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Ooka Echizen Season 4 2018

Illustrates the fierce conflicts among the female figures connected to Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun.

Taking place during the early 1800s in Edo Period Japan, the people are facing hardships under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate

Denshichi from Kuromoncho works under a police officer and uses a special purple truncheon to combat crime in the alleys of Edo. This truncheon was given to him by Inspector Toyama Saemon, who oversees Kitamachi. Denshichi focuses on punishing wrongdoing rather than the wrongdoers themselves and shows compassion and kindness. Despite his cheerful demeanor, he carries the burden of accidentally causing a person's death while trying to help another. This is why he emphasizes the importance of preserving life no matter the circumstances.

The fourth installment of the Ooku series focuses on the time of the 3rd Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, and the establishment of the Ooku. Iemitsu was raised by his nanny, O-fuku, while his younger brother Tadanaga was raised by their biological mother, who was the Shogun's wife. Throughout his upbringing, there was tension between his mother and nanny, both vying for his success as the future Shogun. The series recounts various events from Iemitsu's childhood to adulthood, detailing his journey to power.

Set in the Yoshiwara red-light district of Edo, this period drama follows four women from different professions who are proud of their community. They band together to seek retribution against men who mistreat the district's prostitutes.

This tale follows a talented sword fighter who faces challenges with a firm commitment to fairness and a sincere compassion for the common people. Iwane, betrothed to Okon, is tasked with protecting the Shogun's heir apparent, who is poised to become the next ruler. Iwane endeavors to shield the Shogun's son from hired killers sent by the influential advisor aiming to increase his own political influence. (NHK)

The narrative revolves around the women connected to the Tokugawa shogun lineage, with a spotlight on Isonomiya Tomoko and her strategic marriage to the 10th shogun, Tokugawa Ieharu

Based on Morimura Seiichi's book series "Assassin Contractor Series" ( ).

Based on Yasuhide Saeki's novel "Secret Life Revealed: The Enigma of Kasumi Kanzuki".

During the Bunka-Bunsei era, the culture of the townspeople thrives as the 11th Tokugawa shogun Ienari's close advisers engage in corrupt administration, leading to a decline in public morals in Edo. Discontent among samurai families and local businessmen grows due to the increasing hardships faced by ordinary town residents. In the dead of night, a whistle suddenly pierces the air. Nezumi Kozo, a heroic thief, effortlessly escapes across rooftops with a box containing 1,000 ryo, which he then scatters over a sleeping, rundown tenement house. Nezumi Kozo's true identity is that of Jirokichi, a playboy with a strong sense of justice who interferes in cases purely out of his desire to see the people of Edo happy. This narrative is inspired by the novel series "Nezumi, Edo wo Hashiru" by Akagawa Jiro.

Based on Morimura Seiichi's "Assassin Contractor Series," a collection of novels.

During the late Edo period, Futaboshi Hikoma, the astronomer of the Hirado domain, is known for his unique passion for the stars and the sea. When a lovely bride named Orie enters his life, Hikoma promises to cherish her forever. Sadly, Orie mysteriously disappears after only a short time of marriage. Little does Hikoma know, Orie is a skilled female ninja sent by the shogunate to investigate the Hirado domain for suspected illegal activities. The shogunate plans to punish the domain as a warning to others in the western regions. Unaware of this, Hikoma travels to Edo in search of his missing wife. Through a friend named Senemon, he meets Matsuura Seizan, the former feudal lord of Hirado, who warns Hikoma that he will harm Orie if she is found. Hikoma vows to protect his wife at all costs. To locate Orie, Hikoma takes on a role as an instructor at a local school and befriends a boy named Tarokichi. Meanwhile, strange occurrences, such as festival music playing at Seizan's residence at night, lead Hikoma and the children on a journey to uncover the truth. However, their investigation unknowingly brings them closer to the shogunate's hidden agenda.

