Musashi 2003 episodes 37-49 recap

The followings are my recap of Musashi 2003 Taiga drama episodes. Spoilers for those who haven’t watched the (very great and totally recommended) series.

Episode 37

Soon after Musashi arrived in Kumamoto the Hosokawa father and son (Tadaoki vs Tadatoshi) organised the challenge between Musashi and Kojiro; both of them accepted the challenge.

Yagyu Munenori ordered to kill whoever wins in the duel between Musashi and Kojiro. So, basically, although Musashi and Kojiro had wanted to test their skills for a long time, their duel might have been different had it not been for Edo political feud.



Kojiro later received information from Mitsu (Kakubei Iwama’s daughter) that whoever won the duel between him and Musashi would be killed anyway. Since in this taiga Kojiro had a much better morale, and knowing that Oshino had met Musashi once (in which Musashi rescued Oshino), Kojiro asked Oshino to deliver a message to Musashi that the winner of the duel would be killed by someone else. Musashi received Oshino and her message gratefully. Upon learning that Oshino had a complete trust in Kojiro, Musashi asked what trusting another meant.

“It is to become one with another. To think of the other’s soul as your own”, was Oshino’s simple answer.

Musashi thanked Oshino and asked her to thank Kojiro for him.

Matahachi came to Mimasaka to see his mum and Otsu. After a short prayer for Uncle Gon, Matahachi bragged funnily about his current wealth and his business trip to Osaka, but Osugi was tepid about it. When they were alone, Matahchi told Otsu that Takezo was going to fight Sasaki Kojiro in Buzen. Matahachi was thinking of going to Buzen himself to see Takezo; won’t Otsu go with him? Yet, Otsu didn’t go because Osugi needed her (although I think the real reason was that she still felt guilty for not returning in time for Musashi).

I have to admit that I much prefer the novel version here. There, Otsu practically ran towards the duel place despite her high fever! Musashi is checking the currents, and he asked the fisherman what were the currents like next month. So Otsu still had one month to catch up with Musashi, if the writers allow them to!

Both Musashi and Kojiro wondered about the currents around that little island. And Musashi found an oar about the length of Kojiro’s nodachi (long sword, called the Cloth-drying Pole) that he would later carve to smooth it out.

But!!! Mata-yan found Musashi’s hiding place in Shimonoseki!!! Please Mata-yan, please be the matchmaking once more!!!

OMG sweet Mata-yan brought Musashi a black kimono Otsu sewed for Musashi!!! Mata-yan explained that Otsu didn’t leave Musashi; she returned back to Edo straight and now waiting for him in Mimasaka. She wanted to go to Buzen but the old hag Osugi didn’t want to let her go, so Otsu gave Mata-yan the kimono. Tearfully, Musashi asked Mata-yan to tell Otsu that he’d return safely to her.

Meanwhile, Oshino also gave Kojiro a white kimono. The loyal Kojiro also swore that he’d return back to Oshino.


Episode 38

So… UNLIKE the novel, Otsu didn’t pack and run towards Shimonoseki before Musashi departed for Ganryujima. I’m still disappointed for that, but at least a kimono she sewed for Musashi was with him now. Also, when Osugi asked Otsu why she prayed, Otsu admitted to Osugi that she was praying for Musashi. When Osugi later interrogated whether Otsu still loved “that man”, Otsu calmly said yes. The girl then cheerfully prepared mugwort gruel for Osugi despite the latter’s incessant complain.

The loyal Matahachi told Akemi about Musashi’s upcoming fight with Kojiro.

Tadatoshi was against killing the winner, but his advisor Kakubei Iwama said it was a good move. His advisor said that if both Kojiro and Musashi died killing each other, the sword duels in Japan will cease.

Now, history said that Musashi was a vassal of Tadatoshi. But now he’s the vassal of Hosokawa Tadaoki instead?

Anyway, Takuan heard the duel news and was concerned too.

By the way, Funajima (later known as Ganryujima) was apparently in the straits where the Dannoura Battle broke between the Genji and the Heike more than 600 years prior.

Since boats are not permitted to sail on the duel date, Kojiro asked Oshino to sail to Hikoshima the day before the duel. He’d meet her there after the duel.

Is it possible that Musashi was three hours’ late not just to annoy Kojiro, but also to use the tides? If ever Kojiro wins, he’d also be able to use that same tide to get away from the killers?

Kojiro died after one strike from Musashi. However, before he truly left his body, he said, “Mikoto da! That was magnificent!” to Musashi, then told him to go, away from the Iwama murderers.

