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brad6
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
I was getting a little anxious with the episode tonight. It seemed as tho Atsu was becoming too full of symathy for the Emperor's
sister having to marry the shogun. She was almost ready to welcome her later... Then finally there was a mention of some hitches in the planned
alliance at the end. this goes more with the history. I hate it when taigas twist the histury to make something more attractive or romantic. Atsu will not leave her shogun and go back to Satsuma if I am guessing correctly.
The OOku is going to have a great shakeup by the sound of the older woman who is going to be the assistant to the Princess. She has yet to meet Atsu...
Peg
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9/27/2008, 11:47 pm
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bubu13
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Last night's episode 33, Empress Kazunomiya, had the highest ratings so far for a taiga drama, 27.7% (Kanto).
• The NHK taiga period drama Atsu-hime has reached new heights of popularity. The August 17 episode had a superb audience rating of 27.7%, making it the second-most watched show of the week after the hugely anticipated women's Olympic marathon. The series had already set a taiga record with last week's rating of 26.4%, and the latest episode featured the first appearance of the key character Kazunomiya, played by popular young actress Horikita Maki (20). --Japan Entertainment News, 8/19/08
• Satsuma & Edo • Kyoto Posters
• If you happen to be in Kagoshima, there is a Atsuhime Exhibition at the Kagoshima Prefecture Pavilion, September 6, 2008 (Saturday) - Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.
NHK Atsuhime Exhibition (Google translation)
Kagoshima Prefecture Pavilion History Resource Center (Google translation)
There is a 30 minute audio guide that will be narrated by Matsuzaka Keiko (Ikushima).
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9/28/2008, 2:09 am
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Hiroshi66
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Atsu-hime - Episode #33
Imperial Princess Kazunomiya
 
I thought last night's episode was great. In hindsight, I'm glad I recorded it though, because I needed to watch some parts of the episode over again in order to learn the names of all the new characters we were introduced to. I thought it was really an important episode though, since we were introduced to Kazunomiya and her impending marriage to Shogun Iemochi.
I felt very bad for Kazunomiya, who was Emperor Komei's younger sister. She must have felt emotionally crushed when given (on very short notice) the news that she would have to leave everything that was dear to her (her hometown of Kyoto, her older brother, even her fiance) and depart for Edo to marry the shogun -- simply for political purposes. I was glad that Emperor Komei at least allowed Kangyouin (Kazunomiya's mother) and Niwata (the lady who was assigned to assist the princess) to accompany Kazunomiya to Edo.
The narrator mentioned in the beginning of the episode that this impending marriage between Kazunomiya and Shogun Iemochi would be of great political importance. As Shogun Iemochi told Tenshoin, the marriage would be like a bridge between the shogunate and the imperial court. I re-watched the scene where Komei finally agreed to the marriage. It looks like the man who finally convinced Emperor Komei to give his consent was Lord Iwakura. Iwakura said to the Emperor that if his sister married the shogun, the entire shogunate would be indebted to the imperial court, and that they would be able to expel the foreigners from Japan.
I felt that the reasons for Kazunomiya's marriage to Shogun Iemochi are very similar to the marriage negotiations between Atsu and Iesada years before. Both women were told that their marriages were "for the sake of Japan". Komei mentioned to Kazunomiya that the marriage will help keep Japan at peace by expelling foreigners, while Nariakira told Atsu that her marriage would help bring reform to the shogunate if she could convince Iesada to name Yoshinobu as his heir. At least Kazunomiya was allowed to bring her mother with her to Edo for help and assistance... Atsu was all alone in the Ooku except for Ikushima (her only link to Satsuma).
Back in Satsuma...
It was nice to see Atsu's mom and brother again. It is kind of Naogoro and Ochika to pay them a visit. After Atsu left for Edo and after the father passed away, it seems like the mom and brother feel lonely. So I'm glad Naogoro and Ochika are always there to keep them company.
Okubo finally had a chance to meet with Shimazu Tadayuki. I remember those episodes where Okubo felt like he had no purpose in life... now, with Naogoro's help, he's finally been able to meet with Okubo, and is given the responsibility to lead the Loyalist faction until it is a suitable time for military action.
Peg, I agree -- since Atsu discovered that the letter asking her to return to Satsuma was fake, I don't think she'll be returning either. I couldn't believe that the Lord Ando (the new Elder) came up with the idea of forging a letter asking Tenshoin to return to Satsuma. Ando seems very insecure... he told the Imperial Court that foreigners would be expelled within ten years if they approved the marriage, but he later told Tenshoin that he just came up with a date randomly without putting any thought or calculation into it. It was just to appease the imperial court. I was so glad Atsu put him in his place at th end and told him to take pride in being a shogunate official. Go Atsu!
