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Hojo Tokimune
The 2001 taiga drama features, for the first time, a historical figure from the Kamakura Era. Our hero is Hojo Tokimune whose short, yet glorious life epitomizes the tempestuous events that rocked the preiod. Tokimune succeeds his father as the regent when he is only 18, but matures into an energetic, capable leader who guides his army in repressing Kublai Khan and the Mongol invasion. Izumi Motoya, the 20th headmaster of the House of Izumi, a Kyogen dynasty, leads an all-star cast including Watanabe Ken, Asano Atsuko, Toake Yukiyo, Fuji Sumiko, and Kitaoji Kinya, as well as young stars like Watabe Atsuro, Kimura Yoshino, Nishida Hikaru and Tomosaka Rie.
Starring
Izumi Motoya, Watanabe Ken
Asano Atsuko, Toake Yukiyo
Fuji Sumiko, Kitaoji Kinya
Watabe Atsuro, Kimura Yoshino
Nishida Hikaru, and Tomosaka Rie
Air Dates
Tuesdays from 8:00-9:00pm
Series ended february 19, 2002
Fully subtitled in English
50 Episode
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Episode 1
It is the year 1247 in Kamakura. The Hojo clan rules with Tokiyori as the fifth regent. However, an uprising by the Miura family is imminent. In order to strengthen its power base, the Hojo clan allies itself with the Mori and plans are made for Tokiyori to wed Akirako, the daughter of Mori Suemitsu. Ironically, Akirako's father sides with the Miura. War ensues, but the Hojo emerge victorious and Suemitsu takes his own life. In the aftermath of the war, Akirako is adopted by Hojo Shigetoki and given to Tokiyori in marriage. The following year, Tokiyori's concubine Lady Sanuki gives birth to a son. And three years later, Akirako also gives birth to a son who will grow up to be Hojo Tokimune.
Episode 2
Tokiyori bestows upon his newborn son the name Shojumaru. The name signifies that this son, Tokiyori's second, but born to his wife Akirako, will be his true heir. Upon learning of this, Tokiyori's concubine Lady Sanuki fears for the fate of her son, Hojumaru. Meanwhile, the Ashikaga begin to conspire against the Hojo. Kikyo enlists the help of Fujiko (Akirako's mother) to stir up Miura remnants. However, this uprising is quickly suppressed. Unseccessful in avenging her husband, Fujiko kills herself, but not before begging her daughter to kill both Tokiyori and Shojumaru.
Episode 3
In 1255, Shojumaru and his older brother Hojumaru slip out of their mansion and walk through the streets of Kamakura for the very first time. They witness the suffering and poverty of the sick and needy. And they encounter Nichiren, who ministers to the people. An angry Tokiyori confronts the two brothers upon their return. The following August, Hojumaru has his coming-of-age ceremony. In order to bring peace between the Hojo and Ashikaga, Hojumaru is given an Ashikaga name, Tokitoshi. This gesture further strenthens Shojumaru's position as the future head of the Hojo.
Episode 4
In the autumn of 1256, 30-year-old Tokiyori falls gravely ill and resigns as regent to become a bonze. The Ashikaga try to take advantage of the situation by using Tokitoshi. But Tokiyori makes a miraculous recovery. Immediately, he holds the coming-of-age ceremony for Shojumaru and names him Tokimune, thus designating him as the next Hojo heir.
Episode 5
Tokiyori takes Tokimune on a journey. On a stormy night, they find shelter in a dilapidated shack. The owner says he has no coal or wood because he is leaving the next morning to enter the monastery. And he brings out a splendid bonsai for the hearth to keep his guests warm. Around that time Nagatoki, the regent, slays several of his subjects. His father Shigetoki is determined to commit harakiri to atone for his son's misdeed.
Episode 6
Heading for Hakata on Shakokumei's ship, Tokiyori and his party are attacked by pirates. Back in Kamakura, Tokitoshi meets the Shogun at a poetry reading. Hearing of this, Adachi Yasumori warns Tokiyori that Tokitoshi is not above planning a rebellion. On the day he is to return to Kamakura, Toko gives Tokimune a seashell as a reminder of her wish to be buried at the Hachiman Shrine.