Musashi arrived at Hikoshima to find Oshino waiting for Kojiro… I truly feel for Oshino…

Really, they still wait for Musashi in Hikoshima?! Idiots! Anyway, as he whispered Otsu’s name, Musashi easily defeated those ants and returned to Mimasaka for Otsu…

I do respect that the Funajima was later named Ganryujima for Sasaki Kojiro, despite it was he who fell… Sasaki Kojiro was an honourable man here. I used to hate him when I read the novel, but here he was portrayed as an honourable warrior. I feel sad that he fell. But I salute the people who later renamed Funajima as Ganryujima, for despite his fall, Kojiro was a great warrior in his own rights.

And after this, the story moved to a totally new territory for me, for that was when the novel ended.


Episode 39

Musashi walked straight to Mimasaka after arriving at Hikojima (Well, he had to cross the strait again, but you get what I mean…). As he arrived in Mimasaka, at a local shrine he left the wooden sword he used to defeat Sasaki Kojiro. He tearfully whispered Kojiro’s name before he left.

Just getting into half of the episode and I wish the series ends here... Seeing Takezo/Musashi and Otsu being so happy together without being affected by the conflicts between Osaka and Edo... seeing their smiles after so long being separated, how beautiful it is... And what such a wide, open and warm heart Musashi had for Osugi who used to wound his eyes! I'm melting in warmth now...

The farming episode in Mimasaka was taken from the novel, I think, adapted from the time Musashi was trying to till a very dry land somewhere (and he had to think of a way to irrigate the land and control the rain water).

Then of course, the wind of war swept to Mimasaka. The carrier was none other than our dear Mata-yan, who was now in the musket trade. Mata-yan actually wanted to make a gun factory in Mimasaka (!!!) because of the good quality of iron ores there.

Annoying!!! Musashi was wary about it of course, but did Mata-yan listen?

No… (palm/face)

The story hasn’t followed up on Mata-yan’s musket idea. However, another person came to Musashi’s village. Hailing from Hirado, his name was Aida Nakanoshin and he joined Musashi’s farming village. However, Otsu was suspicious that Aida wasn’t telling the truth about his real origin, because Aida knew next to nothing about the Christians in Hirado (apparently, there were quite a lot of Christian churches in Hirado back then).


Episode 40

I watch this episode with trepidation, for I know it’s just a matter of time that Otsu is killed off. She’s not a historical figure, and Musashi was recorded to be a loner during the Osaka-Edo campaigns in 1614-1615. Hence, NHK might have killed Otsu just by 1614. Damnit!

Anyway, in 1613 Musashi and Otsu had their first harvest. Sannosuke arrived and declared he wanted to farm as well. The boy also said to Otsu that he was waiting with Takezo when Otsu didn’t return. The kind Takezo, realising that Otsu felt a bit guilty, laughed and said to Sannosuke to drop the subject.

A message came to Musashi from Takuan, asking Musashi to visit him and Ikeda Terumasa (who bestowed the Musashi name to Musashi in the early episode) in Himeji Castle. Musashi did visit (wearing the black kimono that I suspect Otsu made for him), but he promised Otsu that he’d return quickly (Himeji Castle from Mimasaka was less than a day’s walk). Aida Nakanoshin tagged along to Himeji Castle.

Yagyu Hyōgonosuke agreed to serve his uncle Yagyu Munenori; the latter ordered him to finish Ikeda Terumasa (who was Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s main aide).

Under the disguise of “Koide Morinao”, Hyōgo visited Ikeda Terumasa, and afterwards, Terumasa was taken ill. Musashi and Takuan were still in Himeji when they heard that news, but Musashi didn’t meet this “Koide dono”.

Terumasa eventually passed away. After Musashi returned to his village (yay!!!), he was informed that Ikeda’s killer was Yagyu Hyōgonosuke, based on the way the cut that took Ikeda’s life was. Otsu said Hyōgo wasn’t such a person. Musashi also agreed; he’d met Hyōgo and he knew Hyōgo wasn’t someone who would be involved in conspiracies. Otsu narrated how Hyōgo was feeling guilty when the river flooded and Otsu was prevented from returning to Edo – yet again. Musashi wondered if something triggered a change in Hyōgo.

Meanwhile, that Aida Nakanoshin was eavesdropping on them…

I notice here that, when Otsu told Takezo how Hyōgo apologised over and over about the flooded river, Takezo wasn’t surprised. He had the expression of someone who understood. Mochiron, as they were reunited again at the beginning of Ep 39, Otsu and Takezo would’ve talked about why she was 6 months late in returning to Edo, and why Takezo left Edo (because he didn’t believe she would return home). But it’s nice to have a confirmation that they did talk about it.

One question though: did they ever make love??? They clearly were husband and wife now, but we weren’t shown their wedding. Dang, I wish they’d at least kiss!

Shit!