Ando and Takiyama both mentioned to Tenshoin that the reason the letter was written was because the Elders didn't want Tenshoin to act as a mother-in-law of the imperial princess now that the marriage had been approved and Kazunomiya was set to move into the Ooku. I'm glad that it was discovered the letter was fake, since Tenshoin is now able to stay.
The Old Lord of Mito, Nariaki, was mentioned to have passed away in August of 1860. I think Nariaki was the last surviving member of Nariakira's Hitotsubashi faction -- since Nariakira and Elder Abe had already died.
What a contrast... while Tenshoin and Shigeno are happily preparing for Kazunomiya's impending marriage (Tenshoin even mentioned she was moving out so that the new Ladyship could have her room), there was that stern scene between Kazunomiya, her mother (Kangyouin), and her chief maidservant (Niwata). Kazunomiya reiterated that the only reason she was going to Edo was to heed her brother's request in bringing peace to Japan by expelling the foreigners, and that she would refuse to abide by the samurai customs (and instead continue to live by the traditions of the Kyoto imperial palace).
I think the reason they are so proud of the imperial traditions is because (as Niwata mentioned) Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, and they were going to keep those customs of the imperial family alive even if Kazunomiya was marrying into the Tokugawa family.
We're already in 1861, and Tenshoin as well as the entire Edo Ooku are preparing for Kazunomiya's arrival to the Ooku and the marriage with Iemochi. It'll be interesting to see how things turn out, especially since Kazunomiya has already made it clear that she is only going to Edo for the sake of her brother's wish for the shogunate to expel foreigners. I'm excited to see how things turn out!
Bubu, thanks for the info about the Kagoshima Atsuhime Exhibition! I have a friend who is from Kagoshima and has family living there. Last week, we were talking about Atsu-hime, and he told me that he got an e-mail from his sister saying that they were going to visit the exhibition. I wish I could visit too! Especially since Ikushima is going to be narrating the audio guide! 
Episode 34 airs next week! (10/04)
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9/28/2008, 8:15 am
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brad6
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
How long would the journey be for the Princess to go from Kyoto to Edo. They have to walk with the ladies in their palanquins and all the boxes and goods they are taking with them. I am sure they will have settled on each night's lodging and she will be very difficult to please since she does not want to go.
The similar circumstances of the two marriages 'for the sake of Japan and the shogunate' make it easy to see that even women of royal birth are used politically against their will. Atsuhime had a very difficult time all on her own. She is now a very strong person and I don't think she will be very sympathetic if the new bride does not behave properly or maybe behave too royally. This is Atsu's son who has to be pleased.!!
Peg
Last edited by brad6, 9/29/2008, 9:57 pm
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9/28/2008, 3:39 pm
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sylia74
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J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
It will be interesting to see what the contrast between "samurai customs" and the "imperial customs" are. I had never thought about it before but it's going to be a difficult adjustment for everybody especially Kazunomiya because she's the one who'll have to ultimately conform to the "samurai customs" and not the other way around. She's definitely going to give Tenshoin a hard time as a daughter in law. They both seem very strong willed.
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9/28/2008, 11:46 pm
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Hiroshi66
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Peg ~ Yeah, it must have taken quite a long time to get from Kyoto to Edo on foot. Maybe it would have taken a month, but I'm guessing it'll take longer since they would have to stop on the way for food and shelter (especially since the procession would include the large palanquins and all the luggage).
Its interesting to think about, because while Kazunomiya has a long journey from Kyoto to Edo alone, Atsu had to travel all the way from Satsuma in the far south to Edo. If I remember the early episodes correctly, I think part of her and Ikushima's journey was on sea as well, so it must have been extra difficult to load all the luggage onto the boat and then off again.
I agree, the scene where Tenshoin mentioned that women are still being used as tools for political purposes was very sad. Tenshoin truly looked upset. It must have hurt her even more since she had also had such a difficult time when she first arrived in the Ooku, and since the circumstances of her marriage were also "for the sake of Japan".
Sylia74 ~ Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing more about the clashing "samurai" and "imperial" customs after Kazunomiya moves in to the Ooku. I remember in that last scene, Kazunomiya's mom (Kangyouin) mentioned that she wants their new life in Edo to continue with the traditions of the Kyoto palace. It'll be interesting to see how this goes down.
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9/29/2008, 4:55 am
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Hiroshi66
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Atsu-hime – Episode #34
Nobles and Samurai
 
Wow, what an action-packed episode! I think last night’s episode was one of my favorite episodes in this drama so far, mainly because we’re again able to see how much influence and maturity Tenshoin has gained since she first entered the Ooku to marry Shogun Iesada. I also thought it was interesting to see the different yet similar circumstances of Atsu’s and Kazunomiya’s marriages into the Tokugawa family.
For one thing, Kazunomiya finally entered Edo Castle with her mother, Kangyoin, and her attendant, Lady Niwata. I was so surprised to see how contrary they were to everything offered to them! First, they didn’t like the Edo-style cuisine and clothes, then they had a problem with the teacups and the furniture… wow! No wonder Tenshoin was so shocked when she found out that Kazunomiya had ordered all of the brand new and best quality furniture, utensils, and other presents to be sent into storage and “corrected” to match those of the Kyoto palace.
