Yoshitsune/Synopsis Eps 1-30

Synopsis By Episode

• Yoshitsune/Synopsis Eps 31-49

Episodes 1 thru 10

Episode 1

On February 7th 1189, Minamoto no Yos-hitune, the commander of the Genji troops looks down at the Heike’s camp from the top of the cliff, waiting to make a surprise attack on the Heike troops, a sworn enemy of Yos-hitsune. Among the Heike’s commanders, however, there are Taira no Munemori, Tomomori and Shigehira, whom Yos-hitsune used to play with in his childhood as if they were brothers…

In December 1159, the Genji clan, which has once prospered in Kyoto with its head Minamoto no Yos-hitomo, is defeated by the Heike clan in the battle of Heiji. Tokiwa, a much-loved mistress of Yos-hitomo and mother of Yoshitsune, escapes from Kyoto and wanders in the snow with her three children. The head of the Heike clan, Taira no Kiyomori is asked by his step mother, Ikenozenni to save the life of Yoshitsune’s half brother Minamoto no Yoritomo who was captured after the Genji's defeat. Tokiwa returns to Kyoto, hearing that her mother was captured by the Heike as one related to the Genji, and appeals Kiyomori for mercy to save her mother and sons in exchange for her own life. Kiyomori, who lost his own mother when he was a child, sees Ushiwaka (Yoshitsune’s childhood name) who is held in Tokiwa’s arms, and makes a decision. (courtesy Rieko, KIKU-TV Message Board)

Episode 2

Being spared by Kiyomori, Ushiwaka lives with his mother, Tokiwa in Kyoto. He enjoys playing with Kiyomori’s young sons as they were his brothers though he is a child of the Genji, Heike’s enemy. Taira no Shigemori, Kiyomori’s eldest son, suggests to Kiyomori that he should place Ushiwaka under some kind of constraint as Shigemori is alarmed to see how Ushiwaka is feeling close to his younger brothers. Hearing that Kiyomori often visits Tokiwa, Kiyomori’s wife, Tokiko secretly calls her and comes to know that Tokiwa is carrying Kiyomori’s child. One day, Kiyomori finds that his valuable folding screen which has been kept at Tokiwa’s is damaged by scribble writings in black ink. Though it turns out to be Ushiwaka’s doing, Kiyomori does not scold him. Instead, Kiyomori tells Ushiwaka of his dream about a "new country?. Tokiko insinuates Kiyomori about Tokiwa. Kiyomori, understanding Tokiko’s feeling, decides to marry Tokiwa off to Ichijo Naganari together with Ushiwaka. Though Ushiwaka misses the Heike people, Tokiwa tells him strongly to stop visiting the Heike residence. (courtesy Rieko, KIKU-TV Message Board)

Episode 3

Being prohibited from visiting the Heike, Ushiwaka plays with orphans in Kyoto. Shigemori happens to spot the sight and once again suggests to Kiyomori about giving Ushiwaka some constraint. He is concerned that the people who used to be related to the Genji may gather around Ushiwaka. Kiyomori tells Tokiwa to choose whether to send Ushiwaka to the far land of Saigoku or to make him become a Buddhist monk. Being told to go to a Buddhist temple, Kuramadera, Ushiwaka asks her for the reason but Tokiwa keeps silent. At Kuramadera, Ushiwaka is unhappy since he misses his mother at first but gradually settles down by learning the world-view of Buddhism from Monk Kakunichirisshi and Kiichi Hogen, prophet and astrologer who gives Ushiwaka a new name, Shanaou. One day, Shanaou is told by his uncle, Shingu Juuro Yukiie who visits the temple that he is a member of the Genji family. (courtesy Rieko, KIKU-TV Message Board)

