The first episode of Song of the Samurai opens with a flash forward to 1912. Ichikawa Makoto, a plucky young girl, finds herself captured by a bunch of drunken thugs while searching for clues to a certain man named Hijikata Toshizo, who appears to be tied to her past, but manages to outwit her captors and escape. Her search leads her to Nagakura Shinpachi, the aging, gruff former captain of the Shinsengumi’s second unit. Nagakura begins to tell the story of Toshizo.
The story then shifts back to 1859, when 24-year-old Toshizo travels from dojo to dojo, challenging masters in search of a worthy opponent. His travels eventually take him to the struggling but respected Shiekan dojo of Tennen Rishin-ryu, run by the talented Kondo Isami.
Toshizo’s New House
The members of the dojo are very good, despite the humble appearance of the dojo. There is the gifted Okita Soji, the solid Nagakura, the brave Harada Sanosuke, the hot-tempered Saito Hajime and a number of other characters who quickly become an unconventional family.
Toshizo challenges Kondo to a duel, and is totally outmatched. But far from being discouraged, he recognizes Kondo’s commitment to the true art of swordsmanship. Kondo, seeing Toshizo’s determination, offers him a room in the dojo.
Quick flash-forward and in four years time this little dojo will be one of the most respected fighting schools in Kyoto.
Political Unrest Changes Everything
By 1860 Japan is politically chaotic following the assassination of Naosuke. Across the country, the shogunate and anti-foreign factions are growing increasingly tense and uncertain.
Kondo’s dream is to make Shiekan a respected institution by getting a teaching position at the Edo Kobusho, one of the military schools set up after the arrival of the Black Ships. But you need influence, skill and reputation to get through.
To gain recognition, the dojo decides to challenge a mysterious fighter called the Crossroads Slasher.
Toshizo Meets His Match
Eventually Toshizo finds the slasher, Okada Izo, a young and confident warrior who accepts his challenge.
Their fight is one of the episode’s highlights. Toshizo’s brute strength is perfectly countered by Izo’s agility and precision and they end up with a draw. Later the two find they have a similar philosophy: both fight to prove their skill, not to kill.
Inspired by this encounter, Toshizo trains harder and eventually learns the dangerous Hiraseigan stance from Soji.
Hajimes’ Dark Secret
The dojo is on the verge of success when tragedy hits with the arrest of Saito Hajime for the murder of Ryunosuke, son of a respected instructor.
The viewer learns as the truth is revealed that Ryunosuke is terminally ill and requires an honorable death. He challenged Hajime to a duel to the death. Hajime was reluctant, but he did.
Despite the political dangers Toshizo refuses to abandon his friend. He fights powerful enemies along with members of the dojo to protect Hajime.
Eventually Hajime is cleared of the evidence but the damage has been done. Hajime feels responsible, leaves the dojo and takes the name Fujita Goro.
The Emergence of a New Mission
The Shiekan dojo is given the opportunity to join the Roshigumi, a new guard force for the shogunate in Kyoto, three years later.
The group agrees, thinking this mission will bring them fame and money. But they soon learn the organization’s leadership has political motives, placing them in even greater peril.
Toshizo also encounters the fearsome Serizawa Kamo, who possesses a savage talent and an unpredictable nature that deeply impress him.
Clearly setting up their inevitable clash for future episodes.
Episode Review
Episode 1 gives a good introduction to the world of Song of the Samurai. It’s a successful mix of historical drama, sword fighting action, political intrigue and emotional character development.
The choreography is superb, with each fight having its own style of combat and great attention to detail. The costumes, locations and cinematography draw you right into nineteenth century Japan.
The acting might seem a bit over the top to those not familiar with Japanese drama, but the cast brings a certain undeniable energy and charisma to every scene.
The episode is packed with action, humor, and mystery, while also highlighting the important historical events and political struggles.
The episode does feel a little overextended at times but the large supporting cast is introduced so quickly that some characters lack depth right off the bat.
But this premiere sets an interesting groundwork for what seems to be an ambitious and exciting samurai drama.