What the hell was Mata-yan doing?? He’s clearly a gun trader now! Even Akemi disagreed; she didn't like him selling muskets. She told how she was but a little fool when she collected the muskets when she was a child, and she didn’t like that memory.

Hyōgo investigated the muskets and tracked them down to Matahachi. Stupid Mata-yan flirted with Takane, forgetting how loyal Akemi was!

Next episode had Hyōgo capturing Mata-yan, such that Musashi had to rescue him!


Episode 41

Mata-yan used his wits to escape Hyogo’s sword. Okoh arrived in Osaka from Kyoto and was livid when she heard the pregnant Akemi left Osaka because Matahachi was flirting with another woman. Gonnosuke (who accidentally defeated Musashi before the latter fought Kojiro) arrived at Musashi’s village to join the farmers there. Upon being accepted by Musashi, Gonnosuke immediately helped with the drainage systems in the village.

Musashi and Otsu received some women refugees who turned out to be Christians. One of the women told Otsu about her mother’s statue, and said it could’ve been carved by a Sister Lucia.

And this episode was also the ep where I wanted to slap Mata-yan again. Just stop being a jerk – flirting with another woman while Akemi was being faithful to him – and stop trading weapons!

One afternoon, Okoh suddenly arrived at Musashi’s village, informing the latter that Matahachi was captured by Sanada Yukimura’s vassals. Otsu recognised Okoh as the woman who rescued her from Gion Toji, yet Otsu was ever kind that she never mentioned to Musashi that the person who wanted to deflower her was Gion Toji.

Musashi left the village to rescue Mata-yan after instating Gonnosuke in charge. Kakunoshin said that if anything happened to Musashi, the village would be in danger. However, Otsu handed Musashi his sword, saying that if anything happened to Matahachi, Musashi couldn't live with it. Hence he had to go, while Otsu etc would take care of the village.

(I loooove it how Otsu just handed Musashi the sword in a total understanding. She knew Musashi inside out and Musashi was literally melting in gratitude when he received Otsu’s support…)

Musashi finally entered Sanada Yukimura’s mansion and met Sanada Yukimura himself. Sanada was disappointed to learn that the famous Miyamoto Musashi had joined the weapon traders. Musashi said that he wasn’t part of the weapon trade, that he just wanted to rescue his friend. Sanada didn’t believe him despite Musashi’s begging. Sanada then demanded that Musashi jumped down into a thicket of cut bamboo grooves to prove his loyalty to Matahachi.

As expected, Musashi jumped.


Episode 42

Musashi jumped into a grove of sharpened bamboo shoots and injured his foot, yet he proved to Sanada his loyalty to Mata-yan. Thus, Sanada Yukimura realised Musashi was telling the truth, that the samurai just wanted to rescue his friend. Sanada released Matahachi, but since Musashi couldn't walk due to his injury, Matahachi returned to the village with Sannosuke. Musashi himself stayed at Sanada’s castle until he was healed. By then, Musashi and Sanada had formed a bond of friendship.

Meanwhile, in Edo, Kyoto and other places, Christians were hunted and prosecuted by the Tokugawas. However, despite the warnings from the Christian women in the village, Otsu still kept the Mother Mary statue that might have been carved by Sister Lucia.

Way outside Kyoto, safe from the Tokugawa prosecution, a group of Christian women were traveling when they met the pregnant Akemi who was going to Mino. The women gave Akemi two pills (food supplements perhaps?). One of them, who turned out to be Sister Lucia, gave Akemi a carving of Mother Mary and Baby Jesus to bless Akemi’s journey before they left Akemi.

When Musashi emerged from the gate drunk, I was so surprised. That couldn't be him; he’s passed that stage years ago!... aaaand I was right; it was a ruse!

Having formed a friendship with Musashi, Sanada Yukimura held a feast to celebrate the recovery of his now-guest. Upon learning that Sanada wanted to go to Osaka to help the Tokyotomi, Musashi asked why Sanada wanted to do that. Musashi further said the following: “I now till the fields with my companion” and he truly treasured his days in the village. I’m still not sure what word Musashi used for “companion” here, my guess based on its sound is 友, which is like 友だち, tomodachi, friends. But I somehow feel that Musashi referred only to Otsu here, because he earlier clearly questioned Sanada’s decision to leave for Osaka, despite having such a beautiful family. If indeed Musashi referred to Otsu as his companion, I’m very happy. It could be just because I viewed it from a Western perspective, but I know from The Da Vinci Code that “companion” in Jesus time was the same as “wife” in modern time. Now, again, I only have the 2,000 years old Jerusalem reference, instead of the Azuchi-Momoyama reference, so more research is needed.

Anyway, Musashi eventually helped Sanada escaping the Tokugawa spies (by pretending to be drunk – it was a funny scene!).  Musashi then returned to his village.