Episode 7
In 1258, in order to prepare him for the position of regent, Tokiyori names Tokimune to the honor guard to help with the engagement ceremonies of Shogun Munetaka. In 1260, the bonze Nichiren presents Tokiyori with his famous Ankokuron in which he predicts a foreign invasion. Tokiyori intends to ignore him, but Shigetoki and other influential vassals recommend exile.
Episode 8
Tokiyori and Adachi Yasumori arrange Tokimune's marriage to Noriko. On the night of their wedding, noriko is angered by something Tokimune says and returns to the Adachi mansion. Later, at a banguet hosted by Shogun Munetaka, Tokimune outshines Tokisuke in a difficult archery demonstration. This angers Tokisuke's mother, Lady Sanuki.
Episode 9
After Tokimune humiliates her son, Lady Sanuki sets the mansion afire. Fortunately, Noriko is saved and later tells Tokisuke that his mother kept calling out his name as she died. In anger, Tokisuke challenges Tokimune to an archery match on horseback. Meanwhile, Nichiren is banished to Ito.
Episode 10
The day of the archery match arrives. On his third shot, a clash of thunder distracts Tokimune and his arrow goes wide. Tokisuke hits his first two shots right on target, but on this third try, he shoots his arrow straight up into the air, and leaves. Tokimune is stunned by his brother's actions. A visit by Shogun Munetaka is being secretly planned and Tokisuke is asked to be an aide. Tokiyori orders Tokimune to thwart the Shogun's visit. Soon after that, Tokiyori is poisoned and he collapses.
Episode 11
Tokiyori summons his sons Tokimune, Tokisuke and Munemasa. He orders them not to search for the servant who administered the poison. Tokimune asks Akirako to take care of his father. While nursing her husband, Akirako embraces him. And at long last, they are able to forgive each other. Several days later, Tokiyori calls Tokimune, and in his dying breath, he tells his son to kill Shikken Nagatoki and Tokisuke.
Episode 12
Shogun Munetaka seizes the opportunity to regain power and plots to assassinate Tokimune. He plans to use Shikken Nagatoki and Tokisuke to take over the reins of government. Meanwhile, Masamura and Sanetoki learn of Tokiyori's dying words to Tokimune--instructing his son to kill Nagatoki and Tokisuke. They consult Yasumori who hires Hachiro for the job.
Episode 13
Tokimune visits Tokisuke after he learns of Shikken Nagatoki’s death. During their meeting, Tokisuke realizes that his father’s dying words to Tokimune had been to “kill Tokisuke.” Tokimune is encouraged to accept the position of Shikken, but declares that he will not sacrifice lives to gain power. But when Tokisuke sides up with anti-Hojo factions who promote the fall of Kamakura, Tokimune resolves to protect the city and make it the symbol of samurai dreams.
Episode 14
Tokimune appoints his brother Tokisuke as a guard of the south section of Rokuharatandai. However, this position is without any responsibility and Tokimune had intentionally assigned Tokisuke this duty to humiliate him. Meanwhile, the shogun summons Hojo Masamura and orders him to make Tokisuke the next Shikken. This creates further enmity between the brothers. Tokisuke has no choice but to leave Kamakura with his wife and newly born son. Tokimune resigns his post and Masamura becomes the next Shikken.
Episode 15
Shogun Munetaka visits Masamura on the night of his daughter’s wedding to Munemasa, Tokimune’s younger brother. There, he is accosted by Akirako who presses him on the identity of her husband’s murderer. The vassals manage to tale Akirako away from the mansion. But even Tokimune is unable to reason with his mother. Then Sanetoki goes to talk to Akirako and repeats the words of her father, that a life of bitterness is no life at all.
Episode 16
Shogun Munetaka stirs up another beehive of trouble. He allows rumors to spread that his wife Sai has fallen ill at the mansion of Hojo Munemasa. However, Tokimune learns that in truth, Sai has been having an adulterous affair with a monk and that the illness is a cover-up. Hearing this, Tokimune decides that Munetaka must be removed and recommends his retirement. When Munetaka resists, Tokimune threatens to expose the truth about Sai.
