Original subtitles

First, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru was killed.

His younger brother Yoshiaki escaped that fate,

and when Nobunaga and other daimyo were asked for support,

the relationship between Nobunaga and Yoshiaki began.

To allow Ashikaga Yoshiaki to safely enter Kyoto,

Nobunaga fought the Miyoshi and Matsunaga Hisahide,

who were essentially the rulers at that time,

and Nobunaga won.

Yoshiaki, as the 15th Ashikaga Shogun,

showed respect for Nobunaga, which Nobunaga himself could sense.

But, this was the beginning of the end.

A falling apart emerged from Nobunaga wanting control...

and the shogun resisting it.

Being more powerful militarily, Nobunaga pressured him with restrictions,

and the shogun broke his vows one after another.

About that time, Mt. Hiei was burned.

Nobunaga punished the priests of Mt. Hiei,

who sided with the Asai and Asakura,

by beheading them and setting fire to the temple.

Nobunaga had provided the perfect excuse...

for the shogun and other foes to rise against him.

A secret plot of besieging Nobunaga was planned.

Nobunaga hurried back to Gifu to counterattack,

but when Takeda Shingen's attack became a reality,

Nobunaga realized he was completely besieged.

All was over.

Nobunaga

Episode 35: "The Downfall of the Ashikaga Bakufu"

Original Story & Screenplay: Tamukai Seiken

Music: Mori Kurodo

Original Subtitles TV Network Japan, Inc.

Transcribed and Edited Subtitles Kame Fansubs

CAST

Oda Nobunaga OGATA NAOTO

Rui TAKAHASHI KEIKO

Ikeda Tsuneoki MATOBA KOJI

Akechi Mitsuhide MICHAEL TOMIOKA

Shibata Katsuie TAKITA SAKAE

Hosokawa Fujitaka KATSUNO HIROSHI

Maeda Toshiie HASHIZUME JUN

Araki Murashige HONDA HIROTARO

Ashikaga Yoshiaki AOYAMA YUICHI

Asai Hisamasa TERADA MINORI

Asai Nagamasa TATSUMI TAKURO

Luis Frois FRANK NEIL

Hashiba Hideyoshi NAKAMURA TOHRU

Sakuma Nobumori TANAKA KEN

Hayashi Michikatsu UTSUI KEN

Kano Zuiten HIRA MIKIJIRO

Producer: Yagi Masaji

Director: Shigemitsu Yukihiko

I asked Nobunaga about this much later,

but he had expected to be defeated and killed.

Reporting. Zuiten just burned his face in the prayer hall!

Get away! Stop it!

Bear with it.

Otherwise, we may have to gouge your eyes out.

Reporting. A messenger is here from Gifu.

Reporting! Takeda Shingen defeated the Tokugawa at Mikata-ga-hara...

and is heading for west Mikawa!

The Tokugawa were defeated?!

It was a major defeat in a matter of two hours!

That is awful...

How strange...

Never mind that.

Takeda Shingen defeated the Tokugawa and is heading for Mino!

That's terrible. So, it's finally the big battle.

What's strange?

You just said something was odd.

Ah, that's right.

This may all be part of the plan.

What are you saying?

The Asakura have been retreating this morning.

They are retreating?!

That's right. They may be plotting to attack from behind.

Why didn't you say that first?!

I'm a team leader!

I can't be stating things haphazardly!

And, it's not because I'm careless!

Or because I am dumb!

Quiet! Take me there right away!

I said I'm not dumb!

Watch how you talk.

I'm the commander!

I shouldn't have hired an old friend!

Let's go!

Just when the Takeda are in route from the east,

why is Lord Asakura retreating with his forces?

Please ask him to reconsider.

What is his real motive?

Forgive me, but I was not informed about that.

Right now we have Nobunaga surrounded.

This is not the time to weaken the circle.

If he is worried about getting home in the snow,

assure him that I will do everything to help.

We are almost there.

Takeda Shingen has defeated the Tokugawa...

and will be attacking Owari and Mino in a month.

Then Nobunaga will be paralyzed and defeated.

He only has to wait until that time.

Ask him to return to his position immediately!

I understand. I will do as you say.

Someone!

Bring me sake!

This cold is unbearable.

That damn Asakura is so feeble-minded.

He is never there when you need him.

Whenever there is a battle, he disappears.

He must have a reason for it.

You are too naive!

