Historical Dramas?
Historical Dramas?
Looking for recommendations for historical dramas.
I love korean historical dramas (yi san,ju mong ect) Are there any japanese historical dramas worth watching?
I couldnt stand Tenchijin.
I love korean historical dramas (yi san,ju mong ect) Are there any japanese historical dramas worth watching?
I couldnt stand Tenchijin.
May I know what's the problem with Tenchijin for you?
So I won't recommend you a historical drama with the same problem as Tenchijin for you^^ (Though, I've read negative opinions about Tenchijin before, indeed.)
Do you only prefer the lengthy Japanese historical drama as in the annual NHK Taiga dramas with 47-50 episodes? Or you don't mind other historical dramas with alot smaller number of episodes (eg. Ooku)?
I'll talk about NHK Taiga dramas first, because I'm currently watching those. So far, I've watched Shinsengumi, (half of) Toshiie to Matsu, Musashi, Komyo ga Tsuji and (first quarter of) Atsuhime. Currently watching AOI Tokugawa Sandai.
Shinsengumi (2004)
The script was written by the famous comedy writer, Mitani Koki, so you can expect a huge number of hillarious scenes and lines. Touching friendship and romance moments. Eye-candy actors. Despite the fact I'm not interested in the political matters in this Bakumatsu period but I personally love this series, coz the touching and hillarious moments made it up. But I've heard that Japanese historians despised this series due to the historical facts distortions. There had been critics about the male lead, but don't worry about him much, because the supporting cast is awesome and somehow overshadowed him.
Toshiie to Matsu (2002)
I've watched this long ago, and I've forgotten most of it. So I can't really say much about this one. But there were many praises for this one. The leads and supporting cast were excellent, I would recommend this drama just for the cast lineup alone. And the Sengoku period history is my favorite. Planning to rewatch this later.
Musashi (2003)
I'm not recommending this one. I think I only enjoyed the first quarter of it. This drama is mostly disappointing, and I've never stumble upon any praises for this drama too.
Komyo ga Tsuji (2006)
This drama is what made me interested in the Sengoku history. Awesome script. Excellent supporting cast. Somehow the male and female leads, didn't stand out so much in the show, but they're okay. The supporting cast overshadowed them. It was sometime slow-paced in the middle, but this drama is generally enjoyable to watch.
Atsuhime (2008)
I've only watched the first quarter, but I love it. The first 3 episodes were kind of boring, but it immediately picks up on Ep4. This drama was a big success in Japan and it received many positive critics. But as I mentioned before, I'm actually not interested in the Bakumatsu history, so when another taiga drama, "AOI" with Sengoku history attracted my attention, I decided to postpone continuing this series^^
Oh, it has the BEST Music Scores among other taiga dramas, imho
AOI Tokugawa Sandai (2000)
I've only watched for 20 episodes, but I have to say this is the BEST Historical Drama I've ever seen!
The two-parts pilot episode covered the Sekigahara Battle in crazy details and awesome props! This drama really depicted why Sekigahara is called the Battle of the Century.
I've also heard that the pure historians praised this drama so much too, which means this drama might be the most accurate adaptation of the history. The cast are excellent! The script is awesome! I really can't stop watching.
The only faults I can find, is the fact they casted 60-something years old actress to play a 30-years old character. They also made a 53 years old actor to play the leading character from 19 years old to 53 years old. The lead's wife is acted by a 59 years old actress, and she has to play the character from 25 years old to 53. If you can overlook this fact, then this drama really has no faults.
Lack of eyecandy, young, popular actors. The young actors here are mostly not-so popular. There WERE popular ones like Oguri Shun, but he only appeared a bit. Yamada Takayuki only appeared for 3 episodes. Suzuki Kyoka appeared only for 1 scene. They casted young kabuki actors (Onoe Kikunosuke, Onoe Shoroku) for major young characters.
So I won't recommend you a historical drama with the same problem as Tenchijin for you^^ (Though, I've read negative opinions about Tenchijin before, indeed.)
Do you only prefer the lengthy Japanese historical drama as in the annual NHK Taiga dramas with 47-50 episodes? Or you don't mind other historical dramas with alot smaller number of episodes (eg. Ooku)?