The question is… knowing that the historical Musashi eventually got involved in the Siege of Osaka, I wonder how it turned towards that direction here in this Taiga.


Episode 43

Musashi went back to the village to find Motokichi (a Christian resident) murdered. Musashi invited Mata-yan to drink sake after the latter thanked him for the rescue. Takezo said that he wouldn't have learned how to laugh without Mata-yan. More people this time from Mizutani, arrived seeking protection. However, this time Musashi turned them away because there was no more land to be farmed. Otsu naturally protested afterwards. Musashi then explained that, since he helped Sanada Yukimura escape, he had unintentionally sided with Toyotomi. He didn’t want his village to grow too fast that he couldn't protect the villagers anymore. He then built a wall around the village, for he wouldn't stand idly to watch the village he and Otsu built destroyed by the impending war. Musashi would not side with Toyotomi nor Tokugawa.

Anyway… I just want to comment how sweet Musashi’s love to Otsu is/was. When he came back to the village, the first name he uttered was hers. Despite the series not having any intimate scenes at all between them (barring Takezo’s attempt to embrace Otsu after he murdered the Yoshioka child), I can feel the deep and steady love Otsu and Musashi shared here. Compared to the recent trend of lovey dovey period dramas (I’m glaring at some C-drama and K-drama now!), I actually prefer this sweet, silent love declarations between Otsu and Musashi. It was naturally sweet, naturally warm, developed naturally as time went by…

Anyway, meanwhile, the Tokugawa found an excuse in a bell inscription, saying that the Toyotomi insulted Ieyasu in the inscription. It’s about how the Chinese characters were written. To me, it was just looking for any reasons to start a war. Even Yagyu Munenori voiced his objection on that silly interpretation.

Damnit! The Christian women in the village were arrested. Musashi asked whether the women would be released after interrogation, if the Magistrate found that they were indeed just Christian women who had nothing to do with the Toyotomi. The Tokugawa officers couldn’t guarantee it. Yet, when Musashi etc. wanted to defend the women, Matahachi talked him out of it! Matahachi said that it would bring more trouble to the village otherwise. However, isn’t it the point of protecting the village?!?!?!

Otsu was disappointed, but then she noted that Aida Nakanoshin might be the one who reported the women.

Yagyu Munenori was disappointed with the Tokugawa vs Toyotomi development hence he said to Hyōgo that he’d not do anything at that stage.

Musashi had a heart-to-heart chat with Okoh, who commented what would Gion Toji say if he saw Musashi as a farmer. Takezo was going to say what happened to Gion Toji when Okoh said that she knew, and yet she appreciated that Musashi buried Toji after the fight. Musashi then said that Gion Toji, Yoshioka Seijuro and Sasaki Kojiro taught him to trade off his sword with hoe.

The refugees from Mizutani returned to Musashi’s village, and this time Musashi didn’t have the heart to refuse them once more. Aida said that it could raise Ieyasu’s suspicion that Musashi would revolt one day. Musashi said that the village had no plan to revolt at all.

Okoh said to Aida later that she remembered meeting him somewhere. Musashi had more suspicion towards Aida.

The Ninja Aya reported to Munenori that Musashi aided Sanada Yukimura and that Musashi’s village was growing larger. Matahachi the gun trader was there too, hence Musashi would side with Toyotomi. Munenori ordered Aya to destroy the village and kill Musashi.

Aida Nakanoshin lured Okoh to kill her, but Musashi prevented that and killed Nakanoshin instead. From behind the trees, emerged Yagyu Hyōgonosuke.

Next episode will have that damned Aya killing the villagers! I know I hate her!


Episode 44

Hyōgonosuke appeared to warn Musashi to leave the village NOW. Musashi held an internal meeting with Gonnosuke, Otsu, Sannosuke and Matahachi. Gonnosuke argued that Hyogo shouldn’t be trusted. Mata-yan said that Hyogo warned Musashi because he wanted to save someone in the village… and as he said that, his eyes went to Otsu. Musashi asked if Otsu trusted Hyōgo; she said yes. Mata-yan advised Musashi to leave the village as well. Eventually, Musashi agreed…although as Sannosuke said, the crops were ready for harvest.

In hindsight, I agree that Hyogo warned Musashi mainly because of Otsu. Hyogo must have known that Otsu lived with Musashi now, hence he was worried for her safety when Yagyu attacked. I don’t think Hyogo would be that invested in Musashi’s village had Otsu not been there.

Anyway, although it hurt Musashi to order the evacuation, he did so, despite some villagers accused him of being a coward for not raising an army. Matahachi gave an honest speech of why people should leave, that they could always return later after the war. Thus, people left… after paying respect to Musashi the village leader. Musashi asked Gonnosuke and Sannosuke to protect the fore front.