Episode 17
A Mongol ship arrives at Hakata bearing a message from Kublai Khan. Shakokumei and Sashi Fusashi are summoned to serve as translators. In the message, the Mongols seek to open trade with Japan. Tokimune realizes the need to expand his knowledge and formulate new political policies. Meanwhile Isamu, whose parents were killed by the Mongols, tries to assassinate Hanbu, but misses and stabs Misaki instead.
Episode 18
Open up trade or face the Mongol army. This ultimatum from Kublai Khan is delivered to Kamakura. Tokimune urges a review of the missive, but is opposed by Shikken Masamura, Sanetoki and Yasumori. Kampaku Konoe Motohira, who believes in creating a new era, promotes Tokimune and this forces a confrontation with the conservatives.
Episode 19
At the meeting to discuss Kublai Khan’s ultimatum, the radicals and moderates engage in bitter debate. Shakokumei and Toko appear and insist that war must not be waged against the Mongols. Tokisuke arrives from Kyoto and informs Tokimune that the Imperial Court has exclusive charge over foreign affairs. Then he goes to see Masamura and urges him to pass on his duties as shikken to Tokimune.
Episode 20
A meeting is held in Kyoto to discuss Kublai Khan’s ultimatum and Kamakura gets word of the Court’s decision. Tokimune is dissatisfied with the “no reply” stance the Court has chosen to take. The higher-ranking officials criticize Masamura as being ineffective and urge him to give up his seat in favor of Tokimune. The following day, Masamura announces his resignation and Tokimune becomes the eighth Kamakura shikken. He is only eighteen at this time.
Episode 21
In 1268, Tokimune faces his first challenge as a shikken. An opposition faction puts pressure on him to simply ignore the Mongols and strengthen the security in the western regions. Yasumori heads for Kyoto to urge Tokisuke to support his brother. Tokisuke decides to turn down his appointment to the Court in deference to his brother.
Episode 22
Khan is angered when he receives no reply to his ultimatum and orders the construction of one thousand battle ships. In Kyoto, Tokisuke begins secret discussions with Kampaku Konoe Motohira. Then, in a desperate attempt to provoke the Imperial Court to act, Motohira commits hara-kiri before the Emperor. In the darkness of a solar eclipse, Tokisuke assists and inflicts the fatal blow.
Episode 23
The second Mongol emissary arrives in 1269. However, there is a squirmish and the emissary turns back, but not without taking some captives. Tokimune calls together his younger vassals to ask for fresh ideas about how to deal with Khan. Meanwhile, the hostages are given an audience with Khan and are treated lavishly. In September, an emissary returns for the third time, bringing with him the hostages.
Episode 24
The hostages return to Kamakura bearing another message from Khan. In essence, the demands are the same. In 1270, a plea for military aid arrives from the Sanbessho, a renegade band sworn to drive the Mongols out of Korea. Tokisuke is in favor of helping the Sanbessho, but the shogunate as well as the Imperial Court decide against it.
Episode 25
In 1271, Khan sends his right-hand man with a missive. The strong statement says that if there is no reply in two months, the Mongoian army will sail for Hakata. Tokimune orders the western region lords to return to their fiefs to prepare for an attack. In Kamakura, Nichiren harshly criticizes Tokimune and Tokimune's late father, Tokiyori. As a result, Nichiren is arrested and sentenced to death. However, Tokimune gives in to Akirako's and Noriko's pleas and decides to send Nichiren into exile in Sado, intead.
Episode 26
In 1271, Tokisuke visits Kamakura to urge his brother, Tokimune, to open up the country for the sake of future generations. During this time, the wives of both Tokimune and Tokisuke give birth to sons. In Kyoto, former Emperor Gosaga succumbs to illness and Emperor Kameyama, who is anti-Kamakura, begins to exert more influence.
Episode 27
In Kyoto in 1272, a movement begins within the imperial court to take back the reins of power. Tokisuke is secretly dispatched to Hakata. Kikyo cooperates with the imperial court to force a change in the shogunate. However, the death of Ashikaga Yasuuji deals a serious blow to their plans. In February, Noriko and her son are attacked on the way to their mansion and Tokimune decides to confront the rebels.