I'll talk about NHK Taiga dramas first, because I'm currently watching those. So far, I've watched Shinsengumi, (half of) Toshiie to Matsu, Musashi, Komyo ga Tsuji and (first quarter of) Atsuhime. Currently watching AOI Tokugawa Sandai.
Shinsengumi (2004)
The script was written by the famous comedy writer, Mitani Koki, so you can expect a huge number of hillarious scenes and lines. Touching friendship and romance moments. Eye-candy actors. Despite the fact I'm not interested in the political matters in this Bakumatsu period but I personally love this series, coz the touching and hillarious moments made it up. But I've heard that Japanese historians despised this series due to the historical facts distortions. There had been critics about the male lead, but don't worry about him much, because the supporting cast is awesome and somehow overshadowed him.
Toshiie to Matsu (2002)
I've watched this long ago, and I've forgotten most of it. So I can't really say much about this one. But there were many praises for this one. The leads and supporting cast were excellent, I would recommend this drama just for the cast lineup alone. And the Sengoku period history is my favorite. Planning to rewatch this later.
Musashi (2003)
I'm not recommending this one. I think I only enjoyed the first quarter of it. This drama is mostly disappointing, and I've never stumble upon any praises for this drama too.
Komyo ga Tsuji (2006)
This drama is what made me interested in the Sengoku history. Awesome script. Excellent supporting cast. Somehow the male and female leads, didn't stand out so much in the show, but they're okay. The supporting cast overshadowed them. It was sometime slow-paced in the middle, but this drama is generally enjoyable to watch.
Atsuhime (2008)
I've only watched the first quarter, but I love it. The first 3 episodes were kind of boring, but it immediately picks up on Ep4. This drama was a big success in Japan and it received many positive critics. But as I mentioned before, I'm actually not interested in the Bakumatsu history, so when another taiga drama, "AOI" with Sengoku history attracted my attention, I decided to postpone continuing this series^^
Oh, it has the BEST Music Scores among other taiga dramas, imho
AOI Tokugawa Sandai (2000)
I've only watched for 20 episodes, but I have to say this is the BEST Historical Drama I've ever seen!
The two-parts pilot episode covered the Sekigahara Battle in crazy details and awesome props! This drama really depicted why Sekigahara is called the Battle of the Century.
I've also heard that the pure historians praised this drama so much too, which means this drama might be the most accurate adaptation of the history. The cast are excellent! The script is awesome! I really can't stop watching.
The only faults I can find, is the fact they casted 60-something years old actress to play a 30-years old character. They also made a 53 years old actor to play the leading character from 19 years old to 53 years old. The lead's wife is acted by a 59 years old actress, and she has to play the character from 25 years old to 53. If you can overlook this fact, then this drama really has no faults.
Lack of eyecandy, young, popular actors. The young actors here are mostly not-so popular. There WERE popular ones like Oguri Shun, but he only appeared a bit. Yamada Takayuki only appeared for 3 episodes. Suzuki Kyoka appeared only for 1 scene. They casted young kabuki actors (Onoe Kikunosuke, Onoe Shoroku) for major young characters.
Yanie,
I loved Musashi. It stayed pretty close to the novel and to the history. I also fell in love with Sasaki Kojiro. He was quite the most beautiful samurai. Not a crease out of place. Not a speck of dust and he was a brilliant fencer. Musashi however, had made himself a longer weapon out of a hard boat oar and he brought it down along Kojiro's rib and pierced his heart and that was that.... a very fast duel. The actor was the drummer from the group TOKIO by the way. forget his name at the moment.
I also loved Fuurin Kazan. That was a lovely taiga. Historical.
It really depends if you want historical or costume dramas.
'Atsuhime' is lovely to look at and a sort of romantic story but I would not say it was strictly factual even tho the characters were historical. A little poetic license here and there. You can find pictures (Photos) of Atsuhime on the wiki. (the real princess)
Sakamoto Ryoma is playing right now and that sticks more to the life of this man. But it is quite fierce and brutal at times.