Episode 4

Shanaou, now knows that Kiyomori is his enemy who killed his real father. He spends time in agony sympathizing with his mother, Tokiwa who once had to become a mistress of Kiyomori. One day, Shanaou hears in Kyoto that Kiyomori is ill and he has become a Buddhist priest. Unable still to hate Kiyomori, Shanaou tries to find his uncle Shingu Juuro Yukiie in Kyoto to hear more about the Genji clan. On the way, he helps a young woman who is bothered by vicious priests. The woman turns out to be Utsubo, Shanaou’s childhood friend. After returning to Kurama, Shanaou learns military tactics from Kiichi Hogen. In Kyoto, Benkei, monk warrior, hunts swords from the Heike people to pay old scores against them. Shanaou comes to Kyoto again after finishing his training and comes to know the real reason why Kiyomori saved the lives of Tokiwa and her three sons. On that night, when Shanaou is walking on Gojo-oohashi Bridge, a large figure comes forward to stand in his way. (courtesy Rieko, KIKU-TV Message Board)

Episode 5

On the way going back from Kyoto, Shanaou is stopped on Gojo-oohashi Bridge by Benkei who has been hunting swords from the Heike people. Mistaking Shanaou for a Heike, Benkei attacks him suddenly. During their fight, Yoshitsune drops the flute given by his mother in a river. When Tokiko hears from Kiyomori about his plan to make their daughter Tokuko the Emperor's bride, she sets out a scheme to realize the plan. One day, Shanaou meets his friend Utsubo again at the temple. He is amazed to find her matured having survived through difficulties and she reminds him of Tokiwa, his mother. After Shanaou sees Utsubo off in Kyoto, he happens to be chased by the Heike warriors. When he runs into a shrine to hide, he meets Shizuka, a dancer who helps him out from the chase. Kiyomori took a prestigious sword, "Higekiri no Tachi" which had been always inherited by the Genji successors, at the end of the battle of Heiji. This sword turns out counterfeit and Kiyomori rages against Yoritomo who intentionally made the false assertion on the sword. In Kyoto, the Heike also searches for Shanaou as he is Yoritomo's younger brother.

Episode 6

The Heike gets increasingly alarmed to see Shanaou often visiting Kyoto instead of becoming a priest in a temple. One day, Shanaou is attacked by Utsubo’s brother and his follower Kisanta who seek to receive a reward from the Heike. Kisanta who is caught by Shanaou tells him that the Heike family is trying to kill him. Hearing that the Heike family is pressuring Kakunichi Risshi to make Shanaou a priest, Shanaou realizes that as long as he stays at the temple without becoming a priest he would cause difficulty for the people surrounding him. Being troubled about his future and feeling that he still cannot hate Kiyomori, Shanaou visits Otoku, a mysterious braid merchant, and asks her if she can arrange a meeting with Kiyomori. Kichiji, a gold merchant from Oushu recommends Shanaou to escape Kyoto and head for Hiraizumi, the city in Oushu where the Fujiwara clan rules. Around that time in Izu, Yoritomo spends his time leisurely though keeping an eye on movements in Kyoto. One day, Yoritomo meets Hojo Masako, daughter of Hojo Tokimasa who has watched Yoritomo by the order of the Heike.

Episode 7

Shanaou happens to see Kiyomori and his group heading for Fukuhara in Kyoto. Shanaou remembers Kiyomori's talk about the city of his dream and gets interested in seeing Fukuhara and its sea. In Izu, Hojo Tokimasa is concerned about his daughter Masako who looks unusually depressed. Hearing rumors, Yoritomo realizes that Masako is fond of him. Shanaou goes to Fukuhara with Kichiji and hears from him about Hiraizumi and its splendors. Understanding the chasm between himself and Kiyomori whom he has adored just like his father, Shanaou decides to go to Hiraizumi. Kiyomori entertains the ex-emperor Goshirakawa at Fukuhara who promises to grant Tokuko, Kiyomori's daughter, become a wife of the emperor. This aggravates a conflict between the Heike and court nobles. Returning to Kurama's temple, Shanaou sees Benkei who has been waiting for him to ask to have him as a retainer.