It pains me to see the villagers bowed in respect to Musashi, not because they bowed in respect (he deserved the respect!), but because it was goodbye. Musashi and Otsu were the last to leave; but not without them grabbing a handful of soil as they prayed for gratitude and possibly for their return. That was a poignant scene for me…

And then, as expected, the killers appeared and killed all the villagers (including Okoh). One old villager returned to the beloved village but he died just as he was on the door step, in front of Musashi and Otsu. Musashi told Otsu to stay put, he then ran to aid the villagers. But he had no one else alive; except perhaps Gonnosuke who was barely alive.  The Devil Aya emerged and asked Musashi why he meddled in politics. Musashi said he just wanted to farm the land; what’s wrong with that. Aya said anyone who aided anyone who wasn’t a Tokugawa had to basically die.

Musashi had a duel with Aya, and he should just kill her as he defeated her!!!

Yet, the compassionate Otsu (thank God she was alive!) prevented Musashi from killing Aya. Musashi himself was already thinking about sparing Aya, actually, but Otsu’s scream came just before he slashed Aya after fortifying his resolve to kill her. Musashi eventually spared Aya, and even prevented that killer from commiting a hara-kiri. Aya ran away screaming.

Musashi found everyone but Gonnosuke (and Mata-yan and Osugi) died. Everyone, including the boy Sannosuke. It breaks my heart to see Musashi crying over Sannosuke’s body.


Meanwhile, in Osaka, Lady Yodo dismissed Katagiri Katsumoto for suggesting that she and Toyotomi Hideyori surrendered to the Edo Castle. Katsumoto said his suggestion was merely for the safety of Lady Yodo and Hideyori. The bloodthirsty Ieyasu found it good enough to start the Osaka Campaign.

Somehow, Mata-yan and Osugi escaped the attack, but just because Osugi wanted to go to the Honiden (or was it Miyamoto) village. Yet, Osugi did die on Mata-yan’s back as he piggybacked her to the village.

Somehow Musashi and Otsu bade farewell to Gonnosuke; perhaps Musashi thought there was no point of going together anymore… though I think Gonnosuke should just travelled together with Musashi and Otsu, for he could still protect Otsu. But perhaps it was because Musashi and Otsu were going to Osaka, and Gonnosuke didn’t want to go there?

Anyway, Musashi and Otsu finally arrived in Osaka amidst the impending war. Taking a refuge at Matahachi’s house, Musashi told Otsu that he had to see Munenori and asked why Munenori destroyed the village. Otsu said it could cost Musashi’s life. Musashi said that he would give his life to the village; the life that he and Otsu created. If he died protecting it, so be it, for the villagers trusted him with their lives, and his life was no longer his own. Otsu replied that, when Musashi lose his life, she would take her own life too, for her life wasn’t her own anymore.

Musashi smiled in gratitude on his wife’s understanding and support.

Then an earthquake came, but not enough to destroy the inn our couple stayed in.

Note: Interesting that the Musashi Travels section noted that Musashi and Iori fought against Shimabara Rebellion. I knew Musashi was in a campaign against the Christians, so I was actually surprised that he was portrayed as Christian-friendly here. Not that I’m a Christian; I’m just interested in some facts.

It’s very likely that Musashi wasn’t the pure-hearted legendary samurai I wished him to be, and I have to accept that. The Musashi in this drama might have been the romanticised, more enlightened version of the historical Musashi. In that sense, the drama producers took a good creative licence when they filled Musashi’s “missing year” of 1613 with his life with Otsu in the village.


Episode 45

Matahachi returned to Osaka safely and joined Otsu and Musashi at his place in Tenma. Musashi went to the Hosokawa mansion in Osaka to return Sannosuke’s wakizashi to his grandfather Kojima Bizen. There, Musashi also met Hosokawa Tadaoki; the latter apologised for the plot of killing the victor between Musashi and Kojiro. Both agreed that Kojiro was a great warrior.

Hyogo told Munenori that he quitted the Osaka-Edo feud and he’d return to Yagyu. Hyogo told Munenori that killing the villagers wasn’t necessary, for he’d kill Musashi himself if his uncle asked him to. Because of the killing, Hyogo’s trauma of seeing corpses returned (Hyogo used to “have to” kill villagers for the Tokugawa). Munenori still believed his way of governance was the right way (killing for peace). He told Hyogo to kill the trader who sold the muskets to the Toyotomi. That means, Hyogo had to kill Matahachi.

By the way, it means that I was right! Or rather, Matahachi was right. Hyogo warned Musashi because of Otsu, not because of Musashi…

En route Mino, the very pregnant Akemi was rescued by a middle age couple. Afterwards, she stayed with them.