If you don't want an actual historical plot I recommend 'JIN' which is a lovely fantasy of time travel but it is set in the time of the last of the Tokagawa and it really shows Tokyo as it must have been when it was called Edo. It's a good yarn.
I am now downloading th very early 'Takeda Shingen' which is one of my favourite stories. This one is 1988 so it is a treasure.
Peg
I loved Musashi. It stayed pretty close to the novel and to the history. I also fell in love with Sasaki Kojiro. He was quite the most beautiful samurai. Not a crease out of place. Not a speck of dust and he was a brilliant fencer. Musashi however, had made himself a longer weapon out of a hard boat oar and he brought it down along Kojiro's rib and pierced his heart and that was that.... a very fast duel. The actor was the drummer from the group TOKIO by the way. forget his name at the moment.
I also loved Fuurin Kazan. That was a lovely taiga. Historical.
It really depends if you want historical or costume dramas.
'Atsuhime' is lovely to look at and a sort of romantic story but I would not say it was strictly factual even tho the characters were historical. A little poetic license here and there. You can find pictures (Photos) of Atsuhime on the wiki. (the real princess)
Sakamoto Ryoma is playing right now and that sticks more to the life of this man. But it is quite fierce and brutal at times.
If you don't want an actual historical plot I recommend 'JIN' which is a lovely fantasy of time travel but it is set in the time of the last of the Tokagawa and it really shows Tokyo as it must have been when it was called Edo. It's a good yarn.
I am now downloading th very early 'Takeda Shingen' which is one of my favourite stories. This one is 1988 so it is a treasure.
Peg
Tenchijin
Not the most exciting taiga I've seen. And rather than "bad acting", I thought there were some problems with how the 3 leads were characterized.
- For Kanetsugu, I found him overacting at times, which is strange cos it's not typical of the actor to do so. And I read that others found it irritating and unnecessary that they made him cry too easily.
- I couldn't get into Kagekatsu and his character. Maybe they shouldn't have casted Kitamura Kazuki to play him cos his portrayal as an introvert lord wasn't very convincing.
- Osen's actress was a little too old for the role or something. While she and Kanetsugu were fine as distant cousins but there wasn't much chemistry as a married couple.
Toshiie to Matsu
I recommend watching this one if you've never seen a taiga before.
The script felt contemporary and light-hearted, which kinda makes it seem like you're not watching a period drama. Then there's good humor throughout the series too, which is quite untypical of taiga dramas.
But overall, I was blown away by the solid acting from the stellar cast lineup: Karasawa Toshiaki, Matsushima Nanako, Kagawa Teruyuki, Sorimachi Takashi, Matsudaira Ken, Sakai Noriko and Amami Yuki. Everyone pulled their own weight, it's great.
(I watched this one pretty recently, so I felt sorry for Nori-P, seeing what happened to her recently. What a great waste of good talent.)
Mori Motonari
I'm in the middle of watching this one but it's been really decent so far. I read that this one is an all-time favorite amongst taiga enthusiasts.
Takeda Shingen
Only 9 episodes into the series but I can see why this one emerges as one of the best, along with AOI Tokugawa Sandai. Too many good things to list about this one.
Atsuhime
Overall feedback wasn't as good but I enjoyed it a lot. The episodes were unexpected cliffhangers towards the 2nd and 3rd seasons, and I ended up watching strings of episodes at a go, lol.
I guess the writer did a good job, which is why I'm very hopeful for next year's taiga. Also, best BGM of all Japanese dramas I've <s>heard</s> seen, not just taigas alone.
AOI Tokugawa Sandai
Creme de la creme of taigas as reported in certain communities. Very true-to-fact, with no effort or budget spared to show every detail possible. Very well written despite the sheer amount to detail thrown at you.
Top notch acting from the almost-purely veteran cast. A little humor tossed in from a certain actor. And my personal favorite has to be the narrator and his segments.
Ryoma ga Yuku
5 installments in total. The one I watched was the 2004 version from TV-Tokyo starring Ichikawa Somegoro.
Being a non-taiga, this one lacked the props and the backdrop, though Ichikawa was more pleasant on the eyes and he pretty much kept it going for me.
There were well-choreographed duel scenes in this one, none of it looked "get it done and over with".
