River Koutsuki
Near river Koutsuki, which
flows inside the town,
Saigo Takamori's birth place
in Shitakajiyamachi,
Saigo Takamori was born.
Sing: Sarah Alainn Piano
player: Fuki Harumi
This area, where lived
lower-ranked samurais,
was place where many great men, that
were active from Bakumatsu to Meiji,
Statue of Okubo Toshimichi
like Saigo, were born.
Rural school
They were educated in rural school.
Its spirit has changed the
shape, but is lively even now.
Talk: Shimatsu Yuri
Prefecture Kagoshima, Minamisatsuma city
Takeda Shrine in Minamisatsuma city.
Takeda Shrine
Shimazu Tadayoshi is
author of "Iroha Song",
which is adopted in
school education as well.
Grave of Shimizu Tadayoshi, ancestor
that revived family Shimizu
Jisshin Iroha Song
Even if you learn old ways,
if you cannot use them...
At local schools...
is daily morning routine
to recite "Iroha Song".
The educational spirit,
that raised Segodon,
is here still inherited here.
UENO, TOKYO
The famous statue of Saigo Takamori
was built exactly
DEC. 18, 1898
120 years ago in Ueno...
21 years after he died in the
Satsuma Rebellion.
Takamori can find peace now.
It's time, Sakurako.
Yes, Father.
SAIGO ITO - Takamori's wife
The hero has been revived.
He's dressed in a yukata.
The image of being a commoner
is just like Saigo.
SAIGO JUDO - Takamori's brother
He always went hunting
in that attire.
No.
My husband wasn't like that.
You shouldn't say that.
No.
No.
No! No!
My husband wasn't like that.
Why did Saigo Takamori's
third wife, Ito, say that?
Why did Saigo Takamori's
third wife, Ito, say that?
What was wrong about
our perception of Saigo?
It's too late to find out now.
That is not my husband!
We know it's a fact...
that he was very popular
with women and men.
We also know it's a fact...
that without him...
Japan could not be reborn.
With deep respect and affection...
everyone called him...
Segodon.
Written By:
HAYASHI Mariko
Written By:
HAYASHI Mariko
Screenplay:
NAKAZONO Miho
Music:
FUKI Harumi
Narrator:
NISHIDA Toshiyuki
CAST
Saigo Takamori:
SUZUKI Ryohei
Saigo Ito:
KUROKI Haru
Saigo Judo:
NISHIKIDO Ryo
Kokichi:
WATANABE Ao
Kumakichi:
TSUKAJI Muga
Saigo Kimi:
MIZUNO Kumi
Saigo Ryuemon:
OMURA Kon
Akayama Yukie:
SAWAMURA Ikki
Shimazu Hisamitsu:
AOKI Munetaka
Lady Yura:
KOYANAGI Rumiko
Shimazu Narioki:
KAGA Takeshi
Shimazu Narioki:
KAGA Takeshi
Okubo Jiemon:
HIRATA Mitsuru
Okubo Jiemon:
HIRATA Mitsuru
Saigo Kichibei:
KAZAMA Morio
Saigo Kichibei:
KAZAMA Morio
Saigo Masa:
MATSUZAKA Keiko
Shimazu Nariakira:
WATANABE Ken
Translations by MTI
Executive Producers:
SAKURAI Ken
SAKURAI Soichi
KONISHI Chieko
Director:
NODA Yusuke
Episode 1: Satsuma Weaklings
Going back about 180 years...
to when Japan was in isolation...
this is Satsuma province.
TSURUMARU CASTLE
Aunty, good morning.
You're up early.
The Gochu educators are here.
Brother, they've come.
Yeah. I know.
Good morning.
Let's do our best again today.
SAIGO KOKICHI
This lad is Kokichi, the
future Saigo Takamori.
And if you can't handle your opponent?
Satsuma had an education
system called Gochu.
It's like a modern
neighborhood association.
The Gochu seniors strictly
educated the juniors.
A Gochu education was
only available for males.
MASA - Kokichi's Mother
Shosuke, did you get up late?
Study hard, Sosuke.
OKUBO SHOSUKE
I will, Father.
SAIGO KICHIBEI - Kokichi's Father
The dad should work hard, too.
OKUBO JIEMON - Shosuke's Father
I am, even without your telling me.
RYUEMON - Kokichi's Grandfather
KUMAKICHI
Kokichi is the winner!
KIMI - Kokichi's Grandmother
Good job, Kokichi!
The Satsuma males strive to be
strong, admirable samurai.
Even during peaceful times
under the Tokugawa.
Even now in Satsuma,
the violent winds blow like
in an era of war.
