Atsuhime

Season 12008

The 47th NHK Taiga Drama is a life story of Princess Atsu, who was born in Kagoshima Prefecture, then called Satsuma, and became the wife of Tokugawa Iesada, the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. She accedes to the highest rank in Ooku, the inner palace of the Edo castle where women related to the reigning shogun resided. Iesada dies soon after their marriage and Atsuhime assumes the name Tenshoin at the age of 23. She exerts herself for the Tokugawa clan and for the nation during the upheaval in the Meiji Restoration, headed by those from Satsuma.

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50 Episodes

E01 Child of Destiny

The episode starts off in Satsuma in 1835, 20 years prior to the arrival of the Black Ships led by Matthew C. Perry. People in Satsuma are excited by the arrival of the heir to the domain, Shimazu Nariakira, from Edo. Meanwhile, a long-awaited daughter is born in one of the cadet families of Shimazu clan, the Imaizumi Shimazu family. The father of the girl, Shimazu Tadatake, and the mother, Oyuki, name her “Katsu,” wishing the child’s happiness. Okatsu grew up as a tomboy, much stronger than her brothers, yet is warm-hearted and full of curiosity.

January 6, 2008

E02 Vow at Sakurajima

Zusho's financial reform successfully clears Satsuma clan's debt, however, many people are still badly off. Young samurai, including Saigo Kichinosuke and Okubo Shosuke, feel hatred toward Zusho. Meanwhile, Zusho invites Okatsu and Naogoro to his place, asking Okatsu a favor before he heads for Edo.

January 13, 2008

E03 Satsuma Divide

Oyura, concubine of Shimazu Narioki, the clan head, plots to make her son Tadayuki an heir to the Satsuma clan which provokes a serious confrontation within a group of samurai who stand by Nariakira, Narioki's legal wife's son. Shosuke is punished for his involvement in the family quarrel. Wishing to help Shosuke's family make ends meet, Okatsu offers food and money, however, Shosuke's mother, Fuku, refuses.

January 20, 2008

E04 A Wise Lord Angered

Nariakira succeeds as the head of the Satsuma clan. Although Nariakira is active in reform, Kichinosuke and other young samurai are impatient that Shosuke is not granted clemency. Meanwhile, Nariakira officially invites members of Shimazu's branch families to his place. On the day of Okatsu's visit, she asks Nariakira why he has not pardoned Shosuke.

January 27, 2008

E05 Japan's Best Man

Tadatake learns from Tadayuki that his son wants to marry Okatsu. Naogoro is upset to hear the news. Meanwhile, Naogoro meets John Manjiro who had just come back from the U.S. Inspired by Manjiro's free-minded way of thinking, Naogoro tells Tadatake that he too loves Okatsu. The next day, Tadatake is called up by Nariakira where he informs his plans of Okatsu.

February 3, 2008

E06 A Woman's Destiny

Tadatake is delighted with Nariakira's offer to adopt Okatsu, but Oyuki senses something is wrong with Kikumoto who brought up Okatsu. Okatsu is unable to absorb the situation and begs Tadatake to let her talk directly to Nariakira. On the morning of her visit, Kikumoto advises Okatsu that going against one's destiny is a dishonor for women.

February 10, 2008

E07 The Father's Tears

Okatsu is deeply shocked by Kikumoto's suicide and outraged at Tadatake's insulting attitude towards her death. Meanwhile in Edo, the Tokugawa shogunate learns that an American fleet is approaching Japan, aiming to establish a trade relationship. Nariakira realizes that he needs to adopt Okatsu soon to carry out his plan. As the day of Okatsu's departure approaches, Tadatake suddenly acts cool towards Okatsu.

February 17, 2008

E08 How to be a Princess

Moving into Tsurumaru Castle, Okatsu is unable to fit into its restrictive customs, while those women serving under her and related to the Shimazu family mock about Okatsu's humble lineage. The American fleet led by Perry sails into Uraga. While Nariakira is building up armaments against the fleet, he asks Konoe Tadahiro, head of the Konoe family to send a tutor for Okatsu.

February 24, 2008

E09 Atsuhime is Born

Okatsu is being trained to be a full-fledged princess by Ikushima, a tutor brought in from the Konoe family in Kyoto while Nariakira renames Okatsu as "Atsuko" and officially begins her life as "Atsu-hime." Meanwhile in Edo, Ieyoshi, the 12th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, suddenly dies and his son Iesachi, who is known to be benighted, is to succeed. Nariakira confides his secret to Ikushima why he wishes to rush the training of Atsu-hime.