The 39th NHK Taiga Drama is titled Aoi Tokugawa Sandai. This series, written by James Miki, follows the story of three generations of the Tokugawa family, starting from its founder Ieyasu to Iemitsu, the third Shogun who strengthened the Tokugawa dynasty. (DramaWiki)

The Tenpo era marks the conclusion of the Edo period. Despite facing financial challenges on a daily basis, Nobu, the humble wife of Katsuie, maintains a cheerful demeanor. In this period, social status does not dictate relationships, and Nobu's kind heart is truly commendable. Katsukichi, my husband, is a skilled marksman with robust arms that are hard to dislike. I cannot help but adore Koiyoshi. Kokichi is supported by his radiance, carefree attitude, wisdom, and drive in facing life's challenges. Meanwhile, their son Rintaro observes his parents with a calm and intelligent demeanor. Inheriting righteousness from his father, Katsu Kaifune, Rintaro is determined to protect the people of Edo, displaying a love that transcends his mother's social standing.

During the Tenpo era at the end of the Edo period, there was a strong focus on reform. Katsuya Kokichi is known for his powerful arms, while his wife Onobu admires them when questioned. Despite facing financial struggles, she maintains a cheerful demeanor. Their son Rintaro is intelligent and ambitious, aiming to study Dutch in order to one day help the people of Edo as "Katsu Kaishu." Interestingly, he has recently developed feelings for a geisha from Fukagawa.

Based on Yoshinaga Fumi's manga "Ooku" ( ).

In 1868, discussions between the shogunate and the new government lead to the agreement to hand over Edo Castle. Kakurai Hayato, a hesitant warrior from Owari supporting the government forces, is tasked with overseeing the smooth surrender of the castle. The only issue is a retainer named Matooya Rokubei who refuses to leave. Rokubei, a former guard of the shogun, remains seated and only moves to attend to personal needs. Due to promises made to Saigo Takamori and Katsu Kaishu, disputes within the castle are prohibited, making it impossible to remove Rokubei by force. As Kakurai spends more time with the man, he begins to develop a strange understanding and respect for Rokubei's traditional demeanor.

The air around Edo Castle holds a tense vibe. A childless general falls gravely ill during a power struggle for succession. In order to protect a man who resembles Unokichi, the shogun summons Amari Bizen no Kami and his younger brother Yukichiyo. However, an immediate attempt on Yukichiyo's life forces him to flee and go into hiding. To ensure Yukichiyo's safety, Amari Bizen switches their identities, making Yukichiyo pose as Unokichi and vice versa.

This tale follows a skilled swordsman who faces challenges with a firm commitment to justice and sincere compassion for ordinary people. Despite residing in Edo for four years, Iwane continues to live in a row house next to a masterless samurai and his family, who often cause trouble for him. Commoners seek Iwane's assistance with various issues, and he happily resolves them while engaging in friendly interactions with them, including his former fiancée and a girl from the neighborhood who looks up to him. (NHK)

During Tokugawa Yoshimune's rule in Edo, Sachi from Tsutomura loses her father and brother to illness and starts working at the Isuzuya kimono shop in Tenma, Osaka. The shopkeeper Jihei imparts business knowledge to the apprentices using "business traffic" as a teaching tool at night. Intrigued, Sachi pays close attention and finds herself drawn to the world of business. Two years later, the fourth-generation owner of the shop, Tokubei, marries Kikuei, the daughter of a prominent merchant, but Tokubei encounters a problem...

Taking place in the Bakumatsu era, which marked the end of the Edo period, the story follows Sakai Banshiro, a samurai of humble origins. He decides to leave his family and serve at the lord's castle. By preparing dishes based on recipes from his wife, Banshiro brings comfort and solutions to the troubles of the people around him.