Episode 8

Shanaou informs Kichiji that he has made up his mind to go to Hiraizumi and starts preparing. The conflict between the Heike and high ranking court nobles continues and Kiyomori and his eldest son Shigemori quarrel over how this should be settled. However Kiyomori now puts great trust on Shigemori acting confidently as the successor of the head of the Heike despite his mild nature. Kiyomori's daughter Tokuko is reluctant to become the emperor’s bride. Around that time, a rumor about the relationship between Yoritomo and Hojo Masako in Izu spreads in Kyoto. Being alarmed to see the Genji regaining power, Mumemori strongly suggests to his father, Kiyomori to kill Shanaou or to confine him in the world of Buddhism. Shanaou is told by Tokiwa who is put under pressure by the Heike to become a priest immediately. Realizing that the time has come to leave Kyoto, Shanaou visits Otoku and asks her again to let him see Kiyomori. After a meeting with Kiyomori, Shanaou visits Ichijo Naganari’s residence to say farewell to Tokiwa.

Episode 9

Having made a farewell to Kakunichi Risshi and others, Shanaou secretly leaves Kurama and heads for Oushu accompanied by Kichiji and Kisanta. Hearing the news, the Heike family sends out orders to capture him. One night, Shanaou and his company who separate from Kichiji for a while are attacked by bandits. Benkei who has been following Shanaou’s company save them. Learning Shanaou’s identity, Iseno Saburo, one of the bandits, follows them and asks Shanaou to have him as a retainer. In Owari, Shanaou meets Kichiji again and decides to have a ceremony of Genpuku or samurai’s coming-of-age celebration by himself after hearing Owari is the place where his father Yoshitomo was killed. Now a full-fledged samurai under a new name Minamotono Kuro Yoshitsune, he proceeds to Oushu on a ship with one of the ship owners, Surugano Jiro. On the way, Yoshitsune learns from Jiro the location of Izu and looks at the land from far on the waters thinking of his brother, Yoritomo. In Izu, Hojo Masako declares to have Yoritomo as her husband, which bewilders her father, Tokimasa. Yoshitsune and his company land at a port to head for Hiraizumi. Impressed with Yoshitsune’s character Surugano Jiro follows them.

Episode 10

Yoshitsune and his company arrive in Oushu which is ruled by Fujiwarano Hidehira as the head of the Fujiwara family. At a banquet to welcome the company hosted by Hidehira, Yoshitsune falls asleep after drinking sake. Hidehira is not sure if Yoshitsune is such a fool that he is not able to foresee the chance of Hidehira turning against him. Hidehira decides to take time to judge Yoshitsune and orders Sato Tsugunobu to keep an eye on Yoshitsune by becoming his attendant. In Kyoto, Kiyomori’s daughter Tokuko becomes a bride of the Emperor, which enhances the power of the Heike family. Hidehira hears from Kichiji that Yoshitsune carried out the ceremony of Genpuku or samurai’s coming-of-age celebration in Owari by himself instead of having the ceremony after arriving at Oushu and asking Hidehira to serve as his guardian. Hidehira is impressed to know that Yoshitsune was taking precautions against Hidehira before seeing him. Hidehira gives Yoshitsune a fine horse and shows him around in Hiraizumi. Listening to Hidehira talk about his philosophy as the ruler of Oushu, Yoshitsune remembers Kiyomori and thinks of his own father who he does not remember. Hidehira tells Yoshitsune that he will think him as one of his own sons. Yoshitsune lives in Hiraizumi with his followers including Utsubo who has come after him from Kyoto. One day, Hidehira’s eldest son Yasuhira becomes missing at a hunt.

Episodes 11 thru 20

Episode 11

Yoshitsune comes back safely to Hiraizumi with Yasuhira who Yoshitsune found by himself in deep fog although the area was not very familiar to him. Yoshitsune’s courageous behavior and his wisdom of saving Yasuhira immediately becomes the talk of the town in Hiraizumi. Those from powerful local families visit Yoshitsune one after another offering him to take one of their young ladies as a bride. However Yoshitsune decline all the offers. Sato Tadanobu, younger brother of Sato Tsugunobu, visits Yoshitsune and asks him why he has rejected to marry a certain lady. Utsubo decides to return to Kyoto, hearing that Yoshitsune has been offered a marriage. She thinks her presence may become an obstacle for him. In Kyoto, the Heike family is prospering though their power is slowly starting to wane. A plot to overthrow the Heike family is discovered and the secret meeting of the conspirators is cracked down. Kiyomori’s relationship with the ex-emperor Goshirakawa, who is said to have joined the conspiracy, starts to reveal subtle discord. Tokuko, daughter of Kiyomori and Tokiko comes back to the Heike’s residence. As her daughter is expected to give a birth to the emperor’s child, Tokiko makes a certain decision.

