Ichiro Ep2: Drama Notes

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Ep. 2: "Departure Now"

Episode Synopsis: Onodera Ichiro (Nagayama Kento) is trying to fulfill his role as chief attendant of the Sankin-kotai, while relying on the accounts written by his ancestors in the book, "Records of the March". He is determined to bring back the original and traditional style of the procession. First off, he is to gather the right number of people necessary for the traditional journey. Thus, he persuades storehouse official, Sakuma Kanjuro (Fujimoto Takahiro) to join him in the march. He also asks for the journey's funding through the House's treasurer, Kokubu Shichizaemon (Ishiguro Ken), the father of Kaoru (Matsuura Miyabi). However, unbeknownst to Ichiro, House Gaurdian, Shogen (Shiro Sano) who is bent on usurping the seat of the House, is trying to prevent his movements. Meanwhile, Suzu (Mimura), wife of House Head Sakyonodaibu (Watanabe Dai), anxiously awaits for her husband's safe arrival in Edo...

Drama Notes:

Mino Province [美濃国]. The setting of the drama starts in the country of West Mino. Mino province was "one of the old provinces of Japan, encompassed the southern part of modern-day Gifu Prefecture (...) Mino Province served an important military and political role as the path to Kyoto as well as to Tokaido." There were several historical events that happened in Mino, including The Battle Of Sekigahara. In the drama, the ancestral homeland of Ichiro, Tanabu district is fictional. Above pic is the Gifu Castle located in the former Mino province.
(info: wiki) (pic: wiki)

Notes on Sankin-kotai Feudal Procession (Part 1): Personnel

Tsuyuharai [露払い]. Ichiro persuaded Sakuma to become the tsuyuharai (or forerunner) of the procession. His role is to stand in front, and to open and to lead the way for the procession. In period dramas depicting Sankin-kotai, he is often heard shouting, "Shita ni, Shita ni", an order for onlookers and bystanders to sit or squat down as the procession passes by.
(info: ja.wiki, oshiete) (pic: 4travel)

Kinmonsakibaku [金紋先箱]. They bear the chest or kinmon, containing the items of his Lord: clothes, goods, personal items.

(info: weblio) (pic: otokuni)

Yarimochi [槍持]. The bearers (usually two) of the ceremonial spears. One of the personnel mostly situated at the front of the procession. The spears are unique, and help identify the domain from which the procession belonged to.
(pic: narupara)

Filming location: Waterfalls scene. The waterfalls scenes were shot in north Kyoto. The name of the waterfalls is Kanabiki Falls. More likely, in the book, the waterfalls that Kaoru and Ichiro visited was Yoro Falls, a famous waterfall of the Mino province (now Gifu). Its water is said to be rich and invigorating (and can even cure illnesses), that is why, in a scene in this episode, Kaoru was probably getting some water from the falls, using a small jug.
(pic: wiki)

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