Read that the 1997 version by TBS starring Kamikawa Takaya was pretty good too.
Not the most exciting taiga I've seen. And rather than "bad acting", I thought there were some problems with how the 3 leads were characterized.
- For Kanetsugu, I found him overacting at times, which is strange cos it's not typical of the actor to do so. And I read that others found it irritating and unnecessary that they made him cry too easily.
- I couldn't get into Kagekatsu and his character. Maybe they shouldn't have casted Kitamura Kazuki to play him cos his portrayal as an introvert lord wasn't very convincing.
- Osen's actress was a little too old for the role or something. While she and Kanetsugu were fine as distant cousins but there wasn't much chemistry as a married couple.
Toshiie to Matsu
I recommend watching this one if you've never seen a taiga before.
The script felt contemporary and light-hearted, which kinda makes it seem like you're not watching a period drama. Then there's good humor throughout the series too, which is quite untypical of taiga dramas.
But overall, I was blown away by the solid acting from the stellar cast lineup: Karasawa Toshiaki, Matsushima Nanako, Kagawa Teruyuki, Sorimachi Takashi, Matsudaira Ken, Sakai Noriko and Amami Yuki. Everyone pulled their own weight, it's great.
(I watched this one pretty recently, so I felt sorry for Nori-P, seeing what happened to her recently. What a great waste of good talent.)
Mori Motonari
I'm in the middle of watching this one but it's been really decent so far. I read that this one is an all-time favorite amongst taiga enthusiasts.
Takeda Shingen
Only 9 episodes into the series but I can see why this one emerges as one of the best, along with AOI Tokugawa Sandai. Too many good things to list about this one.
Atsuhime
Overall feedback wasn't as good but I enjoyed it a lot. The episodes were unexpected cliffhangers towards the 2nd and 3rd seasons, and I ended up watching strings of episodes at a go, lol.
I guess the writer did a good job, which is why I'm very hopeful for next year's taiga. Also, best BGM of all Japanese dramas I've <s>heard</s> seen, not just taigas alone.
AOI Tokugawa Sandai
Creme de la creme of taigas as reported in certain communities. Very true-to-fact, with no effort or budget spared to show every detail possible. Very well written despite the sheer amount to detail thrown at you.
Top notch acting from the almost-purely veteran cast. A little humor tossed in from a certain actor. And my personal favorite has to be the narrator and his segments.
Ryoma ga Yuku
5 installments in total. The one I watched was the 2004 version from TV-Tokyo starring Ichikawa Somegoro.
Being a non-taiga, this one lacked the props and the backdrop, though Ichikawa was more pleasant on the eyes and he pretty much kept it going for me.
There were well-choreographed duel scenes in this one, none of it looked "get it done and over with".
Read that the 1997 version by TBS starring Kamikawa Takaya was pretty good too.
Last edited by chokubi on Aug 27th, '10, 07:09, edited 1 time in total.
Peggy, every taiga drama I've watched has its own plus and minus points, they're all very good and enjoyable, and it's actually hard to rank them, because each of them is good in their own way.
EXCEPT, Musashi, for me. I only enjoyed like about the first 10 episodes. I love Ichikawa Ebizo as a person, but his overacting performance really bothered me here (as Musashi, seem to be always angry? and it looks like he's almost mad and crazy sometime). I didn't like Yonekura Ryoko too in this series, and she lacked chemistry with Ebizo (which is weird, coz they were suppose to be dating for real that time ) Ryoko is a cool woman, I like her, I just didn't like her character in Musashi.
Sasaki Kojiro, and his relationship with Miyazawa Rie and Nakama Yukie attracted me. I also loved Mizuno Miki, Tsutsumi Shinichi, also Terajima Shinobu as the mysterious ninja woman. But apparently, for me the story/plotline was so boring, that even the eyecandy and popular cast couldn't pin me down to the screen anymore. I immediately jumped to the last episode, to see the final duel of Musashi vs Kojiro, which I thought would be awesome, just to find it ended in ridiculously 1-2 moves, and I went "whaaaaa---??? that's it???".
Maybe the story is just not my cup of tea, that's all.