Episode 12

The city of Kyoto becomes unstable day by day with fires breaking out constantly and frequent robberies. In fear, people accuse the Heike family as the cause of their misery. Being concerned that this unstable situation may develop into a chaos, Otoku sees Kiyomori. She recommends him to have Gotari, one of orphans who help her, serve him as he will convey complaints in the city. Around that time, Yoshitsune goes on a trip with his retainers to Echigo. On the way, he meets a samurai who is chased by a woman in armor. Later he finds out the man turns out to be Kisono Yoshinaka, Yoshitsune’s cousin, and the woman, Yoshinaka’s lover, Tomoe. Yoshitsune tries to follow Yoshinaka to find him but he has already departed. In Kyoto, Tokuko gives birth to a baby prince which makes the Heike family prosper more than ever. However, Shigemori, Kiyomori’s eldest son whom he deeply trusts, dies because of illness. The loss of his eldest son who has been taking an iron role for the Heike’s absolute power to continue makes Kiyomori decide to take the role himself. In a rage against the ex-emperor Goshirakawa who repeatedly confiscates the territories of the Heike family, Kiyomori keeps Tokuko and her son prince, who is a future emperor as well as Kiyomori’s grandson, at Heike’s residence. Then, he punishes the important members of high ranking court nobles, abolishes the political system ruled by the retired emperor, and finally has his grandson prince become Emperor Antoku.

Episode 13

In Hiraizumi, Yoshitsune hears from Hidehira that Kiyomori has confined the ex-emperor Goshirakawa. In Kyoto, Tairano Munemori forces Minamotono Yorimasa's son to hand over his fine horse. However Munemori does not like a horse and insults the horse and Yorimasa's son in public. Yorimasa, who has sided with the Heike despite of his origin, decides to part with the arrogant Heike family and to raise an army against them. He persuades Mochihito-ou, the ex-emperor's third son who has been belittled, to issue an order to subdue the Heike. Yorimasa asks Minamotono Yukiie to disperse Mochihito-ou's order to the Genji families and their followers around Japan. Hearing the rumor, Hidehira asks Yoshitsune what he would do if the two families start a battle. Yoshitsune hesitates to give an immediate answer. Yukiie approaches Hiraizumi, after conveying the order to Yoritomo in Izu and Kisono Yoshinaka. However the Heike has already grasped his movements and intention. Seeing Yoshitsune receive the order, Hidehira persuades to observe the outcome for a while.

Episode 14

Kiyomori is surprised to hear the news of Yorimasa's rebellion for he laid trust in Yorimasa. The troops led by Tomomori and Shigehira crush Yorimasa's uprising. Kiyomori hastily decides to move the capital to Fukuhara from Kyoto in spite of objection from others. Yoshitsune hears about the new capital from Hidehira and remembers Kiyomori talking about his city of dreams. In Izu, Yoritomo makes up his mind to rise against the Heike family as an answer to Mochihito-ou's order. Though he defeats Izu’s local magistrate, he is beaten in the battle of Ishibashiyama and then is saved by Kajiwarano Kagetoki, one of the Heike's followers. In Fukuhara, Tokiko and other Heike women including Yoshitsune's half-sister Yoshiko is gracefully enjoying a chrysanthemum viewing party. Hearing of Yoritomo's defeat, Yoshitsune asks Hidehira for leave to rise to help his brother.