I'm famished.
Kokichi, aren't you an expert
at catching eels?
Just leave it to me.
It's them again.
KORE TOWN GOCHU
It's the potatoes from
Shitakaji-ya Town.
Kore Town!
The river belongs to Shitakaji-ya Town!
SHITAKAJI-YA TOWN GOCHU
That's right! Get out!
Shosuke!
When did you turn into
one of the potatoes?
You reek like a potato
after moving to Shitakaji-ya.
You stink!
Baldy brains!
What!?
You're all mouth!
Let's muscle it out!
What!?
They're really coming.
Let's get them!
Are you turning your back
to the enemy?
Coward!
Fighting will only make
you hungry.
Let's settle it with an
eel-catching contest.
What?
Catching eels?
Got one!
He caught one!
IWAYAMA ITO - Takamori's future wife
It's cooked.
We'll take turns taking a bite.
It's delicious.
It's delicious!
I know a spot where there's
something tastier than eels.
Where is that?
Hey baldy. Tell us.
The mansion in Iso.
The Lord's villa?
I serve there as a tea monk.
Whenever there's a tea party,
I see many sweets pass by.
I wonder what the Lord's
sweets are like.
Is it like New Year's mochi?
No, it's much sweeter.
You'll be surprised.
All right.
Let's sneak into the
Iso mansion tomorrow.
Kore vs Shitakaji-ya towns.
The winner is the side that
gets the sweets.
Wait.
I heard a scary goblin
lives there.
Goblin?
The guys from Kore
can do it alone.
No.
This is a test of courage.
We've arrived.
Is this the place?
I'm famished.
We can soon eat sweets.
Before we eat the sweets...
we may be eaten by the goblin.
Goblin?
Will you forego the sweets
out of fear of the goblin?
Weaklings.
Who's that?
We don't recognize you.
Who are you?
Ito.
Ito?
What's your first name?
Never mind. Let's hurry
to the sweets.
He took off.
Let's go quickly.
It's the sweets!
Sweets!
I want to see, too.
Shinpachi!
What are you doing!?
Darn! Scram!
Wait for me!
Stop!
Brother!
Run!
Keep running!
This way.
Hurry!
Wait for me!
Run faster!
Let's flee that way!
How pathetic.
It can't even handle
a little gunpowder?
I'm sorry.
Build a stronger cannon.
We can't fight foreign countries
with that.
Yes, sir.
It's the goblin!
Run for it!
Hurry, Shinpachi!
Hurry!
Hurry, Shinpachi!
Come!
Hurry!
Wait for me!
Goblin!
What?
For a goblin, your nose is...
First time you've seen
a short-nosed goblin?
Why are you here?
We heard there are really
sweet confections here.
You risked your lives for
measly sweets?
Please forgive us.
Please spare our lives.
I'm prepared.
Damn.
Satsuma samurai...
are always prepared to die.
What's so funny?
Satsuma samurai?
What a joke.
You...
fled, leaving your youngest
comrade behind.
If you can't feel for the weak...
you are worst than the weak!
Aren't they called weaklings
in Satsuma?
Sir Goblin, please forgive us.
We won't come here again.
What are you doing here!?
Shut up!
Who do you think he is?
It's all right.
I was here...
contemplating how to defeat
the foreign goblins.
Foreign goblins?
Yes, that's right.
They're big scary goblins.
You can't beat them unless
you're strong.
Don't tell anyone about
what you saw here.
If you do, consider yourselves dead.
You'll become shark bait.
Understood?
Go.
Kokichi, let's get out of here.
I know, but...
Hey, kid.
Take this.
It's bribery.
We should be safe here.
Aren't those sweets?
Watch out!
I'm first!
It's delicious!
It's sweet!
Does the goblin eat such
delicious food?
Well?
What is this?
A goblin's spell?
Hey. I thought you fled with
those brainy guys.
But you're here eating.
What a nimble fellow.
You guys are just slow.
What?
Have some shaved bonito.
Mother, thank you.
Your arms have become thick.
You'll become the biggest man in Satsuma.
Yes, he will.
Like his ancestor Mutekisai,
he'll be big and admired.
Kichibei didn't, though.
Kokichi, you can go easy
on the studies.
Train your body by fencing
and wrestling.
Yes, I will.
Strive hard at both.
Don't be a disgrace
to the Gochu.
Kichijiro and Koto are
relying on you.
Father.
Not only my younger siblings...
but I want to protect all
those that are weaker.
To do that, I want to
become stronger.
Brother, that goblin was
really strong.
Goblin? What are you talking about?