Onodera Ichiro, a 19-year-old who grew up in an Edo household, is urgently called back to his hometown following the accidental death of his father, who served as the head attendant for feudal lord processions. Ichiro belongs to the Makisaka family from West Mino, who, despite being vassals of the shogun with 7,500 koku, hold the esteemed status of feudal lords. Despite facing potential punishment for the fire caused by neglect, Ichiro is appointed as the head attendant due to the imminent departure of the procession. With no experience in this role, Ichiro risks the future of his family line. Feeling overwhelmed and without support, Ichiro decides to rely on the ancestral records of the processions, which his father protected at all costs, as he sets out for Edo. Unbeknownst to him, the procession has been manipulated to bring down the feudal lord and potentially destroy his family.

Niidekyo Jo oversees the operations at Koishikawa Yojosho, a medical facility situated in Koishikawa, Edo. He provides medical treatment to patients and shows concern for their personal issues. Known as "Red Beard," Niidekyo often clashes with the young doctor Yasumoto Noboru. As Yasumoto tends to a diverse range of patients, he gains insight into what it takes to embody the role of a true physician. This information is adapted from Yamamoto Shugoro's novel "Akahige Shinryotan."

During the Bunsei era (1818-1830), samurai families faced financial constraints. To alleviate their burden, households would hand over their finances to a traveling steward, who acted as a modern accountant and consultant. Karaki Ichibei specialized in managing the budgets of families in dire financial straits. Skilled in both the abacus and sword, Ichibei visited various homes to assist those struggling financially and facing adversity. This drama is divided into three parts: "Spring Wind" (Episodes 1-3), "Thunder God" (Episodes 4-6), and "Return Ship" (Episodes 7-9). (Jdramas Weblog)

Isobe Isobee is a student at a samurai school who aspires to become a renowned samurai, yet he constantly attempts to avoid putting in effort on a daily basis

In 1906, towards the end of the Meiji era, the government decided to allow the pollutants from the Ashio Copper Mine to be dumped into the pond in Yanaka Village, located downstream of the Watarase River in Tochigi Prefecture. This was done to protect the operations of the mine, but unfortunately, it led to contamination of the fields in the village. Nitta Sachi, the daughter of a poor farming family in Yanaka Village, was approached by politician Tanaka Shozo through her older brother Nobuyoshi. Sachi was asked to go to Tokyo to work as a housekeeper for female social activist Fukuda Hideko, who was in charge of the magazine "Women of the World." With the help of Nobuyoshi, Sachi met Kusakabe Jotaro, who claimed to be a government official. He escorted her to Tokyo and instructed her to observe and report on activities in the Fukuda household. Various social activists like Kotoko Shusui and Osugi Sakae were frequent visitors at the Fukuda residence. Sachi worked diligently, but she felt inadequate for not being able to read like the other intellectuals in the house. Meanwhile, there was a strike by the laborers at the Ashio Copper Mine. This led to social activists like Ishikawa Sanshiro advocating for a wage increase and attempting to incite rebellion against the government. However, the authorities cracked down on the activists, including Ishikawa, who was arrested. Feeling guilty for his arrest, Sachi fled from the Fukuda household and returned to Yanaka Village, only to find her home destroyed due to the government's forced seizure. To her dismay, her brother Nobuyoshi was at the center of this unfortunate event.

Kyoko Nakane was raised in a privileged household by her strict father Shigekazu, who did not value education. When she was 19, Kyoko was introduced to Natsume Soseki as a potential spouse. Despite their different backgrounds, they were attracted to each other and decided to marry. Soseki accepted a teaching position in Kumamoto, marking the start of their new life together. Despite Soseki's intellectual prowess, he lacked the experience of a loving family due to being adopted as a child. In an effort to connect with her husband, Kyoko tried to engage in his interests, socialize with his friends, and participate in challenging discussions, but with limited success. Tragically, Kyoko suffered a miscarriage and attempted suicide due to her feelings of isolation, causing turmoil in their relationship. How would they navigate through this challenging period as a couple?

Derived from the novel series "Akinai Seiden: Kin to Gin" (あきない世傳 金と銀) authored by Takada Kaoru (髙田郁).