Episode 15

Having come to Kisegawa from Oushu with his followers, Yoshitsune finally sees his brother Yoritomo. Yoritomo orders Yoshitsune to watch over the Heike troops on the other side of Fujigawa River. Yoshitsune’s followers complain about the triviality of the assignment but Yoshitsune calms them down and urges them to work hard. Their accomplishment impresses Yoritomo. One night, the Heike troops at Fujigawa River mistake the sound of the flock of waterfowl for an attack by the Genji and quickly retreat. After they are gone, Yoshitsune finds a dancer who could not move because of her wounded foot. The dancer is Shizuka who once saved Yoshitsune in Kyoto when he was being pursued by the Heike. Back in Kamakura, Yoshitsune, for the first time, meets Masako who is dazzled by his presence. In Kyoto, Kiyomori is furious with Koremori as he led the troop which was scared away of a flock of waterfowl at Fujigawa. Yoritomo asks Yoshitsune how he feels about turning against Kiyomori who he once looked upon as father.

Episode 16

Yoshitsune is restless as the day for Shizuka’s departure for Kyoto draws near. Yoshitsune hears from Kichiji about confusion in Kyoto after the transfer of the capital to Fukuhara. Hearing also about Kyoto’s devastation in Fukuhara, ex-emperor Goshirakawa pleads with Tairano Munemori to let him return to Kyoto. Although Kiyomori turns down Munemori’s petition for the return, he decides to go back to Kyoto as he realizes other members of Heike also wish for their return. Yoshitsune in Kamakura hears the news. He feels sympathetic towards Kiyomori and understands Kiyomori's sadness and loneliness for not being able to be understood by any member of his own kin. Yoshitsune witnesses Masako being jealous when she comes to know about the relationship between Yoritomo and Kamenomae. This incident inspires Yoshitsune to reveal his own feeling towards Shizuka and to confirm her feeling towards him. Though Yoshitsune and Shizuka spend a happy time together, Hojo Tokimasa and Masako urge Yoritomo to turn away Yoshitsune from his side.

Episode 17

As the capital is going to be moved back to Kyoto, people in Fukuhara get busy. Kiyomori just sits back and sees how things go. In Kamakura, Yoshitsune gets familiar with local farmers and spends days peacefully. Benkei is still unaware of the relationship between Yoshitsune and Shizuka and complains about her staying at their house. The rest of the Yoshitsune's followers try to let him notice the two’s relationship in vein. One day, Benkei falls off into the sea and is saved by a fisherman's daughter, Chidori. Benkei happens to see Chidori naked and gets upset since it is the first time for him to see a naked woman. Benkei falls in love with Chidori, which Yoshitsune and the others are happy about. Around that time, Masako asks Yoshitsune to marry a woman Yoritomo recommends. Because he loves Shizuka, Yoshitsune suffers. Shizuka, in her part, gets to know that Yoshitsune has been offered a marriage and decides to go back to Kyoto. Meantime, Shigehira burns down the Great Buddha statue in Nara, which causes antipathy against the Heike family in Kyoto. In order to remove misfortunes for the Heike family, Gotari says he will go back to Fukuhara to get the rosary which Kiyomori left behind.

Episode 18

Although he came to Kamakura wishing to help his brother, Yoshitsune feels that he is not welcomed there. In Kyoto, Kiyomori spends days in despair as his dream of founding a capital in Fukuhara failed. One day, Kiyomori comes down with a high fever. From his sickbed, Kiyomori sends a messenger to the ex-emperor Goshirakawa and asks him to recognize Munemori as the next head of the Heike family. However, the ex-emperor keeps silence since he has already decided to part with Kiyomori. Tokiko feels suspicious about the ex-emperor’s reaction and has Munemori visit the ex-emperor for a talk, but he comes back empty-handed. Despite desperate praying and devoted care of his family and followers, Kiyomori dies. A few days later, Tokiko lies to the members of the family about Kiyomori’s last words, feeling uneasy about Munemori’s capability as the head of the family. Around that time, Yoshitsune hears Kiyomori’s death from Yoritomo and Masako.