What's the matter, both of you?
A Satsuma samurai that
is a strong like a goblin.
That's what I want to be.
Then eventually serve
in the castle.
And let you all eat your fill
of rice with my stipend.
Thank you for this meal.
Your great-great-great-
grandfather...
was about 7 feet tall...
and a master swordsman.
No one could match him
in the castle town.
Everyone called him Muteki-sai.
One day...
Mutekisai set out to
hunt down the goblin.
He went to the monster's shrine.
He didn't see the goblin.
And Mutekisai...
Oh, they fell asleep.
Did Mutekisai also...
go to see that goblin?
From that day, the goblin
Iived in Kokichi's heart.
Meanwhile, at the mansion in Iso...
the goblin was summoned by the lord.
Brother.
Father, have some.
SHIMAZU NARIOKI - Satsuma Clan Lord
SHIMAZU NARIAKIRA - Eldest Son
Aside from the testing,
I made potato shochu.
This tastes awful.
You don't like it?
Nariakira, why are you here
in Satsuma,
without my permission?
The shogunate will punish
us severely
if the clan's heir returns from
Edo without permission.
Not to worry.
My double is in Edo.
Your double?
Brother.
Father.
Did you know England
invaded China?
China is a big country.
They'll repel England.
Actually, the opium addiction...
has weakened China terribly.
England is equipped with
the latest weapons.
China will definitely lose.
Father!
Nariakira is influenced by the West.
Ignore him.
Satsuma may be next,
after China.
How frightening.
Is that true?
Father!
I said, ignore him.
New weapons must be
developed immediately
in preparation of an invasion
from the West.
Are you planning to waste
clan funds again?
I won't let you succeed as lord.
Brother.
SHIMAZU HISAMITSU -
Nariakira's Half Brother
Going to Myoen-ji tomorrow?
Yes.
How we both...
wish to be unrivaled samurai
like Lord Yoshihiro.
Will you be going, too?
Nariakira.
LADY YURA
Don't forget you aren't
supposed to be here.
Hisamitsu.
You are too good-natured.
What?
You must become the lord.
Me? Become lord?
Don't back down just because
you're younger.
But Mother...
Get rid of your Satsuma dialect.
You don't want to be
ridiculed for it.
Learn more about Edo and Kyoto.
Nariakira has never lived
in his home province.
Are you going to let him
become the lord?
This is awfully sudden.
We pray for your protection.
Myoen-ji Mairi.
At the end of the Battle of Sekigahara...
At the end of the Battle of Sekigahara...
Lord Shimazu Yoshihiro's brave
raid of the enemy camp...
Lord Shimazu Yoshihiro's brave
raid of the enemy camp...
turned into a noted rite.
This child named Ito...
participated as one of the
Shitakaji-ya town gochu.
What? Mochi?
Starting this year, the top gochu group
will receive mochi.
Akayama-sensei will hand
them out personally.
Sir Akayama Yukie of the
Hioki-Shimazu family?
That's good to know.
HIRANO GOCHU
You're going to Lord Shimazu's
family temple
wearing that wretched attire?
We are truly sorry.
The Hirano Gochu will win
the mochi without fail.
Don't get in our way.
The lads, dressed in heavy armor,
advance to Myoen-ji Temple,
20 km ahead.
The various gochu groups
compete to arrive first.
It was a vigorous rite.
FOUR HOURS LATER
Good job.
Hang in there.
Hey. Hey, wait.
We're going first.
Hey, wait!
Kokichi!
Good job.
What was that for?
Hey! Get him!
How dirty!
I'm going ahead!
Let go!
Let go!
Go ahead! Ito, go!
Stop!
Go first!
Ito! We're counting on you!
Akayama Yukie.
He was of the Shimazu bloodline.
AKAYAMA YUKIE - Satsuma clan key vassal
Kokichi learned many things from him.
Finish line!
Finish line!
Akayama-sensei!
Shitakaji-ya town came in first.
Admirable.
Ito!
We can eat mochi, thanks to Ito!
You're really fast.
I'm glad we can eat mochi.
I'm really glad.
Here's your mochi reward.
It's delicious.
Finish line!
You're Iwayama's daughter!
There's a girl in the
Shitakaji-ya group!
What?
You're a girl?
What is your first name?
Ito.
I'm Iwayama Ito.
What a shocker.
You're a fast runner.
This is no time to be impressed.
Shitakaji-ya won with help
from a girl.
When did it turn into
a girls' group?
Yeah, that's right!
The girl won it!
We're disgraced because of you!
Girl, leave!
Leave!
Leave now!