You just haven't seen through his motives!

He pretends to be our ally, but is unreliable!

Why? He tries to side with the more powerful.

Father. Lord Asakura does not think in such a twisted way.

Everyone is twisted! Can't you see that?!

Forgive me.

We lost many men and lost shamefully to the Takeda army.

I, Sakuma Nobumori, will accept any punishment.

Fool!

Beheading you won't return my men!

Reporting. A messenger is here from the fort at Mt. Toragozen.

Send him through.

Reporting. The Asakura have started to retreat.

What do you mean retreat? Might it be a ruse?

No. The Asakura army of over 10,000 is heading back to Echizen.

Did Hashiba Hideyoshi check if it wasn't a tactic to catch us off guard?

I checked three times.

They should be out of the Asai domain by now.

Good report.

Why are the Asakura moving out?

Hideyoshi is thorough, so it is probably true,

but it could still be a trick.

Or, was there a falling out between the two?

It's the snow.

Asakura Yoshikage hates the snow.

When he saw the snow on Mt. Hiei, he quickly rushed home.

However, this time it doesn't change anything.

Hideyoshi can't overthrow Odani Castle with 5,000 men.

He can't leave the fort at Mt. Toragozen with the Asai.

The circle enveloping us is still intact.

If the Asai were still our allies, we would be worry-free.

Damn Nagamasa...

The way it stands, we are immobilized waiting for the Takeda to attack.

Let's take a chance and head for Mikawa...

to join with the Tokugawa in a pincer attack on the Takeda...

from both the east and west.

They have over 30,000 men. How do we stand a chance?

Do you want to take men from the west for this?

The shogun may have intentions to attack us,

but this hasn't happened yet.

We can battle it out with the Takeda now.

Meanwhile, we can send a messenger to the shogun...

to ask for reconciliation with the Takeda.

That will give us some time.

Shibata. That's not a bad idea,

but right now we don't stand a chance against the Takeda.

We can only do it in Owari.

We want the Takeda army to be far from their homeland in Kai and tired.

This will be the best time for battle.

Before that, the shogun will rise to fight,

bringing Matsunaga, Miyoshi, and Rokkaku from the west.

Then what?

Then it will be all over.

That's not like you, my lord.

Earlier, you never stopped moving, even before death.

You can't stop now.

Weakness stems from immobility.

Mobility gives birth to better strategies.

I have encountered countless battles.

I know the nature of battles very well.

Moving this time is useless.

The more we do, the more the army will get tired.

My lord...

Since we defeated Imagawa Yoshimoto at Okehazama,

our army has increased tenfold in power and men.

Even if the Takeda are invincible,

we have a chance in the woods and fields.

Let's build traps along Owari's borders...

and ambush the Takeda army when it appears.

At Okehazama, if we chopped down trees,

dug ditches and holes in the woods,

and positioned rifles and archery teams all along,

we could easily abolish half of their army.

The Takeda won't fall for those schemes.

The Takeda have numerous spies who check on the enemy...

and remove traps or set up detours.

The Takeda's strength comes from this cautiousness.

Besides, nobody knows where they will show up.

It may look like Owari, but actually be Mino.

Iwamura Castle was quickly defeated.

To think we can only wait and do nothing...

February 1573

After defeating the Tokugawa at Mikata-ga-hara,

Takeda Shingen headed westward...

and captured Mikawa's Noda Castle in February of the following year.

It hurts... Lady Rui, my eyes hurt.

Please allow me to rest a little.

How many times do you need to rest?

How will heaven see your sincerity?

Empty your thoughts so the pain will go away!

Yes...

Pray for divine punishment to Takeda Shingen!

Yes.

If he invades us, you will be beheaded!

So pray!

So Shogun Yoshiaki has finally moved his army.

According to Sir Hosokawa's messenger,

Matsunaga Hisahide, Asai-Asakura, Takeda Shingen,

and the Hongwangi have received secret letters from him.

The shogun himself has also left for battle.

We will be attacked from all directions.

Where is Shingen now?

He hasn't moved since he defeated Noda Castle.

So, is he delaying to wait for the shogun?

We have come to our end.

I must approach the shogun for a reconciliation.

My lord. How about we wait a little longer?

Our army presently has no casualties and is ready.

Even if we must be defeated,

it will be an honor for us to fight the Takeda.

To turn over our land without a fight is shameful.

Shame has no meaning in battles.