Its just interesting to see how the customs and culture of Kyoto differ from those of Edo. It seemed to me that Kazunomiya, Kangyoin, and Niwata were expecting everybody in the Ooku to walk on eggshells around them and obey all of their commands (simply because they were from Kyoto and members of the imperial family). My jaw dropped when Lady Kangyoin referred to Shogun Iemochi as a “lowly governor in Edo” and a “demon”. The good thing that came out of this episode was that Iemochi and Kazunomiya seemed to be getting along well, even though they didn’t have much time to get to know each other… Kazunomiya had a content look on her face after she had met him for the first time, and even expressed that “he didn’t act like a demon”.
Another surprising scene when Tenshoin met with Kazunomiya for the first time. Tenshoin had to get up, give Kazunomiya the cushion, and then sit in the lower seat even though technically, she was of a higher position as Kazunomiya’s mother-in-law. It was a strike contrast to when Atsu first entered the Ooku with Ikushima. Back then, she was more than happy to pay her respects to Lady Honjuin by taking the lower seat.
I felt Tenshoin was being a little too sympathetic with Kazunomiya and the rest of the Kyoto attendants, even after they slighted her authority by sending her a present which simply read "To Tenshoin" (rather than "To Lady Tenshoin"). But it was really a relief to see Tenshoin standing up for herself and telling Kazunomiya that even if she was an imperial princess from Kyoto, it was still her duty (as a member of the Tokugawa family) to adapt to the samurai customs, honor Tenshoin as her mother-in-law, and to serve the Tokugawa just as she had once done. Boy, were Lady Kangyouin and Niwata shocked after that! Their jaws dropped once Tenshoin had left the room... I don't think they were expecting that!
Tenshoin has truly matured, and as Ikushima noted a few episodes before, the entire Ooku looks up to her for guidance. All the attendants are all reporting to her, asking her opinion for things, and discussing things with her. Shogun Iemochi is doing the same. She's truly matured since she first entered the Ooku years before. Now, she's asserting her authority as Kazunomiya's mother-in-law... and it doesn't look like neither Kazunomiya, nor Lady Kangyoin and Lady Niwata, like it very much!
Back in Satsuma...
Yay, Saigo is back! What a relief that Okubo and Naogoro finally convinced Lord Tadayuki (who changed his name to Hisamitsu) to allow him to return. It appears that Okubo and Naogoro are really becoming some of Lord Hisamitsu's most trusted advisors. They also finally convinced him to go on a military expedition to Kyoto, to convince the court to allow the Satsuma clan to impose administration reforms on the Tokugawa (as the late Nariakira had wished.) Lord Hisamitsu has finally agreed to go through with it.
I wonder what Arima-san (the guy who was angry at Okubo for keeping Hisamitsu's decision to go to Kyoto a secret) will do. He said that if Okubo and Naogoro keep secrets from him, he will leave the Loyalist group and "create his own group". Even after Naogoro tried to interfere, he left the room angrily. I guess he didn't appreciate that Okubo and Naogoro were trying to keep the entire Hisamitsu/Kyoto decision as hush-hush as possible (even if it was for the sake of Satsuma). Oh well, at least Saigo is reunited with Naogoro and Okubo after almost four years.
Elder Ando (the same guy who had forged that letter asking Tenshoin to return to Satsuma) was almost assassinated in last night's episode, also. It was perpetrated by the Mito clan (the same group who had murdered Ii Naosuke). I guess its because they were disgusted with the way Ando had been representing the shogunate to the court and going against the Tokugawa's policies simply to appease the court (promising to expel foreigners in ten years, having the Shogun write a letter to the Emperor promising that Kazunomiya won't be a hostage, etc.) According to Takiyama, he survived the assassination attempt, though.
We're already in February of 1862, and Shogun Iemochi and Kazunomiya are now officially married. I wonder how everything will turn out, especially after Tenshoin's talk with Kazunomiya where she ordered her to honor her mother-in-law and the Tokugawa family. It'll be interesting to see whether or not Kazunomiya and the Kyoto group will live in the Edo Ooku with the Edo customs and culture. I'm also looking forward to see more of Shogun Iemochi and how he feels about his new marriage.
Episode 35 airs next week! (Saturday, 10/11)
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10/5/2008, 8:04 am
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brad6
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
At this time, how old is the shogun and how old is the Princess? also how old is atsu?
She does not seem to look older and I am sure she is not 'old '.. but so much has happened to her that I would think her face would have altered a little. She certainly can alter her voice from quiet and sweet to louder and sharper when she talks to the Princess and her ladies. There is no doubt she has authority and she knows how to impress it upon them all.
Peg
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10/5/2008, 11:28 am
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