March 2, 2008

E10 Determined to Become the Shogun's Wife

Ikushima is finding it difficult to train Atsu-hime who shows no interest in the training. Nariakira finally tells Atsu-hime that she is a candidate to become the wife of Iesachi, the next shogun. On that night, Atsu-hime, who attempts to escape from the castle but is easily caught, asks Nariakira his real objective. Moved by Nariakira's ambition to rebuild the unstable shogunate through Atsu-hime's marriage, she too desires to marry Iesachi.

March 9, 2008

E11 Reunion on the Tanabata

Atsu-hime is absorbed in princess training with Ikushima. Naogoro is shocked by Nariakira's plot but is given a chance by Nariakira to see Atsu-hime again at the Star Festival. She entrusts Naogoro with her parents and the future of Satsuma. The day of Atsu-hime's departure to Edo is just around the corner.

March 16, 2008

E12 Farewell, Sakurajima

Before Atsu-hime's departure, heads of the families related to the Shimazu family are called up to the castle where she sees her biological parents after a long time. However, she is only allowed to say some formal greetings to them. On the day of her departure as the ship leaves Satsuma, Atsu-hime cries for the first time. She vows to Ikushima that she will never cry again longing for her hometown.

March 23, 2008

E13 The Mother in Edo

Atsu-hime arrives at Satsuma clan's castle in Edo, however, she is unable to meet Nariakira's wife Fusa and adoptive mother of Atsu-hime. In Edo castle, Nariaki, former head of the Mito-Tokugawa family, opposes to Asuhime's entry in "Ooku." Meanwhile, back in Satsuma, Nariakira picks Kichinosuke to accompany him to Edo. Although Atsu-hime finally meets Fusa, she gives her a frosty look saying Atsu-hime does not deserve to become the wife of Iesachi.

March 30, 2008

E14 The Father's Wish

Atsu-hime is depressed by Fusa's affirmation that Atsu-hime can never be the wife of Iesachi who later becomes Iesada as the 13th shogun. A new year begins and the American fleet led by Perry again appears off the coast of Edo. Nariakira is suddenly called up to Edo but before his departure, he makes a visit to Tadatake who is ill, and makes a promise which he breaks when he encounters Atsu-hime in Edo.

April 6, 2008

E15 The Princess Goes to Battle

Kichinosuke is put in charge of preparing the traditional bride's gear for Atsu-hime. Meanwhile, Nariakira is struck down by serious illness and rumor has it that Nriakira's illness is caused by a curse of Oyura, who is plotting to make her son the head of the clan. Atsu-hime visits Oyura for the first time to confirm the rumor herself.

April 13, 2008

E16 Cherry Blossoms Amidst Tumult

Nariakira recovers from his illness. Although Atsu-hime's marriage is in the final stage, Iesada shows no interest in getting married. To persuade Nariaki and to receive his approval to Atsu-hime's marriage, Nariakira invites him to Satsuma clan's castle, however, Atsu-hime argues with Nariaki about his policy on foreigners.

April 20, 2008

E17 An Unexpected Marriage

The marriage of Atsu-hime and Iesada is finalized and the Satsuma clan's castle is in a celebratory mood. Meanwhile in Satsuma, Naogoro is to serve under Nariakira in Edo. Only a few months later, Nariakira orders Naogoro back to Satsuma to marry Ochika, who is from a distinguished family of Satsuma clan and a younger sister of Komatsu Kiyomichi, who died of illness, to succeed the Komatsu family. After Naogoro leaves Edo, a big earthquake hits Edo.

April 27, 2008

E18 Nariakira's Secret Orders

After returning to Satsuma, Naogoro decides to marry Ochika. In Edo, the day of Atsu-hime's wedding, which was canceled after the big earthquake, is finally rescheduled. On the eve of Atsu-hime's departure to Edo castle, Nariakira confesses to Atsu-hime his true intention for arranging her marriage; if she is unable to bear an heir to the Tokunaga family, she was to persuade Iesada to make Yoshinobu, the head of the Hitotsubashi family and Nariaki's son, the next shogun.

May 4, 2008

E19 Ascend to the Ooku

Atsuhime moves to Edo castle where she meets Honjuin, Iesada's mother, and Takiyama who is in control of the servants at "Ooku." However, the meeting with Atsu-hime's to-be husband, Iesada, was unscheduled. She learns that he has a concubine. One day, Atsu-hime sees a man playing hide-and-seek in the garden and hears him being addressed as "shogun.