EXCEPT, Musashi, for me. I only enjoyed like about the first 10 episodes. I love Ichikawa Ebizo as a person, but his overacting performance really bothered me here (as Musashi, seem to be always angry? and it looks like he's almost mad and crazy sometime). I didn't like Yonekura Ryoko too in this series, and she lacked chemistry with Ebizo (which is weird, coz they were suppose to be dating for real that time ) Ryoko is a cool woman, I like her, I just didn't like her character in Musashi.
Sasaki Kojiro, and his relationship with Miyazawa Rie and Nakama Yukie attracted me. I also loved Mizuno Miki, Tsutsumi Shinichi, also Terajima Shinobu as the mysterious ninja woman. But apparently, for me the story/plotline was so boring, that even the eyecandy and popular cast couldn't pin me down to the screen anymore. I immediately jumped to the last episode, to see the final duel of Musashi vs Kojiro, which I thought would be awesome, just to find it ended in ridiculously 1-2 moves, and I went "whaaaaa---??? that's it???".
Maybe the story is just not my cup of tea, that's all.
Have to say that I only watched a little of Tenchijin because I adore Kitamura Kazuki.
I was terribly disappointed with the way they used him in his character, he seemed 'underused' if that makes sense. I finally stopped watching. I never can see enough of him anyway. Does he stay in the theatre more than film or TV ???
I will watch anything with Ichikawa Somegoro. He is a beautiful actor. His Kabuki training gives him that extra self control so that he can tone it all down when he is in a TV drama. You can feel all the strength inside him but he can be so calm and smooth. Just delicious to watch and listen.
It's quite amazing to know the depth of theatre in Japan. It must be born in some of them even apart from the Kabuki families.
It was somewhat surprising when I read that Hideyoshi ,who was born into a farm life and rather loutish, was so interested in Noh and also re introduced the lapsed tea ceremony when he came into power. Mabe he learned about all that from his time devoted to Oda Nobunaga. He made a wooden teaspoon which still exists and is in careful keeping in Kyoto. I saw it in a video and I must admit I felt a little frisson to think I was looking at something that belonged in that far away period.
Peg
I was terribly disappointed with the way they used him in his character, he seemed 'underused' if that makes sense. I finally stopped watching. I never can see enough of him anyway. Does he stay in the theatre more than film or TV ???
I will watch anything with Ichikawa Somegoro. He is a beautiful actor. His Kabuki training gives him that extra self control so that he can tone it all down when he is in a TV drama. You can feel all the strength inside him but he can be so calm and smooth. Just delicious to watch and listen.
It's quite amazing to know the depth of theatre in Japan. It must be born in some of them even apart from the Kabuki families.
It was somewhat surprising when I read that Hideyoshi ,who was born into a farm life and rather loutish, was so interested in Noh and also re introduced the lapsed tea ceremony when he came into power. Mabe he learned about all that from his time devoted to Oda Nobunaga. He made a wooden teaspoon which still exists and is in careful keeping in Kyoto. I saw it in a video and I must admit I felt a little frisson to think I was looking at something that belonged in that far away period.
Peg
Loves Somegoro alot too I wish he get to act a major character in taiga drama someday. I wonder when will he get to be crowned as the head of the Matsumoto family clan? Maybe soon, his father is pretty old already.
Anyway, Somegoro is the perfect Sakamoto Ryoma for me, loved his portrayal of Ryoma in "Ryoma ga Yuku" the 2004 TV Tokyo version.
Just a trivia abt kabuki family-related, apparently Kagawa Teruyuki (who is almost like a regular in NHK taiga dramas) was born in a kabuki family. But his parents immediately got a divorce when he was still a baby, and his mother took custody of him, so he didn't get to be the successor of his father. Hmm, not sure if I should pity the fact, or be glad for him, though.
Kagawa is Ichikawa Kamejiro's cousin. Interesting to know that both have acted Toyotomi Hideyoshi in different drama adaptations. Kamejiro in NENE (with Nakama Yukie) and Kagawa in Toshiie to Matsu, and they acted pretty much the same type of Hideyoshi
Hideyoshi is indeed an interesting historical figure. I admire him just as much as I admire Nobunaga and Ieyasu. Interesting fact, I watched this in SmaStation, that Hideyoshi is the first Japanese who owned a VIOLIN
I'm also currently interested in Sen no Rikyu, Hideyoshi's tea master, looking fwd to see him as a major character in GOU next year.