If you win, there is honor.

When you lose, only death awaits you.

Reconciliation must take place before a battle.

Once we go to battle, it becomes a surrender.

Maeda.

Go to Kyoto and consult with Hosokawa and Akechi...

to move forward with the reconciliation process.

It must be done before the Takeda enter our domain.

We will accept all the terms the shogun stipulates.

We will even submit hostages.

Tsuneoki. This is no time to weep!

Once Shingen walks on our domain,

the land will be ruined and many will be dead.

Even if I have to commit suicide,

or the Oda are forced to perish,

at least our land will remain safe.

Maeda. Hurry!

Okay, I will be going.

I wish to report.

What is it?

Our spy in Mikawa is here to see you.

What shall we do?

Bring him here.

I have just returned.

After defeating Noda Castle,

the Takeda army has halted at Nagashino Castle.

Nagashino Castle?

Yes.

Why? The Takeda move with great force.

Why would he have his army back down?

Does he have another tactic?

Are you sure of this?

Yes. I saw it with my own eyes.

Actually, I heard a strange rumor while I was among them.

What is that?

I have not seen it, and it is not confirmed,

but Takeda Shingen has been bedridden since the battle at Noda Castle...

and awaits his death.

I cannot believe such a thing!

Where did you hear this?

I approached the Takeda army late at night...

and the team leaders were whispering this.

On another night, foot soldiers were also talking.

When was the last time you saw Takeda Shingen?

Yes. Just a glance on his way to Noda Castle.

I'll send some men to check on Takeda Shingen.

You have brought good news. I will reward you.

Go and get some rest.

It is true that the Takeda army is moving slowly.

Normally, after defeating Noda Castle,

they would be in Owari or Mino by now.

Even if it were tactics, he wouldn't pull back.

Something is happening with Takeda Shingen.

Tsuneoki. Check into this right away!

The heavens have sided with us!

My lord. What if we suspended reconciliation talks for now?

No, whether Shingen is alive or not, reconciliation talks should be done.

Nobunaga is a formidable foe of the emperor.

It is beneath you to be an envoy for that man.

You are so right.

But, as a disciple of Buddha,

I can't forsake one who asks for help.

Nobunaga regrets his rudeness to you,

and is willing to accept any kind of settlement.

He has promised as many hostages as needed.

Lord Nobunaga is indeed rude and ruthless,

but he has done many good things.

He led you into Kyoto, and stabilized the city.

Your residence has been repaired.

When you take that into consideration,

I beg you to reconsider reconciliation.

Nichijo...

Nobunaga is a spirited man.

It is not becoming of him to be weak at this time.

As a warrior, he should fight the Takeda and die.

Now leave. His Highness is tired.

Nichijo...

When you return, tell Nobunaga that taking matters lightly...

will lead to his ruin.

I have returned.

And?

It seems that Takeda Shingen is really ill.

My men snuck into Nagashino Castle where Shingen is resting.

Guards surrounded the whole area,

with only the doctor being able to see him.

The entire place is dead quiet.

What about the rumors within the army?

Rumors are spreading rapidly...

and some foot soldiers have left to return home.

Reporting. Sir Maeda is back from Kyoto.

I have just returned.

How did things go?

Forgive me.

We tried three times to request assistance from the Shogun...

for reconciliation, but he wouldn't listen.

It was a failure.

Forgive me.

I see...

In addition, the shogun has ordered Mii Temple,

Kojo-in, and Senkei to rise to the occasion.

The Ikko Sect has constructed forts in Ishiyama and Imakatada.

Forgive me for being useless at this time.

I, Maeda Toshiie, will commit hara-kiri.

Maeda. You did a good job.

You don't need to worry.

If the shogun won't reconcile, we will attack.

Shingen has fallen ill and can't move.

Maeda. They are as good as gone now.

I am so glad!

Shibata. You are assigned the vanguard.

Take Akechi, Niwa, and Hachiya to attack the forts at Imakatada and Ishiyama.

Ignore the eastern foes.

Only the foes in the west count.

The news of Nobunaga's invasion of Kyoto...

led the capital into turmoil.

The residents knew that Nobunaga was ruthless,

so they all escaped as fast as they could.

This confusion lasted for many days.

The people feared the looting, murders, and fires...

that came with invasions.

We missionaries never blended in with the populace,

so the warriors were even more of a threat to us.