May 11, 2008

E20 The Wedding Night

Having seen Iesada playing in the garden, Atsu-hime begins to have doubts over his sanity. On the night of the wedding, Iesada goes to sleep, showing no interest in Atsu-hime, which raised her distrust in Iesada. Ikushima finally confesses to Atsu-hime of knowing that Iesada may be benighted, but she also says that Nariakira has doubts over the rumor. Seeing Iesada playing in the garden again, Atsu-hime decides to find out the truth herself.

May 18, 2008

E21 Battle of the Wives

Atsu-hime senses Iesada must be pretending to be benighted and asks Iesada the reason. He begins to ignore and avoid her. Atsu-hime asks him to see her but he tells her that he had no intention of having a child. The information was quickly sent to Nariakira through Ikushima. Atsu-hime invites Iesada's concubine, Oshiga, to learn more about her husband. Atsu-hime feels jealous and could not resist caring about Iesada, which proved the subconscious growing affection inside her.

May 25, 2008

E22 The Shogun's Secret

Atsu-hime remains unsure whether Iesada is really benighted. The U.S. begins preparing for a trade treaty between the shogunate after signing the Treaty of Shimoda, a treaty of peace and amity. Although the shogunate is pressured to decide the next shogun to face the international pressure, Abe, the chief retainer of the shogunate who stands by Atsu-hime, suddenly passes away. Overwhelmed by the situation, Atsu-hime decides to confess to Iesada that the true intention of her marriage was to make Yoshinobu the next shogun. Iesada in return confesses his secret.

June 1, 2008

E23 The Better Man

Despite Atsu-hime's persuasion to name Yoshinobu successor, Iesada disagreed saying it was nonsense to recommend someone she had never met. Atsu-hime invites Yoshinobu and Tokugawa Yoshitomi, another candidate from the Kishu-Tokugawa family, to the castle to see them face to face. While Yoshinobu disappoints her, Atsu-hime was fascinated by Yoshitomi to whom laced snack was served.

June 8, 2008

E24 It's Unforgivable, Atsu-hime

As the day to meet U.S. consul general neared, Iesada tells his worries to Atsu-hime. She comes up with an idea for Iesada to maintain his dignity at the meeting and also suggests Yoshinobu's presence. Although the meeting turns out to be successful, Honjuin, who wants to make Yoshitomi the next shogun, bursts in anger, learning Atsu-hime persuaded Iesada to have Yoshinobu at the meeting.

June 15, 2008

E25 A Mother's Love and Hate

Iesada falls ill which gave cause for Honjuin to keep Atsu-hime away from Iesada, saying his illness was caused by Atsu-hime. Although Iesada wished to spend time with Atsu-hime, the mother ordered Oshiga to be at his side. Atsu-hime sees Honjuin to clear the misunderstanding; however, Honjuin blames her for having no intention to bearing an heir to the family.

June 22, 2008

E26 A Hell-Raising Petition

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

June 29, 2008

E27 Wife of the Tokugawa

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

July 6, 2008

E28 Two Wills

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

July 13, 2008

E29 Tenshoin Atsu-hime

Yoshitomi, the new shogun, arrives at Edo castle and is renamed as Iemochi. Tenshoin renews her hopes to become his guardian. Ikushima informs her intention to resign to take responsibility for failing to make Yoshinobu shogun. Disturbed with Tenshoin's involvement in politics, Ii begins to clamp down dissidents and asks her to reveal whereabouts of Saigo who was maneuvering to bring Ii down.

July 20, 2008

E30 The Shogun's Mother

July 27, 2008

E31 Farewell, Ikushima

August 3, 2008

E32 The Incident Outside Sakuradamon Gate

August 10, 2008

E33 Princess Kazu

August 17, 2008

E34 Imperial Court and Feudal Clan

August 24, 2008

E35 Dagger of Doubt

August 31, 2008

E36 Satsuma or Tokugawa

While the Edo group and the Kyōto group inside the Ōoku continue to antagonize to each other, little by little Kazunomiya and Iemochi became closer. Tensho-in was finally feeling relieved. Then, commanding a force of a few thousand soldiers, Hisamitsu left for Kyōto with the intention of receiving the Emperor’s approval for reforming the Tokugawa Shōgunate. Meanwhile, suspicion that Tenshō-in might be involved in the plot mounted in Edo.

September 7, 2008

E37 Friendship and Parting

The Satsuma force led by Hisamitsu entered Edo accompanying an Imperial envoy. His aim was to reform the Tokugawa Shogunate. Meanwhile, Tenshō-in was anxious if Tatewaki also came to Edo accompanying Hisamitsu. Against Hisamitsu's wish, the negotiation between the envoy and Rōjū came to a dead end. Hisamitsu became extremely impatient and ordered Ōkubo to threaten the Rōjū side by force. While Tatewaki felt awkward toward such a forceful approach taken by his comrades, Satsuma succeeded in pressing on the reform plan.