Episode 28
On November 11, 1272, the curtain begins to fall on the Ashikaga plot to overthrow Tokimune. After a fierce battle, the Nago forces are defeated. Kikyo is captured and Tokiakira, the leader, commits suicide. Kikyo implicates Tokisuke as a leader in the revolt. Tokimune tries to have faith in his older brother, but receives a report that the imperial court had sent Tokisuke to Hakata. In order to suppress further insurrection, Tokimune resolves that his brother must die.
Episode 29
The shogunate launches an attack on Tokisuke's mansion. Tokisuke tries desperately to help Shoko and his son escape, but they are captured. Tokisuke, unable to move from an arrow wound, is engulfed in flames. The February insurrection ends. Tokimune orders Shoko sent back to her family. Kikyo is sentenced to exile in Sado, but before she is taken away, Kikyo faces Tokimune and declares that he is guilty of killing his own brother. In autumn, a letter from Tokisuke reaches Tokimune.
Episode 30
Tokimune is consumed with guilt after learning that his brother was innocent of treason. His worried vassals try to think of a way to bring their lord out of his deep depression. And it is Yoritsuna who convinces Tokimune to get on with the administration of government. Masamura succumbs to chest pains. Before he breathes his last, he instructs Tokimune on how to protect Kamakura.
Episode 31
Shokokumei arrives in Kamakura to report that the anti-Mongol rebels in Korea have been defeated. Tokimune realizes that Kublai Khan is now free to concentrate on Japan. Meanwhile, Shoko enters Kamakura alone to assassinate Tokimune, but is confronted by Yoritsuna. And Khan orders the invasion of Japan.
Episode 32
Tokimune learns that Khan has built a huge fleet of ships and prepares for a counterattack. He also grants amnesty to Nichiren who had predicted the Mongol attack. It turns out that Tokisuke has managed to flee to Korea. There, the Mongol emissary asks him to cooperate and give information about Japan. Toko tries to talk Tokimune out of waging war, but her pleas fall on deaf ears.
Episode 33
Tokimune, who has been busy preparing for the Mongol attack, suddenly collapses. Noriko senses her husband's desperation to get back to work. And Tokimune finally gives in to her entreaties and reveals the seriousness of the Mongol threat. In Korea, Tokisuke agrees to cooperate with the Mongols and soon afterwards, the Mongol fleet is seen off Tsushima.
Episode 34
The Mongol fleet attacks the island of Tsushima where many civilians are killed. Tokimune blames himself for believing that an unarmed island would not be attacked. He orders his younger brother to guard Hakata and declares that if Hakata falls, he will offer his own head to the Mongols. At that time, the Mongol fleet is sailing for its next target.
Episode 35
The island of Iki also falls to the Mongols. Tokimune is despondent over his weakness against this formidable enemy. But Yoshimasa urges him to stand fast to avoid a military confrontation. Meanwhile, the Mongols start to believe that Tokimune wants war since he has not dispatched an emissary to negotiate peace. Sashi Fusashi sets out to attack the Mongols, but in his absence, they attack his fort and his son is killed.
Episode 36
Sashi Fusashi hurries home, but his fort is on the verge of collapse. Toko narrowly escapes death when Tokisuke saves her. In Kamakura, public unrest spreads throughout the city and Tokimune is criticized. The Mongol army lands in Hakata and turns the village into a sea of fire.
Episode 37
As quickly as they appeared, the Mongol forces disappear into the sea off Hakata. Officials arrive in Kamakura to report the attack, but Tokimune remains uncertain about victory in a war against the Mongols. Tokisuke, who is now in Hakata, predicts another Mongol invasion. He also tells Shokokumei of the need for the nation to make drastic changes in government in order to deal with foreigners.
Episode 38
Tokimune and his council meet continuously to work out a plan to deal with the Mongols. Sashi Fusashi arrives in Kamakura and confronts Tokimune with a sword carved from wood salvaged from his fallen fort. In Hakata, Tokisuke convinces Shokokumei that cultural exchange and trade with the Mongols will benefit Japan. But at that time, Tokimune and his council are winding up their meeting, drawing up a timetable to send troops to Korea.