Musashi himself, as he walked the streets of Osaka, trying to find out the whereabouts of Munenori’s camp, he serendipitously met Priest Onshin, formerly Yoshioka Seijuro. Despite the wind of war sweeping Osaka, the scene where Musashi met Onshin is a beautiful oasis. Both Seijuro and Takezo had changed for the better. Seijuro had taken a tonsure to be Onshin, Takezo had lost the bloodthirsty look. As Onshin said, Takezo’s soul had taken the tonsure…

Also, it was nice to see Musashi and Otsu cleaning up Mata-yan’s house despite Musashi being so famous.

Musashi later told Otsu about his encounter with Onshin. He wondered was it wrong to hate, particularly to hate Munenori. Otsu didn’t know, but she believed that something had to be done with regards to the murders of Sannosuke etc. I’m still so happy that Takezo had Otsu there…

Mata-yan came to inform Musashi the whereabouts of Munenori (Chausuyama). Musashi naturally went there. Btw, Mata-yan had been selling weapons to Toyotomi now, but still with double the price!

In the castle, Sanada Yukimura suggested the young (and cute) Hideyori to lead the campaign, but Lady Yodo disagreed.

Matahachi decided to leave Osaka, although Otsu and Musashi disagreed with him running again. That same night, Hyōgonosuke came to kill Matahachi, but Musashi prevented him.


Episode 46

Musashi and Hyōgo were about to engage in a lethal duel when Otsu barged in. After her begging the two men to stop fighting fell on deaf ears, the stubborn Otsu jumped in the middle and stayed there. Ignoring her husband’s plea (yes, I do think they’re married!), Otsu knelt down. Hyōgo was the first to sheath his katana, followed by Musashi. After warning Matahachi to quit his weapon business, Hyōgo sort of apologised to Otsu and Musashi, for he barged in without realising they were there. It was so CLEAR how Hyōgo still loved Otsu…

Before the Yagyu heir left, Musashi said he wanted to see Munenori, for he had something to ask. Hyōgo said he’d send someone over to escort Musashi.

Later, Otsu asked Matahachi to stop his dangerous business but before the discussion got further, Okoh unexpectedly came! Okoh apparently wasn’t killed. She was injured, but a farmer rescued her. It was her will to see Akemi that rescued her. In a way, Akemi saved her. Okoh also commented that Akemi would have given birth to the baby by now.

At that comment, Otsu and Musashi looked at each other. And I was wishing the two lovebirds would have a child somehow…

Seriously, I wish they'd have a child...

Anyway, Okoh and Mata-yan later left for Mino, the birthplace of Akemi. Matahachi said that – just like Musashi risked his life for the village and Otsu risked her life for Musashi – he’d like to risk his life at least once for Akemi.

Meanwhile, the Siege of Osaka continued. Tokugawa attached Sanada’s camp, but Sanada Yukimura persevered. In Matahachi’s place, Musashi wondered if Mata-yan was able to escape Osaka safely. Otsu said Mata-yan had grown stronger, thus he’d be able to reach Akemi. The peaceful smile that Musashi had upon hearing it… I cannot describe. I know in the novel how Musashi loved Otsu, but Ichikawa Shinnosuke (later Ebizo XI) truly pumped up the romantic in Musashi to a new level, which I’m totally happy for.

Musashi then asked if Otsu believed Hyōgo would truly send someone to pick him up, to which Otsu said that Hygo was a man of his words. Takezo then said, when Hyōgo’s man arrived, he’d have to go. Would Otsu be okay with that?

With the determination of a samurai’s wife, Otsu simply said, “Hai”.

Meanwhile in the castle, Lady Yodo eventually agreed on a peace treaty. The cannons were then silent, as Musashi and Otsu commented in front of his new painting. Musashi said a silent thank you to Otsu for bringing him water, Otsu sweetly nodded. Then, someone knocked on the door. It was Hyōgo’s messenger to coming to pick up Musashi. Just like a real samurai’s wife, Otsu braced herself and bode farewell to Musashi before she prayed in front of her shrine. She had resigned herself that it would be the last time she saw Musashi.

In the camp, Hyōgo said he’d kill Musashi if the latter killed his uncle. In turn, Musashi politely asked Hyōgo to spare – not Otsu, for it would be a given – Matahachi. Hyōgo agreed.

Oh... these two noble warriors...

When Musashi asked Munenori why he killed the villagers, Munenori simply said that it was to protect the Tokugawa governance. That flared up Musashi such that he withdraw the katana and approached Munenori like a tiger would approach his prey.

This is such an AMAZING scene!