Anyway, Somegoro is the perfect Sakamoto Ryoma for me, loved his portrayal of Ryoma in "Ryoma ga Yuku" the 2004 TV Tokyo version.
Just a trivia abt kabuki family-related, apparently Kagawa Teruyuki (who is almost like a regular in NHK taiga dramas) was born in a kabuki family. But his parents immediately got a divorce when he was still a baby, and his mother took custody of him, so he didn't get to be the successor of his father. Hmm, not sure if I should pity the fact, or be glad for him, though.
Kagawa is Ichikawa Kamejiro's cousin. Interesting to know that both have acted Toyotomi Hideyoshi in different drama adaptations. Kamejiro in NENE (with Nakama Yukie) and Kagawa in Toshiie to Matsu, and they acted pretty much the same type of Hideyoshi
Hideyoshi is indeed an interesting historical figure. I admire him just as much as I admire Nobunaga and Ieyasu. Interesting fact, I watched this in SmaStation, that Hideyoshi is the first Japanese who owned a VIOLIN
I'm also currently interested in Sen no Rikyu, Hideyoshi's tea master, looking fwd to see him as a major character in GOU next year.
Last edited by yanie on Aug 27th, '10, 07:36, edited 2 times in total.
Yanie
I agree with you re Ichikawa Ebizo. He annoyed me immensely in the drama 'Mr.Brain'
He had this glassy glaring eye look which did not really seem at all necessary. I am still not sure what he was all about. Must say that Shingo does a good job of mimicking him.
Wonder if Ebizo likes it???
I think he must be very good in Kabuki however.
Musashi was one of my earlier taigas so I was impressed. I had been reading about the man so it drew my interest. I liked Kojiro so much which kept me involved..... It was a good cast. I did not feel any deep devotion between Musashi and his ladylove.
My most favourite taiga was 'Hojo Tokimune' I think. There were some imaginary additions but it was a good drama. It opened up a lot of historical events. I am trying to think of the name of the actor who played the half brother Tokisuke. I think it was Watabe Atsuro and he was in some very emotional scenes which were well done. I would really like to see that again. I did not download it because at that time I didnt know how to do that. I think Kitamura was in that drama also but a smaller role and he died.
Have to sleep.....Peg
I agree with you re Ichikawa Ebizo. He annoyed me immensely in the drama 'Mr.Brain'
He had this glassy glaring eye look which did not really seem at all necessary. I am still not sure what he was all about. Must say that Shingo does a good job of mimicking him.
Wonder if Ebizo likes it???
I think he must be very good in Kabuki however.
Musashi was one of my earlier taigas so I was impressed. I had been reading about the man so it drew my interest. I liked Kojiro so much which kept me involved..... It was a good cast. I did not feel any deep devotion between Musashi and his ladylove.
My most favourite taiga was 'Hojo Tokimune' I think. There were some imaginary additions but it was a good drama. It opened up a lot of historical events. I am trying to think of the name of the actor who played the half brother Tokisuke. I think it was Watabe Atsuro and he was in some very emotional scenes which were well done. I would really like to see that again. I did not download it because at that time I didnt know how to do that. I think Kitamura was in that drama also but a smaller role and he died.
Have to sleep.....Peg
Ack! Peggy, did you mention "Hojo Tokimune" too, in the "Tsuki no Koibito" thread before?? Then I said, I was looking for that because young Inagaki Goro appeared in that taiga drama?
Gomen!! Seem like I mis-read "Hojo Tokimune" as "Homura Tatsu" Watanabe Ken was both in those 2 dramas, so maybe that's why I mixed it up. Okay let me get this straight.
Homura Tatsu, 1993, 2nd series of the Taiga Trilogy, set in the Heian period, Watanabe Ken was the lead, Inagaki Goro played a small role
Hojo Tokimune, 2001, set in the 13th century (Kamakura period?), Izumi Motoya is the lead, Watabe Atsuro & Watanabe Ken also stars.