In their younger days, Ino, the daughter of a restaurant owner, Shika, the elegant wife of a samurai, and Chou, the owner of a sundries shop, formed a close trio in Bakurocho in Edo. Now in their thirties, each woman is feeling disheartened by their current situations, unable to confide in anyone. Suddenly, they decide to leave behind their responsibilities and families to embark on the Nuke Mairi pilgrimage to the Ise Grand Shrine, a popular journey during the Edo Period. Setting out on foot along the Tokaido, the main road connecting Kyoto and Edo, the three women aim to start afresh at Ise.

Unokichi, the descendant of the wealthiest trader in Edo, Mikuniya Tokuemon, finds himself working as a constable unexpectedly. Despite his vast riches and aloof demeanor, his coworkers are impressed by him. Unokichi, however, remains indifferent to their opinion. Lacking skill with a sword, unable to run, and fearful of the dark, he is ill-suited for the role. Nevertheless, he continues to inadvertently create misunderstandings with those around him as he collaborates with them to solve numerous cases in Edo. (Jdramas Wordpress)

A detective with a wealthy grandfather but lacking in combat skills, agility, and having a fear of darkness, makes a comeback to work on a case involving a gang of robbers.

In a different version of feudal Japan, a peculiar illness that affects only men led to a significant decrease in the population, resulting in women taking over the vacant roles and reshaping the societal hierarchy. Now, 80 years after the initial epidemic, with a male to female ratio of 1:4, Japan has transformed into a fully matriarchal community. Women occupy all key political positions, while men serve as their companions. The most influential woman, the leader of the Tokugawa shogunate, is the only one allowed to maintain a group of attractive but unproductive males, referred to as the "Ooku."

In the late Edo period in Kyoto, there was a tale of a mysterious samurai wearing a mask who chooses to fight for justice and eliminate wickedness. Amidst the chaos of samurais clashing due to their conflicting loyalties to the Tokugawa shogunate, the common people lived in fear. Kurama Tengu, the masked samurai, emerges as a protector, aiding the innocent in their time of need.

In the historical setting of the Edo period, Koishikawa Yoyosho is where a secretive and resolute physician called Red Beard, alongside a young doctor named Yasushi Nakamura, provide medical care to impoverished patients and residents of Ichii

During the Edo period, Nagasaki grew into a cosmopolitan hub frequented by Westerners engaging in trade. Interpreters played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations and gathering information. In the 2nd year of Kaei (1849), a young man named Ijima Sota journeyed from Edo to Nagasaki in search of his missing father. Sota, known for his inquisitive nature, was learning English at a private school when he stumbled upon a revelation about his father. With the support of his friends, he devised a plan to uncover the truth.

Ishibashi Ginjiro, a skilled swordsman hailing from Edo, travels to a northern domain in pursuit of the legendary sword Umanohone, as requested by his uncle who serves as a key official in the domain. In order to gather information about the sword, Ginjiro decides to engage in duels with six renowned swordsmen affiliated with the school rumored to possess the sword. Along his journey, facing injuries and engaging in battles on his own, Ginjiro uncovers hidden schemes orchestrated by individuals driven by a thirst for power.

The drama portrays the story of Zhang Ju Zheng, a renowned figure during the Ming Dynasty. In the hierarchical society of ancient China, few prime ministers rise to power from modest beginnings like Zhang Ju Zheng. He mentors the young emperor in implementing important changes, but faces opposition to his reforms. As a consequence of his decisions, his family suffers the consequences. His tragic fate serves as a precursor to the decline of the Ming Dynasty.

The narrative revolves around a collection of individuals who unite at Anshan Steel and Iron Company, triumphing over challenges to establish the company. This journey highlights the historical significance of the company's growth during the early years of New China. The central characters, Shang Tie Long and Yang Shou Shan, share a complex relationship as "frenemies" who rely on each other, enduring hardships from pre-liberation to post-liberation.

The narrative of the peculiar medical literature evolving alongside the motherland during the period spanning from the early years of the Republic of China to the triumph of the Anti-Japanese War. (DramaWiki)