Episode 19

The news of Gotari’s death makes Yoshitsune upset as those who were close to him have died one after another. One day, Yoritomo introduces Noriyori, another half-brother of the brothers, to Yoshitsune. As he gets to know Noriyori, who has a gentle nature unlike Yoritomo, Yoshitune feels the warmth of family ties. Meanwhile, the ex-emperor Goshirakawa keeps an eye on the members and followers of the Genji family scattered around the country. Receiving Yoritomo’s proposal for reconciliation with the Heike clan, the ex-emperor encourages Tokiko to settle with the Genji family. Being concerned that her lie about Kiyomori’s last words is making the situation worse, Tokiko tells the truth to Munemori. However, Munemori reacts in an unexpected way. Yukiie comes to Kamakura after he lost in the battle at the Sunomata River. Treated disrespectfully by Yoritomo, Yukiie tries to induce Yoshitsune to head the clan together. Yoshitsune firmly declines the suggestion. One day, Yoshitsune learns that Tsugunobu Sato and Tadanobu Sato, two of his followers, are suspected of something and goes to talk with Yoritomo.

Episode 20

Notified that the great army of the Heike family left Kyoto, Yoritomo sends troops to the west immediately. Yoshitsune’s retainers get irritated to know that Yoshitsune is still excluded from the Genji’s army. Yoshitsune calms them down but he himself gets increasingly anxious. Yukiie visits Kisono Yoshinaka after leaving Kamakura and induces Yoshinaka to enter Kyoto before Yoritomo and declare himself as the head of the Genji family. Hearing of the rumor, Yoritomo heads to Kiso leading his army. Seeing Yoritomo’s mighty army, Yoshinaka hesitantly offers a settlement. Yoritomo demands Yoshinaka in return to entrust his eldest son Yoshitaka to him as the husband of his daughter. Yoritomo comes back to Kamakura taking Yoshitaka and commits an unexpected task to Yoshitsune, adopting Masako’s advice.

Episodes 21 thru 30

Episode 21

Yoshitsune often visits Yoshitaka with his retainers, feeling sympathy for Yoshitaka as he grew up without his father around as well. One day, one of Yoritomo’s followers suggests to him that they should kill Yoshitaka. Yoritomo, who took the suggestion as an open insult to his son-in-law, decapitates the follower as a warning for the others. Hearing the incident, Yoshitsune feels the difference between Yoritomo’s views and his. Yoritomo tells Yoshitsune that his ideals for a "new country? are to rule the followers by reason and power, not by empathy or bonds. Yoritomo’s vision seems to Yoshitsune to be totally different from Kiyomori’s. Yoshitsune asks himself what a "new country? means to him. Around that time, Yoshinaka beats the army of the Heike family at Kurikara Pass and moves forward to Kyoto. Hearing Yoshinaka’s advance on the capital town, Yoritomo finally commands Yoshitsune to head for Kyoto leading the van of the Genji’s army.

Episode 22

On the way to Kyoto from Kamakura, Yoshitsune hears the rout of Heike’s army and sends one of his retainers to Kyoto for scouting. Yoshinaka, who beat Heike’s army at Kurikara Pass, further attacks on the retreating enemy led by Koremori. From the necessity to obtain food during the escape, Koremori parts with a suit of armor which has been passed down to the legitimate heir of the clan. One day, Koremori’s mother visits Tokiko to ask her for a loan to buy back the armor. With the help and tact of Otoku, the Heike family takes back the armor. However, seeing the armor, Mumemori brings up a surprising idea about the main branch of the family. Around that time, Yoshitsune learns from the scout that Yoshinaka and his troops are heading to Kyoto. In an attempt to make Yoshinaka change his mind, Yoshitsune spreads a rumor that the army of Yoritomo is coming to the capital. However, his intension brings about unexpected results. As the great army of Yoshinaka approaches Mount Hiei, Tomomori proposes to Munemori that the family should leave Kyoto for the west to rebuild their troops.