September 14, 2008

E38 Heart of the Mother-In-Law, Heart of the Wife

A letter from Tatewaki recounting what really took place in Namamugi Incident reached Tenshō-in. Having learned the truth, she maintained that the Shogunate, together with Satsuma, needed to apologize to Britain. Meanwhile, in Kyoto, the Chōshū group came to dominate the political scene, defeating the Satsuma group and its leaders Shimazu Hisamitsu and Iwakura Tomomi.

September 21, 2008

E39 Satsuma Burns

The news that Shōgun Iemochi arrived at Kyoto came to Ōoku and lightened her mind. Kazunomiya, on the other hand, worried about Iemochi and became more restless. Her fear became true when radicals led by a Chōshū Domain group supporting the expulsion of foreigners dominated the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Mired in the quandary, Iemochi was forced to promise to the court the enforcement of expelling foreigners.

September 28, 2008

E40 Son Taking the Field

Saigo, who had been exiled, came back. At the gathering where Saigo and his old friends reunited, Tatewaki met a geisho, Okoto. The Chōshū domain, which is bent on regaining its political leverage in the capital, suddenly attacked the Imperial Palace. This is known as the Kinmon Incident. Tatewaki, who led the Satsuma forces, joined forces with the Shōgunate, along with Yoshinobu, and defeat the enemy forces. In the meantime, in Ōoku, Takiyama advised Tenshōin to let the Shogun have a concubine who could bear his heir, for she was purely concerned with the future of the Tokugawa clan and desired to consolidate the foundations of the Shugunate’s rule. Tenshōin, however, did not want to tear up the intimate relationship between Kazunomiya and Iemochi and flatly rejected the idea.

October 5, 2008

E41 Satcho Alliance

October 12, 2008

E42 The Death of the Son

October 19, 2008

E43 The Determination of the Wife

October 26, 2008

E44 Ryoma Dies

November 2, 2008

E45 A Letter from Mother

November 9, 2008

E46 Yoshinobu Rescued

November 16, 2008

E47 Ooku's Messenger

November 23, 2008

E48 Bloodless Surrender

November 30, 2008

E49 Reunion on the Eve of Meiji

December 7, 2008

E50 One Path

December 14, 2008

Atsuhime

E01 Child of Destiny

E02 Vow at Sakurajima

E03 Satsuma Divide

E04 A Wise Lord Angered

E05 Japan's Best Man

E06 A Woman's Destiny

E07 The Father's Tears

E08 How to be a Princess

E09 Atsuhime is Born

E10 Determined to Become the Shogun's Wife

E11 Reunion on the Tanabata

E12 Farewell, Sakurajima

E13 The Mother in Edo

E14 The Father's Wish

E15 The Princess Goes to Battle

E16 Cherry Blossoms Amidst Tumult

E17 An Unexpected Marriage

E18 Nariakira's Secret Orders

E19 Ascend to the Ooku

E20 The Wedding Night

E21 Battle of the Wives

E22 The Shogun's Secret

E23 The Better Man

E24 It's Unforgivable, Atsu-hime

E25 A Mother's Love and Hate

E26 A Hell-Raising Petition

E27 Wife of the Tokugawa

E28 Two Wills

E29 Tenshoin Atsu-hime

E30 The Shogun's Mother

E31 Farewell, Ikushima

E32 The Incident Outside Sakuradamon Gate

E33 Princess Kazu

E34 Imperial Court and Feudal Clan

E35 Dagger of Doubt

E36 Satsuma or Tokugawa

E37 Friendship and Parting

E38 Heart of the Mother-In-Law, Heart of the Wife

E39 Satsuma Burns

E40 Son Taking the Field

E41 Satcho Alliance

E42 The Death of the Son

E43 The Determination of the Wife

E44 Ryoma Dies

E45 A Letter from Mother

E46 Yoshinobu Rescued

E47 Ooku's Messenger

E48 Bloodless Surrender

E49 Reunion on the Eve of Meiji

E50 One Path

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E01 Child of Destiny

E02 Vow at Sakurajima

E03 Satsuma Divide

E04 A Wise Lord Angered

E05 Japan's Best Man

E06 A Woman's Destiny

E07 The Father's Tears

E08 How to be a Princess

E09 Atsuhime is Born

E10 Determined to Become the Shogun's Wife

E11 Reunion on the Tanabata

E12 Farewell, Sakurajima

E13 The Mother in Edo