MAN!!! The way Musashi parried Hyōgo’s sword and Hyōgo’s speed in reapplying the katana on Musashi’s neck!!! I wonder who would win if the two really clashed in a fight! Musashi never beat Yagyu Sekishusai, but not sure about Yagyu Hyōgonosuke.

Eventually, Musashi withdrew. Hyōgo walked Musashi off. Then, Hyōgo informed Musashi that he’d return to Yagyu and perfect the Shinkage Style. The Yagyu life suited him better. Hyōgo did say that, while Munenori abandoned his ideals for power, the nephew still sought to uphold it. Hyōgo also said that deep within Munenori lied a wish to confront Musashi like a samurai would: man to man.

And thus, after thanking Hyōgo for his help, Musashi returned back to the faithful Otsu.

In Mino, Akemi was reunited with Okoh and Matahachi.

Damnit! Will we see Otsu’s death next episode??? And she’s killed by Aya, the woman whom she saved from Musashi’s katana???


Episode 47

I know this is the episode where Otsu died… but I just need to see it. I cannot avoid it forever. Otsu wasn’t a historical figure; she was bound to die one day here…

Kedo… the beautiful love between Otsu and Musashi makes it so painful…

Anyway, Otsu informed Musashi that Takuan Sōhō was in Sakai Temple. The husband and wife visited Takuan who asked why they were in Osaka. Musashi told the priest what happened to the village and how he wanted to kill Munenori for that. Takuan asked if Otsu realised hatred would never end. Otsu confirmed it, but she also couldn't erase the sight of Sannosuke and the children massacred by Munenori’s men. Thus, she understood Takezo. Takuan rebuked Musashi for the hatred and vengeance, for the cycle of hatred would never end.

At home, Otsu later told Musashi that she somehow understood what Takuan said.

Later, Mata-yan arrived from Mino. He already shopped around for baby toys. He also said he had given up the weapon trading for Akemi and the baby. Listening to this, Musashi and Otsu stole some glances at each other.

How I wish the legend turned differently… and that Musashi and Otsu had kids… and lived till they’re 80 years old…

Despite only staying for a short while in Osaka, Mata-yan (bless him) heard that a group of Christian nuns were going to Luzon, departing from a port near Osaka. When Otsu learned that one of the nuns was called ‘Lucia’, she just had to go to that port despite the dangerous siege with the Tokugawa. Ever the loving husband, Musashi accompanied Otsu to search for Lucia. Matahachi also later tagged along.

Anyway, Otsu and Musashi managed to catch up with Lucia’s boat before she left Sakai for Luzon, but Lucia didn’t know her name. Lucia only heard Otsu’s flute and she saw her standing on the dock with a samurai… but Lucia knew the woman playing the flute was her long-lost daughter. Otsu also knew that Lucia recognised her, for there was a bit of commotion on the boat, and one woman turned towards the shore and observed her from a far.

Later, Matahachi asked Musashi and Otsu to leave Osaka with her, as he was going back to Mino for Akemi. Mata-yan later said Otsu only had Musashi, and Musashi only had Otsu, hence why not leaving Osaka? Yet, Musashi still couldn't let go of the idea of revenge, of killing Munenori for the latter’s twisted idea. Otsu supported him, thus she also stayed. As for Mata-yan, he said that Akemi was irreplaceable for him, thus he’d return to Mino. Musashi listened to this in silence.

Then of course, after shopping for Akemi and the baby, Mata-yan forgot something (a Chinese medicine for Akemi). He was about to go out again in the dark to fetch the medicine when Musashi offered to do that instead. Lightheartedly, Mata-yan agreed. He and Otsu didn’t even blink when Musashi leisurely walked out the door.

OMG, the last scene where they were together, Musashi didn’t even bade Otsu properly cos he thought he’d just be out for a walk to get the medicine!

Damnit! Aya came when Musashi was (of course) not at home, thus Matahachi and Otsu had to fight for their lives. Matahachi gave his life to protect Otsu, and he managed to kill Aya with a Dutch musket just before he himself fell. Just as he was around the corner of Matahachi’s house, one of Musashi’s sandals broke. A servant informed him that Matahachi and Otsu were in danger, thus Musashi returned hastily. With trepidation, he entered the house and screamed Otsu’s name. Then he stopped dead to find his dear friend’s body on Otsu’s embrace.

Oh the last scene… when Musashi was howling over Mata-yan’s death… it hurts me to the core…

I’m relieved that Musashi still had 1-2 episodes with Otsu… but man, I never thought that Matahachi’s death would hurt me so!