It's not good to lie.
Leave!
Quiet!
Why did you dress up like a boy?
Why can't females join the gochu?
I want to study, fence,
and wrestle, too.
That's not for girls!
Quiet!
Are you crying?
Do you have stomach pains?
Does it hurt somewhere?
I'm not in any pain.
But...
I want to be a boy.
That's not possible.
Someone who isn't a girl
wouldn't understand!
Sir Hisamitsu is here!
Akayama!
Which gochu took first place
this year?
Shitakaji-ya town.
I see.
Shitakaji-ya gochu,
raise your heads.
Did you get your mochi?
Why, you are...!
You're that goblin.
Who's the goblin?
Pardon me, Sir Goblin.
Kokichi, what are you saying?
He's the heir.
He's Sir Shimazu Nariakira.
Children are the treasures
of this country.
Satsuma is secure with
children like you.
You children are promising.
Go on.
Go on.
The heir?
He talked to Kokichi.
What did he say?
Children are the treasures
of this country.
Satsuma is secure with
children like you.
You children are promising.
The heir said such
gracious words.
Sir Nariakira is exceptionally intelligent.
He's famed for his wisdom
and greatness.
Because of him, Satsuma can
boldly speak up
to the shogunate.
That someone, who is like a god...
had spoken to the young sirs?
We are very fortunate
and grateful.
Kokichi! What's wrong?
Will you look more proud!?
His father looks prouder!
Let's drink to celebrate!
Kokichi couldn't sleep
that night.
If you can't feel for the weak,
you are worst than the weak!
Aren't they called weaklings
in Satsuma?
I want to be a boy.
Someone who isn't a girl
wouldn't understand.
Out of my way!
Move!
You're in the way!
Women should walk
close to the sides!
Why are you washing
them separately?
You should know why.
That bucket is for men.
The other is for women.
That's troublesome.
Why not wash them together?
That's just how it is.
Why?
I don't know.
Look there.
Isn't that a boy?
Kokichi!
Father!
Why in heavens are you dressed
like a girl?
Father.
A girl gets hit for walking
in the middle of the road.
Their laundry can't be washed
with the men's.
What about that?
It's boring being a woman.
Females are pitiful.
They can't join the gochu,
to study or fence.
They're human beings like men.
It doesn't make sense.
Never mind.
Take off that women's clothing.
It's embarrassing.
What a strange boy.
Kokichi is interesting.
Father.
Can I serve Sir Nariakira
someday?
What are you saying?
I'll strive even harder.
Like Akayama-sensei,
I want to be useful to
Sir Nariakira.
Idiot!
Know your place!
I've been wanting to
tell you this for a while.
Be strong like Mutekisai.
That's what the women in our
family are telling you.
Don't let it go to your head.
People of our status...
must use the abacus to
escape from poverty.
Our family of nine could
get by...
because I learned how
to use the abacus.
I won't tell you to do
the same, but...
It's good to have ambition.
But don't voice your
outrageous desire.
You'll be ridiculed for not
knowing your place.
Understood?
Yes.
I won't voice it again.
I'll keep it to myself
until I achieve it.
You don't understand, do you!?
He's striking harder.
He's showing more spirit lately.
I wonder what happened.
He's the reincarnation of
Mutekisai, after all.
Again, young master.
That mochi was truly delicious.
I wonder if we can have
mochi again today.
I sure hope so.
I want to eat it.
Have you forgotten our
grudge from Myoen-ji?
Attack!
Stop!
Damn you.
Look!
Die!
Die!
It's not my fault.
Kokichi.
Kokichi!
Kokichi...
How awful.
Excuse me.
The deep wound...
had Kokichi groaning
with a high fever.
Kokichi...
to have such a terrible wound...
what kind of fight was it?
It's not a fight.
That's a sword wound.
Excuse me!
Sword fights are forbidden
among the gochu.
Moreover, he injured
someone younger.
So he can't be excused.
Did you slay him?
No.
There was no sword fight.
Kokichi.
I swung down hard,
so the sheath broke.
Which means, it wasn't
a sword fight.
Even if you didn't draw
your sword,
it's a fact that you injured
someone with a sword.
Eisaku, slit your belly now.
Sir, that is ridiculous.
It's a child's fight. Hara-kiri
is going overboard.
Both parties are guilty
in a fight.
Isn't that right, Kokichi?
Besides, your son is injured, too.
We should be the ones
to apologize.
I'm sorry.
Please forgive my son.
Kokichi, apologize.
It's all right.
Eisaku, let's go.
A MONTH LATER
Raise it.
Ouch.