Episode 39
Tokimune names Ashikaga Ietoki to command the troops headed for Korea. Kono Moroji and Kikyo go to Hakata and find Toko, who learns about her Ashikaga parentage. Tokisuke confronts them and denounces Kikyo for her intense hatred of the Hojo. Meanwhile, In Kamakura, Yasumori and others criticize Tokimune for choosing an Ashikaga to lead the troops. Whereupon, Tokimune explains his real intention--to unify the country.
Episode 40
The Mongol envoys are attacked in Hakata, but Tokisuke rescues them and gives them shelter. His plan is to take them to Kamakura and have them meet Tokimune. Yasumori becomes disgruntled with Tokimune who has begun taking actions without consulting the council.
Episode 41
Tokisuke brings the Mongol envoys to Kamakura to meet with Tokimune. But Tokimune is angered by their insistence on Japan's submission and orders them beheaded. Disappointed, Tokisuke decides to cross the sea to China. And Tokimune, feeling the burden of his worries, sees the Zen priest Sogen.
Episode 42
Sogen hints that Tokimune has but five years to live. Tokimune resolves to settle the Mongol problem in his lifetime, but he finds himself alone. First Tokisuke, then Toko, and now his trusted advisor Sanetoki leaves his side.
Episode 43
Yasumori and Tokimune clash over who should be given priority during the Mongol crisis--the warrior class or the nation as a whole. The issue of Kojumaru's coming-of-age becomes entangled in the problem. A bitter dispute ensues, with tragic results--Yoshitoki kills himself and Yoshimasa leaves the castle. And the already strained relationship between Yasumori and Tokimune worsens.
Episode 44
When Yasumori tries to arrange a marriage between his daughter and Hojo Akitoki, Rinko criticizes her husband's ambitions and leaves the castle in anger. Furthermore, she lies that she is having an affair with Yoritsuna, Yasumori's political rival, causing great consternation among Tokimune's men. Thus, Tokimune seeks Noriko's help in convincing Rinko to accept the marriage.
Episode 45
Mongol envoys arrive in Hakata and Shokokumei is asked to escort them to Kamakura. Knowing that they face certain death, Shokokumei offers to go in their place to talk to Tokimune. Sadly, Tokimune has already decided the fate of the envoys. Shokokumei departs Kamakura in despair and Tokimune realizes that he must face the crisis alone.
Episode 46
Tokimune visits Nichiren, who warns against keeping Yoritsuna as his closest aide. But Tokimune replies that a dark figure like Yoritsuna is necessary to move government. Meanwhile, Sashibo appears in China and meets with Tokisuke and Toko. While declaring in public that he will attack Kublai, Sashibo is slain by guards. Around that time in Japan, the rift between Tokimune and Yasumori deepens.
Episode 47
Tokimune senses that his health is deteriorating and that he does not have long to live. When he learns that the 140,000-men Mongol army is on the march, Tokimune devises his own counter strategies, which angers Yasumori who favors action by consensus. In Kyushu, the self-defense forces manage to push back the Mongols. However, Tokimune orders that the Mongols must be totally annihilated.
Episode 48
The Mongol army which threatens Japan is 140,000 strong. In Kamakura, Yasumori attempts a reconciliation with Tokimune, but is forced to retire instead. Tokisuke learns that a storm is coming and seeks refuge for the Mongol army. But Munemasa insists on their surrender as a condition. Tokisuke sets out alone to talk to the Mongols, but is thrown into the choppy seas. Luckily, he is rescued. Munemasa rushes to nurse his stepbrother, but is felled by a Mongol sword.
Episode 49
Final Episode (8:00-9:10pm) Knowing that death is imminent, Tokimune resigns his post as shikken. Noriko senses her husband's concerns about the future of the administration. So she acts as peacemaker between Yasumori and Yoritsuna, and before Tokimune, they pledge to work together. Tokisuke heads home to Kamakura to also make peace with his brother, only to learn enroute that Tokimune is near death.
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