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Hiroshi66
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Location: Northridge, California
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Atsu-hime - Episode #31
Farewell to Ikushima
 
Ahh, last night's episode was another tearjerker. The acting, script, and musical score just combined to make the episode both sad and interesting at the same time. I had read about the Mass Execution of the Ansei Era before, but I had never imagined that it was conducted in such a brutal manner -- with anyone from court nobles to everyday citizens being hunted down and arrested.
It was interesting that Ii Naosuke even arrested some of the most influential members of the government. I think in one of the scenes, the samurai from Satsuma mentioned that even the Old Lord of Mito had been confined. Naosuke even arrested Konoe Tadahiro and Muraoka as part of his "hunt" to arrest anyone who supported the Hitotsubashi faction. Muraoka mentioned during the trial that she was seventy-two years old, and I couldn't believe how brutally she was was being treated during her confinement and trial.
Gosh... even Takiyama of the Ooku (who had once staunchly supported Naosuke in becoming Chief Minister) felt regrets after she heard the news about the mass arrests. I think Ikushima and Tenshoin worked very well together to orchestrate the delivery of Tenshoin's kimono to Muraoka. She was really able to put the judge in his place after proudly wearing that wedding kimono! After Muraoka told that judge about how the wedding kimono was worn by Tenshoin on the day of her wedding to the late Iesada, how could they even entertain the notion of prosecuting her! I was glad that she was released. Tenshoin and Ikushima were able to save her without undermining Shogun Iemochi or the Tokugawa government.
Back in Satsuma...
It looks like the Old Lord (Narioki) passed away in this episode. It had only been a short time since he returned to Satsuma, but I found it interesting that he and his son Nariakira died only a few months apart. Now, Tadayuki can once again take control of the clan. I was glad that when he addressed the samurai, he mentioned that he would do his best to follow through with the late Nariakira's will.
I'm also glad that Naogoro delivered Okubo's letter to Tadayuki. It was a relief that Tadayuki actually read the letters which conveyed Okubo's thoughts on government and politics. I wonder what Tadayuki thinks?
Poor Saigo... it seems like he was exiled to an island in the far south (Amami Oshima). The writers didn't really mention much about the circumstances or why he was exiled. I think the last we had seen of Saigo was when he was crying upon receiving word that Gessho had drowned. That scene towards the end with Saigo looking out onto the ocean in Amami Oshima was beautiful. Those islands in Okinawa and in the southern part of Japan are just so beautiful -- with the clear ocean and the bright-colored flowers. But according to the narrator, Saigo is just stuck there waiting to be recalled from Amami Oshima.
I liked the scene between Tenshoin and Shogun Iemochi. Especially when she said, "I've been blessed with a good son." It seems that he really looks up to and thinks very highly of Tenshoin.
I really admire Shigeno... she seems to be very adept at her job and caring as well.
And then there's the scenes between Ikushima and Tenshoin. How sad that Ikushima is going to be departing the Ooku. Though for a while she had a one-track mind (regarding the matter of the shogun's heir), I think she truly loved Atsu. She was always there for her no matter what the circumstances. It must be extremely tough for Tenshoin too -- especially since Ikushima had been serving her ever since she lived with Nariakira back in Satsuma. They did have a very special relationship. It was heartwarming to see Tenshoin wear the wedding kimono one last time before she gave it to Ikushima as a memory and keepsake.
I found the reasons for Ikushima's departure interesting though. She said that she didn't want her ties to the Konoe and Shimazu families to get in the way of Tenshoin's new life as a Tokugawa woman. As Ikushima put it during the final scene, "You have the ultimate power in the Ooku. I have nothing more to teach you. My duty is over."
We're now in early 1859, and Ii's crackdown is still going on. This taiga is excellent -- every episode is just so enthralling and interesting. Episode 32 airs next Saturday (9/20).
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9/14/2008, 7:09 am
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brad6
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Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 2266
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
I am trying to remember without going back into the early episodes...was Ikushima married at the time she was asked to guide Atsuhime? It seems to me in memory that she had a husband and I rather wondered what happened to him if this were so. did he die? Is he living somewhere in retirement? If so why is Iushima going to be with The Lady Muraoka and live quietly?
I think I may have it all wrong but if anyone knows I would like to hear what really happened.
Why did she not go back to Satsuma....
Peg
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9/14/2008, 1:19 pm
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brad6
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Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 2266
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
nchristi,
thanks for your memory being the same. I am glad my little grey cells are still retaining things !!
Peg :-)
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9/14/2008, 5:02 pm
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bubu13
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Registered: 07-2006
Posts: 1357
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
class blockquote Hiroshi66 wrote:
I agree, I also seem to remember that Ikushima was married during the time when she was first asked by Nariakira to begin training and guiding Atsu. She must have had a very strong sense of duty to both Atsu and Nariakira -- especially since she had to leave her husband and family for so many years while she was serving Atsu in the Ooku.
Perhaps Ikushima's husband was somehow related to Lady Muraoka? That way, she might be able to live with Muraoka and be near her husband at the same time. Either that, or he might have passed away during the time Ikushima was with Atsu. It would be great if we found out more about Ikushima's past. I wonder if she had any children?Wow, you guys have good memories... I'm lucky if I can remember what happened last week. 
I don't recall if Ikushima was married or not (I've missed a few episodes), but I had just recently read in a Atsuhime blog that she may have once been the tutor or nursemaid for Nariakira's wife. Whether or not that info is correct, I don't know, it's just something I read the other day. Can anybody confirm that here?  I'm still trying to find that blog link.
Ikushima plays the tsuzumi drum.
 Hiroshi, do you recognize this instrument? pon, pon, po, pon... po, pon, pon, pon
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9/14/2008, 11:01 pm
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