Unfortunately...
this arm...
is useless.
He can't hold a sword?
Doctor!
Please heal him.
He's Mutekisai's reincarnate.
He's born to be a master swordsman.
Doctor, please help him.
Please...
I'm begging you.
Please heal Kokichi's right arm.
Please don't deprive him
of fencing.
God, please take my arm...
and give it to my son.
Please.
Please, I'm begging you.
Please.
I want to get stronger.
To protect all those that
are weaker.
I didn't think I could go hunting
with you before you left for Fdo.
I'm not returning to Edo.
I'm going to Ryukyu.
Ryukyu?
Then go to war-torn China.
I want to see the power
of the West for myself.
Why?
To protect Japan, our country.
That's dangerous!
Sir Nariakira.
It's you again.
What are you doing?
If I may speak humbly...
I want to serve you loyally
someday.
But...
my right arm...
can never hold a sword again.
To live has no meaning.
Stop crying, weakling!
You must not die.
The era to carry two heavy
swords will end.
From now, those who hear
the voices of the weak...
and devote themselves
to the people.
Will be the truly strong samurai.
Become such a samurai.
Brother.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I'll be right with you.
Sir Nariakira!
I'd like to see you again.
Let's meet again when you
turn into a strong man.
Be strong.
There's no record of Nariakira
being in Satsuma that year.
Was the man Kokichi met
a goblin?
A double?
Or...?
Come quickly. I'll show you
something good.
AKAYAMA YUKIE'S MANSION
After some time had passed...
This is the world.
And this speck is Japan.
How tiny.
Around this area in Japan...
this little point is Satsuma.
The pointed area?
In this small place...
we have territorial battles?
How foolish.
I agree.
What?
How do you read this?
It's Kagoshima.
Kagoshima?
Satsuma is this tiny
compared to the world.
But look.
Kagoshima is printed
on the foreign map.
The world has their eyes
on Kagoshima.
SHIROYAMA
It's a race to see who can
work in the castle first.
Okay!
These lads who were
always hungry...
OYAMA TSUNAYOSHI
will eventually overthrow
the Tokugawa Shogunate...
MURATA SHINPACHI
create a new Japan...
and be central figures
in the administration.
KAIEDA NOBUYOSHI
and be central figures
in the administration.
Even Sakurajima wouldn't
have known that.
OKUBO TOSHIMICHI
SAIGO TAKAMORI
I'm famished.
Kokichi, let's go catch eels.
Yes, let's go!
Shall we end the story here
for tonight?
Segodon! Go!
End of episode 1.
If the farmers die...
Satsuma will be destroyed.
Helping out again?
Brother!
Idiot!
I'm happy to have met
a fine samurai.
Don't do it, Kichinosuke.
Your head will fly.
I believed in Sir Nariakira.
An ominous air looms over Satsuma.
You can hate me.
Kill them!
Brother.
Kichinosuke!
Tlhe people were waiting
for a savior.
This is what the new lord
looks liike.
Satsuma has changed.
Satsuma...
will change?
Isn't Ito in love with someone?
Kichinosuke is interesting.
He will never notice Ito's
true feelings.
Brother is a weakling.
I'll stake my bets on Saigo.
Love and friendship.
The days of youth unfold
in Satsuma.
The days of youth unfold
in Satsuma.
Don't miss Segodon.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Next episode: An Admirable Samurai.
Prefecture Kagoshima, Kagoshima city
Segodon's travelogue
A magnificent Sakurajima
rising over Kinko Bay.
Its crater always in smoke is an
ordinary scenery for people living here.
River Koutsuki
Near river Koutsuki, which
flows inside the town,
Saigo Takamori's birth place
in Shitakajiyamachi,
Saigo Takamori was born.
Sing: Sarah Alainn Piano
player: Fuki Harumi
This area, where lived
lower-ranked samurais,
was place where many great men, that
were active from Bakumatsu to Meiji,
Statue of Okubo Toshimichi
like Saigo, were born.
Rural school
They were educated in rural school.
Its spirit has changed the
shape, but is lively even now.
Talk: Shimatsu Yuri
Prefecture Kagoshima, Minamisatsuma city
Takeda Shrine in Minamisatsuma city.
Takeda Shrine
Shimazu Tadayoshi is
author of "Iroha Song",
which is adopted in
school education as well.
Grave of Shimizu Tadayoshi, ancestor
that revived family Shimizu
Jisshin Iroha Song
Even if you learn old ways,
if you cannot use them...
At local schools...
is daily morning routine
to recite "Iroha Song".
The educational spirit,
that raised Segodon,
is here still inherited here.