Interesting fact that the 1992, 1993 and 1994 NHK taiga dramas were a series of trilogy
I would really love to check out "Hojo Tokimune" too, though. It's in the Kamakura period, right?
Gomen!! Seem like I mis-read "Hojo Tokimune" as "Homura Tatsu" Watanabe Ken was both in those 2 dramas, so maybe that's why I mixed it up. Okay let me get this straight.
Homura Tatsu, 1993, 2nd series of the Taiga Trilogy, set in the Heian period, Watanabe Ken was the lead, Inagaki Goro played a small role
Hojo Tokimune, 2001, set in the 13th century (Kamakura period?), Izumi Motoya is the lead, Watabe Atsuro & Watanabe Ken also stars.
Interesting fact that the 1992, 1993 and 1994 NHK taiga dramas were a series of trilogy
I would really love to check out "Hojo Tokimune" too, though. It's in the Kamakura period, right?
Yanie,
Yes it is Kamakura period. Long ruling clan. They started the Shogun ruling class. The Emperor tried to send them out of the court but without success but he gave them armies and since the command was with the Hojo they soon gained a lot of power. Tokimune came to be regent when he was only 18. He died at 32. It was a very interesting time. He was in power when the Mongols tried to invade. They sent envoys several times but Tokimune refused to deal with them until finally he had them brought to Kyoto I think, and had five of them beheaded. This was unheard of as envoys were like people bearing white flags who were treated as non combatants trying to talk a deal or something similar. They were messengers to go back and forth.
Tokimune also introduced Buddhism...although I really don't know if it had been somewhere around before that. He made it official anyway.
I would really love to see this particular drama again. I was always intrigued with the half brother Tokisuke. Probably because it was Watabe Atsuro who is such a good actor, and the treatment in the story was so emotional. He seemed to fade away both in the drama and in history. At least I can't find out what happened to him. Some say he went to Mongolia and followed the Khamn That sounds odd to me since he fought against them when the Mongol fleet tried to invade.
Fascinating period and one day I will find that drama again....
Peg
PS. Yes 'Hojo Tokimune' was the 2001 drama. Tokimune was the eighth shogun and they were in power from1192 to 1333. that's really a long time to hold position I think.
Yes it is Kamakura period. Long ruling clan. They started the Shogun ruling class. The Emperor tried to send them out of the court but without success but he gave them armies and since the command was with the Hojo they soon gained a lot of power. Tokimune came to be regent when he was only 18. He died at 32. It was a very interesting time. He was in power when the Mongols tried to invade. They sent envoys several times but Tokimune refused to deal with them until finally he had them brought to Kyoto I think, and had five of them beheaded. This was unheard of as envoys were like people bearing white flags who were treated as non combatants trying to talk a deal or something similar. They were messengers to go back and forth.
Tokimune also introduced Buddhism...although I really don't know if it had been somewhere around before that. He made it official anyway.
I would really love to see this particular drama again. I was always intrigued with the half brother Tokisuke. Probably because it was Watabe Atsuro who is such a good actor, and the treatment in the story was so emotional. He seemed to fade away both in the drama and in history. At least I can't find out what happened to him. Some say he went to Mongolia and followed the Khamn That sounds odd to me since he fought against them when the Mongol fleet tried to invade.
Fascinating period and one day I will find that drama again....
Peg
PS. Yes 'Hojo Tokimune' was the 2001 drama. Tokimune was the eighth shogun and they were in power from1192 to 1333. that's really a long time to hold position I think.
Hmm, Hojo clan has never held Shogun title, but shikken instead (regent) ruling instead of nominated shogun. That is why we can't talk about Minamoto Shogunate, but Kamakura Shogunate.
Hojo Masako was the wife of Minamoto Yoritomo and after his death and after their sons killed each other, her father and then brother took the ruling into their own hands.
Buddhism was introduced in 538/552 from Shilla Kingdom (Shiragi in Japanese), you meant probably Buddhism zen that was accepted as the official religion of samurai class. But it was at that time only the "top" of samurai class, the res of the people still practiced amidism.
Still, looking forward to this drama.