Episode 23

Utsubo visits Yoshitsune in Omi. Hearing from her that the Heike family has decided to flee from Kyoto, Yoshitsune thinks of going to see what is happening in the capital. Around that time in Kyoto, it becomes known that the ex-emperor Goshirakawa has secretly escaped from the imperial palace. Munemori and other Heike members are shocked to learn the ex-emperor's betrayal. The Heike family finally leaves Kyoto and Yoshinaka enters the capital with Yukiie. Seeing Yoshinaka's rude behavior, the ex-emperor Goshirakawa feels insecure about siding with him. During the escape from Kyoto, the Heike family stops over at Fukuhara and holds a memorial service for Kiyomori. During the service accompanied by music, Tokiko sees Kiyomori’s ghost. Falling into raptures about being granted an official rank by the ex-emperor, Yoshinaka immerse himself in luxurious lifestyle in Kyoto and neglects to control his army. Yoshitsune, who comes to Kyoto to gather information, witnesses the violence by Yoshinaka's soldiers and goes to see Yoshinaka to remonstrate with him as his cousin.

Episode 24

On the way back from the disheartening meeting with Yoshinaka, Yoshitsune is attacked. At the Imperial Court in Kyoto, discontent about Yoshinaka’s impudence explodes. To give Yoshinaka a warning, the ex-emperor Goshirakawa treats Yukiie preferentially. Yoshitsune writes to Yoritomo but hesitates to report the whole truth about what Yoshinaka has been doing. Ordered by the ex-emperor, Yukiie chases after the Heike family. Losing the battle in no time, he runs away. Feeling uneasy to know that Yoshinaka has found out his conspiracy with Yukiie, the ex-emperor sends Tairano Tomoyasu to see how Yoshinaka reacts. Yoshinaka insults Tomoyasu publicly, which worsens the relationship between the two. The ex-emperor secretly starts gathering armed monks to oppose Yoshinaka. Realizing that Yoshinaka would be put into a corner, Yoshitsune tries to see him again to remonstrate with him. Despite Yoshitsune’s concern, Yoshinaka attacks the imperial villa where the ex-emperor has holed up and confines the ex-emperor. Around that time, Noriyori comes to Omi bringing Yoritomo’s order to proceed to a battle against Yoshinaka.

Episode 25

To defeat Yoshinaka, Yoshitsune heads for Kyoto leading Genji’s army. Supported by distinguished performance of his retainers, Yoshitsune beats Yoshinaka’s army at Uji River. After the battle, Yoshitsune enters Kyoto and succeeds in saving the ex-emperor Goshirakawa. Driven from the capital, Yoshinaka tries to get away but finally falls in battle. Appointed as the guard of the Imperial Palace by the ex-emperor, Yoshitsune settles into Kyoto and spends days in peace for a while. One day, Yukiie visits Yoshitsune. Hearing him speak ill of Yoshinaka, Yoshitsune gets angry about Yukiie’s embarrassing attitude. At the same time, Yoshitsune is irritated with himself for engaging in such disputes among his relatives. The next day, Yoshitsune meets his mother Tokiwa after a long time. Although she is glad to see Yoshitsune again, Tokiwa tells Yoshitsune not to come to see her any more.

Episode 26

Yoshinaka has died after being driven away from Kyoto. Hearing that his head will be displayed in public, Yoshitsune cannot restrain himself from opposing the cruel treatment. Noriyori and Kajiwarano Kagetoki, one of the retainers of Yoritomo, admonish Yoshitsune to hold back. At the site where Yoshinaka’s head is placed, Yoshitsune sees Tomoe, Yoshinaka’s lover. To Tomoe, who is in despair, Yoshitsune urges to live on. A few days later, Shizuka comes to see Yoshitsune. The two are delighted to be able to see each other once again. In the meantime, the army of the Heike clan at Ichinotani makes preparations for a battle. The Genji family also prepares its troops for the battle against the rival clan and waits for an imperial order to be sent from ex-emperor Goshirakawa. Given at last the order from the ex-emperor to attack the Heike family, Yoshitsune and his army leave for Ichinotani.