Episode 48

Musashi and Otsu tearfully packed Matahachi’s items to send to Mino. Musashi also asked Otsu to leave Osaka for it was getting dangerous there. As for himself, Musashi would go to Osaka Castle to help with the resistance. He won’t side with Toyotomi or Tokugawa. He just wanted to kill Yagyu Munenori for the death of Matahachi. Otsu said that Musashi had never killed out of hatred till then, thus she didn't want him to start now. Musashi said, if he didn’t do anything, he’d live in hatred instead. He didn’t want to lose Otsu, hence he had to do something. Thus, he asked Otsu to leave Osaka.

However, Otsu said that she’d stay in Osaka and wait for Musashi to return alive. So he better return alive!

Meanwhile in Mino, a tearful Akemi couldn't accept Matahachi’s death…

Musashi eventually came to Osaka Castle to meet Sanada Yukimura. He requested that he’d be accepted because of a selfish reason, that is to kill Munenori. Sanada accepted Musashi.

Takuan came to see Otsu and was surprised that she actually wanted to stay for Musashi. However, after hearing her reasoning (and realising that she couldn’t change Musashi’s mind once that stubborn warrior set his heart to it), Takuan encouraged Otsu to indeed wait there for Musashi.

That night, Sanada commented how beautiful the moon was, and that a clear mind is required to view a clear moon. Musashi then wondered whether he was actually not of a clear mind; that he allowed hatred to be the reason for him wanting to kill Munenori.

Sanada later asked Musashi to escort his son Daisuke alive out of the Castle if the Castle fell. Sanada Daisuke originally was adamant in joining his father, but Musashi, who had realised the meaning of viewing the moon with a clear heart, encouraged Daisuke to remain alive and return home to Daisuke’s mother. Musashi also said that he himself wouldn’t die unnecessarily. That he’d come out of the castle alive and return to the one who waited for him (i.e. Otsu).

That night, Sanada Yukimura left the Castle to attack Tokugawa. Musashi and Daisuke bode him farewell.

The travel note said that behind Musashi’s grave out of Kumamoto City, there was a grave of the woman that the aging Musashi was involved with. Musashi’s grave was also in the vicinity.

So… Otsu was loosely based on a folklore then?

Yonekura Ryoko is amazing as Otsu, by the way!

Episode 49

OMG what a journey it has been!!!

Inside the Osaka Jō, Hideyori and Mum Yodo were listening to an ensemble of music (which included a mandolin and a violin) when they received news that Sanada Yukimura had died. Lady Yodo was about to commit seppuku but her vassal prevented her, saying that Princess Sen (Ieyasu’s granddaughter) had been let out of the castle.

Musashi found Munenori in the burning castle. When Munenori asked if Musashi hated him, he said no. Musashi just wanted Munenori to taste the spirit of a person who had lived on his own by his sword. Nori accepted the challenge.

The fight was short; Musashi dismantled Nori’s defence easily. Yet, he didn’t kill Nori as requested. Instead, Musashi told him to never forget that the spirit of a person who lived on his own strength will never easily die.

Afterwards, Musashi left the castle.

In Tenma, Otsu’s house was attacked by some Tokugawa soldiers. Otsu hid and managed to kill a soldier. Outside, Tokugawa soldiers killed or raped and killed women. Panicking, Musashi ran towards his house and rescued Otsu in the nick of time.

In the Castle, Hideyori refused to leave Lady Yodo. They burned the castle and committed seppuku.  The fire was so bright that it could be seen from Kyoto, where Takuan Sōhō prayed for the departed. The narration noted how Takuan’s live was also painful due to his free speech.

Musashi and Otsu got out of Osaka safely, but they kept running from the Tokugawa soldiers. They eventually rested inside a cave, in the rain... Otsu was sleeping sound while Musashi watched over her in relief, caressing his cheek on her hair...

Then there was a recap of Musashi’s and Otsu’s hardship in being true to themselves and to try to find each other.


The story jumped a few years into an older Musashi, painting a bird picture in front of a shrine. On the shrine, there was Otsu’s tablet and her flute. Otsu’s voice said how Musashi was always there to protect her, to be with her. That he taught her to trust others, yet she also taught him to be a better person.

The older Musashi who painted the bird painting was a wiser, more in peace Musashi. Portrayed also by Ichikawa Shinnosuke, the old warrior looked somewhat like the old Musashi in paintings. Well, a biiiit more gorgeous with slightly more hair, but it was not far-fetched!

So... as Musashi heard Otsu's voice in his head and all around him as follows...

You paint birds so well. Because they have strength to survive on their own, birds are able to soar high in the heavens. You always said that. 

My days with you were all happy. You were always there. That is why I was able to live. Man cannot live on his own. I taught you that. And you taught me how to trust others. 

Thank you. 

...I also bow in gratitude to him, to the Master.

For he teaches me to live believing in one’s own strength, not to bow to power.

And I’m so grateful for this great drama. It befits its name, a Taiga Drama….