Hojo Masako was the wife of Minamoto Yoritomo and after his death and after their sons killed each other, her father and then brother took the ruling into their own hands.
Buddhism was introduced in 538/552 from Shilla Kingdom (Shiragi in Japanese), you meant probably Buddhism zen that was accepted as the official religion of samurai class. But it was at that time only the "top" of samurai class, the res of the people still practiced amidism.
Still, looking forward to this drama.
Yanie,
Just found interesting list of taigas..
http://www.kurotokagi.com/tvseries.htm
I don't know what company this is that sells the dramas but it looks very complete as far as historical stuff goes. Just reading the listings and pictures is worth taking a look.
they work through Paypal.
Incidentally I have thought that the five Mongol envoys who were beheaded must have met their fate in Kamakura not Kyoto.. Slip of the grey cells...
Peg
Just found interesting list of taigas..
http://www.kurotokagi.com/tvseries.htm
I don't know what company this is that sells the dramas but it looks very complete as far as historical stuff goes. Just reading the listings and pictures is worth taking a look.
they work through Paypal.
Incidentally I have thought that the five Mongol envoys who were beheaded must have met their fate in Kamakura not Kyoto.. Slip of the grey cells...
Peg
Yanie,
Just read a few posts back re Ichikawa Somegoro.
He is now the head of his Kabuki family. He also has introduced his little son into the Kabuki theatra family. there is a phot taken of the three generation on the accasion of the little boy's debut. They are all in costume and look wonderful.
I will try and find that photo.... you would like it.
Peg
Just read a few posts back re Ichikawa Somegoro.
He is now the head of his Kabuki family. He also has introduced his little son into the Kabuki theatra family. there is a phot taken of the three generation on the accasion of the little boy's debut. They are all in costume and look wonderful.
I will try and find that photo.... you would like it.
Peg
I don't think so. He has a son now, but Matsumoto Koshiro is still the head of the house of Koraiya, I believe. Somegoro won't be the head until he receive Matsumoto Koshiro X name and his son Ichikawa Somegoro VIII. Maybe later when his son turn 8-10^^Peggy wrote:He is now the head of his Kabuki family. He also has introduced his little son into the Kabuki theatra family.
Yanie,
the post obviously wrong...I stand corrected..gomen.. I actually thought myself that his father had retired from theatre.
Started wandering in sites re this man and he is really so talented. I am always in wonder at the way Japanese actors work so hard and so long. I hope that the present day youngsters will be able to establish themselves when they are in their thirties and older. Singing in a group is not enough in itself is it.
I also read up on Ebizo. I was honestly amazed to read about his background and all his works. He is really involved in promoting Kabuki to the Western world. Has taken his group to Europe several times and twice to London. Was there this past June.
I am impressed. I can see why his eyes are so huge and staring. He uses that part of his face to great effect in Kabuki mode.
Peg
the post obviously wrong...I stand corrected..gomen.. I actually thought myself that his father had retired from theatre.
Started wandering in sites re this man and he is really so talented. I am always in wonder at the way Japanese actors work so hard and so long. I hope that the present day youngsters will be able to establish themselves when they are in their thirties and older. Singing in a group is not enough in itself is it.
I also read up on Ebizo. I was honestly amazed to read about his background and all his works. He is really involved in promoting Kabuki to the Western world. Has taken his group to Europe several times and twice to London. Was there this past June.
I am impressed. I can see why his eyes are so huge and staring. He uses that part of his face to great effect in Kabuki mode.
Peg
Ethlenn is quite right when she corrected me about Shoguns. They did not exist propor to the Hojo but there were Regents who acted for the Emperor out in the Japanese country away from Kyoto. However it was after the Hojo that shoguns began to be used. Ethlenn is far more knowledgable re the Kamakura period than I, so anything she says I will accept without queston.
Incidentally Kojiro in 'Musashi' was played by Matsuoka Masahiro. I get truly mixed up with some of the names and all I could think of was Nakai....and I knew it was not him ! ! !
Peg
Incidentally Kojiro in 'Musashi' was played by Matsuoka Masahiro. I get truly mixed up with some of the names and all I could think of was Nakai....and I knew it was not him ! ! !
Peg
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