Episode 27

As the order of the ex-emperor Goshirakawa to attack the Heike family has been issued, Yoshitsune heads to Ichinotani, a natural stronghold surrounded by the sea and sheer cliffs where the Heike family has taken up a position. Tomomori, hearing that Yoshitsune’s army is approaching, sends a part of his troops to Mikusa Mountain for an ambush. Yoshitsune scents Tomomori’s tactics and has some of his retainers go on the scout. The scouts come back bringing a local hunter and his sister. With the two as the guide, Yoshitsune surveys the enemy position himself and finds out that it is hard to beat them by a frontal attack. Employing tactful tactics, Yoshitsune beats the Heike’s troops in Mikusa Mountain without losing his army and advances to Ichinotani. Around that time, Munemori receives a letter from the ex-emperor. In the letter, the ex-emperor tells Munemori to avoid fights and wait because the ex-emperor is working on the reconciliation between the Heike and the Genji families. Munemori believes the words of the ex-emperor and is relieved, falling into the ex-emperor’s trap. At last, the battle between the Heike and the Genji begins.

Episode 28

Having beaten the army of the Heike clan at Ichinotani, Yoshitsune comes back to Kyoto. He is worried about Shigehira, who used to be a playmate of him and has been held captive in the battle, because Kajiwarano Kagetoki insists on beheading Shigehira. After all, the Genji family decides to adopt Yoshitsune’s suggestion and offers a bargain to the Heike family to return Shigehira in exchange for the three sacred imperial treasures which the Heike family took away from Kyoto with them. Munemori, however, rejects the proposal and Shigehira is sent to Kamakura by Yoritomo’s command. Yoshitsune volunteers for escorting Shigehira to Kamakura and has an intimate talk with Shigehira on the way. In Kamakura, Yoshitsune receives praises from Yoritomo for his performance in the battle at Ichinotani and spends days peacefully for a while. One day, Yoritomo’s daughter, who has heard of Yoshinaka’s death, attempts to let Yoshitaka run away. Yoshitaka is caught at once and Yoritomo commands his retainers to behead Yoshitaka. Yoshitsune tries to prevent the punishment from being carried out but….

Episode 29

Yoshitsune tries to recruit new soldiers in Kyoto but finds it difficult as he has no official rank. Meanwhile, the ex-emperor Goshirakawa receives a letter from Yoritomo. In the letter, Yoritomo recommends his retainers for official positions but the list does not include Yoshitsune’s name. Learning that Yoritomo has something against Yoshitsune, the ex-emperor comes up with an idea of exploiting Yoritomo’s feelings against Yoshitsune. The ex-emperor appoints Yoshitsune an official in charge of police affairs. Though he hesitates to accept the appointment without recommendation by Yoritomo, Yoshitsune gives in to the ex-emperor’s persuasion. Yoshitsune’s act makes Yoritomo indignant and Yoritomo excludes Yoshitsune from the operation of chasing after the Heike family. In addition, Yoritomo sends a woman to Yoshitsune and tell him to marry her. To show his allegiance to Yoritomo, Yoshitsune makes up his mind to take the woman for his wife. One day, Tokiwa, Yoshitsune’s mother, comes to see him though she is in poor health.

Episode 30

Having been excepted from the Genji’s army, Yoshitsune spends days in Kyoto busy in cracking down burglars. To stop their violence, Yoshitsune asks for help to one of his old acquaintances who holds control of the underworld. With his aid, Yoshitsune persuades the leaders of thieves out of burglaries. The ex-emperor Goshirakawa, who is pleased to see the town of Kyoto regain peace, proposes further promotion for Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune writes to Yoritomo and asks him for approval. Sensing the ex-emperor’s real intention and feeling angry at Yoshitsune for being blind to the ex-emperor’s trick, Yoritomo gives back no reply. Meanwhile, Yoshitsune is summoned by the ex-emperor for a talk and feels an affinity with him, which is all the ex-emperor’s plot to get Yoshitsune on his side. Without Yoritomo’s agreement, the ex-emperor pushes through Yoshitsune’s promotion. Yoritomo is further irritated with Yoshitsune for having accepted the position. However, hearing that Noriyori is putting up a hard fight, Yoritomo orders Yoshitsune to rejoin the army to fight against the Heike family.

• Yoshitsune/Synopsis Eps 31-49