Bateren, you can load more on the cart!

Take as much as you can with you!

If it is left behind, it will be gone!

All the valuables are in this bag.

You can leave the rest.

Let's hurry! Where is Bateren going?

There is a village near Toji that is safe and uninhabited.

That's great. This is between the shogun and Nobunaga.

The town will go up in flames.

Just when it became peaceful, there is another battle.

Enough is enough!

What are you doing?!

The battle is about to begin any minute!

Nobunaga is at the Chion-in Temple!

He's there already? Such speed!

Bateren, let's hurry!

Is Nobunaga here?

Yes.

Can I meet with him?

Unless we escape now, it will be a disaster.

Will this place be burned down, too?

Where is Takeda Shingen?!

I heard he is gravely ill,

and hasn't moved from Nagashino Castle in Mikawa.

Of all things!

Damn Nobunaga is at Chion-in Temple, right before us!

What are we going to do?

Shingen's illness was unexpected. It's like a nightmare.

Fool! This is not a time for dreams!

What should I do?!

Do you want me to beg Nobunaga for forgiveness?!

Reporting. Nobunaga is requesting reconciliation again.

Is that so?

It's not negotiable!

I never want to see his face again!

Send him away from Kyoto immediately!

But, if we don't concede,

he threatens to burn down the northern half of Kyoto.

Tell him he can if he wants to!

If he burns this palace and the religious sites,

divine punishment will fall on him!

True to his word, that night Nobunaga burned the palace,

historical temples, and homes of aristocrats in northern Kyoto.

Had the winds supported this action?

It was indeed a huge blaze.

We hid in the village near Toji,

but Araki Murashige of Kawachi who had changed sides to Nobunaga,

set up their camp at Toji.

I am grateful that you found this safe place,

but I can't bear this pain in my back.

Pray to the lord and you won't feel it.

Please, let me stretch just once.

It will go away if I do that.

I beg of you. Ouch, it hurts.

Okay, just once then.

Thank you.

Quiet!

There are chickens over there!

Chase them out from the other side!

I'll shoot. Gently.

Did you kill it?

It got away.

Such amateurs! I'll show you how.

Chase the birds out.

You did it wrong.

It seems you are doing well. Hunting birds?

Yes, and they are fast.

We'll try too.

We wouldn't have caught them if it wasn't for the cries!

It was not funny...

I, Hosokawa Fujitaka,

served as liaison between you and the shogun so peace could be restored.

I had hoped you would join forces to rule Japan.

But, much to my regret, such hopes are gone.

I am well aware of your efforts.

Unfortunately, the shogun would not listen to me.

With a small army and little political clout,

the shogun knows very well that he can't stand alone.

Yet he attempts to do so and cannot be persuaded otherwise.

After many futile discussions,

I have decided to forsake the shogun.

As of today, I will serve only you and assist you in building a new nation.

I am encouraged to know you are my ally.

I don't hold a grudge against the shogun.

If he can be pacified, I would provide for him well.

But, if he sends letters secretly to other daimyo,

and regards me like an enemy,

then we will just fight until the bitter end.

Araki Murashige...

It is encouraging to know you have become an ally.

Now that you are part of my alliance,

the Ikko Sect will not take me lightly.

I am honored.

Nobody cares about a powerless shogun.

I myself would prefer a world without a shogun.

Only the powerful should come forward.

I believe you possess such power,

and have come forth.

My army is at Toji.

When will we attack the shogun's palace?

Before that, I will propose reconciliation again.

I beg to differ.

This nation is at your fingertips.

You don't need reconciliation.

We will surround Nijo Castle and make him surrender.

That would settle it once and for all.

You are correct,

but to defy the shogun is to step outside the master-servant laws.

It is imperative that I continue to push for reconciliation...

and that he is calmed down.

I will always pursue the safety of the shogun and emperor...

and the peace of the nation.

I am prepared to offer my son Nobushige as hostage...

and to shave my head to enter the priesthood.

What is Shingen doing, anyway?

For this time,

Emperor Ogimachi's envoy intervened to bring reconciliation,

but in July, Shogun Yoshiaki once again challenged Nobunaga to battle.

He set up camp outside of Nijo at Makishima Castle near Byodo-in Temple,

but he had inevitably reached the end of his fate.

His surrender was without conditions.

The Ashikaga Shogunate ended at this time.

So everybody, until next time...

To be continued.

To be continued.