日本三國

The title of the episode, "Naite Yayakichi wo Kiru (泣いて弥々吉を斬る)" or "Shedding Tears While Executing Yayakichi" is a reference to the expression "Shedding Tears while Executing Ma Su ( 泣いて馬謖を斬)," which is used to describe punishing someone you care about or value for the sake of justice and greater good. In Romance of the Three Kingdoms , Zhuge Liang ordered Ma Su's execution after the general ignored instructions which led to the loss of Jieting , a strategic location in Zhuge Liang's campaign against Wei. Though Ma Su was a favorite of Zhuge Liang's and Zhuge had personally appointed him to protect the city, the strategist felt he had to be impartial and encourage his soldiers to adhere to military law, so he tearfully ordered the general's execution for subordination. The anime's official account retweeted that Kaku's model is Eastern Han Dynasty scholar, Kaku Tai or Guo Tai (Linzong) as he is known in China, with influences from Cao Wei official Jia Xu , and Cao Cao's adviser, Guo Jia . Like Kaku, Guo Tai was a bright wordsmith from a poor family who became one of the leading scholars at the imperial academy. He was greatly admired by and befriended Li Ying ), whose biography ( Houhanshu ) contains one of the first references to the "Dragon Gate" or Tōryūmon ( Longmen )). Guo Tai was so respected that when he died, more than one thousand scholars from all parts of the country appeared at his funeral. When Yayakichi and Kaku speak of "Heaven," "Earth" and "Man," they are likely referencing Volume 2 of the Book of Mencius. The chapter begins with: "Mencius said, 'Opportunities of time vouchsafed by Heaven are not equal to advantages of situation afforded by the Earth, and advantages of situation afforded by the Earth are not equal to the union arising from the accord of Men." We can add more dialects to the list of dialects (Ehime, Kansai/Osaka, Tokyo, Fukui) spoken in the series. Some Seii soldiers used Tsugaru-ben and Yamagata-ben , which are Tohoku dialects, as they yelled and threw stones at Yayakichi. In Episode 8, some also seemed to be speaking Niigata dialect as they watched Ryūmon perform his tea ceremony. Although it isn't apparent in the English translation, we also have some funny internet slang again. One soldier exclaims Ouga folding under pressure and retreating from Ryūmon was "LMAO"-worthy (草に極まりない). Another says that he can no longer support her as his oshi (推すのはやめます). Jien Hibi's first name may be inspired by the Nagano Tendai monk and poet, Jien (慈延) . He's considered to be one of the Four Kings of Waka Poetry of the Edo Period. Hakuyaku Tabuchi's name may come from the military strategist and politician Jiang Wei (Boyue) of the Three Kingdoms period, who is also known as Hakuyaku (伯約) in Japanese. He was highly regarded by Zhuge Liang. Unlike other citizens of Seii who seem to have exotic kira kira (Mūton), ethnic (Aterui) or trollish names (Hikabi-Machupichu), Yayakichi and his sons Daikichi (大吉) and Yasuke (弥輔) have first names that you would associate with Edo period townsmen. ETA: I forgot that people outside Japan might immediately associate the name "Yasuke" with the historical Yasuke (弥助) from Africa who came to Japan as a Portuguese slave and later became a retainer to Oda Nobunaga (he's not the controversial figure in Japan he's become in the West and he's been depicted in Japanese media many times without issue), but Yasuke was a common name in the Edo period and given Daikichi and Yayakichi's names, I think it's more likely that it was chosen because of it's popularity during that time in Japanese history rather than because of the historical figure. Last week, u/Pleasant-Aspect2948 asked about the Sanskrit the monks were chanting in Episode 8 . Jima (Music Producer/Director) says he used a recording of the monks at Hase-dera Temple in Nara chanting sutras during one of their services. Founded in the 7th century, Hase-dera, also known as the “Temple of Flowers,” is the head temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism. How cool that they allowed him to record them for the anime! (If you ever visit Nara, you should definitely visit the temple although if you ever visit Nara, you probably will anyway.) Nothing for the glossary this week. I have so many other thoughts for the source corner.

"Shedding Tears while Executing Ma Su It's interesting how Wajima letting Seii men go unpunished for crimes to keep up morale was the opposite approach of how Aoteru was handling things before, but now, she, too, is executing someone she spent quality time with (even if in Aoteru's case, he wasn't as close with him and Aoteru's guy was being executed for crimes he actually committed). It's still early to tell but for now it feels like they're meant to be foils or thematically parallel to each other, even if their interactions don't end up being direct (although it seems like it will be at some point). Although it isn't apparent in the English translation, we also have some funny internet slang again. One soldier exclaims Ouga folding under pressure and retreating from Ryūmon was "LMAO"-worthy (草に極まりない). Another says that he can no longer support her as his oshi (推すのはやめます). I've thought it before but it's just so funny to see this "historical" story with modern cultural influence, and delivered so seriously at that.

The anime's official account retweeted that Kaku's model is Eastern Han Dynasty scholar, Kaku Tai or Guo Tai (Linzong) as he is known in China, with influences from Cao Wei official Jia Xu, and Cao Cao's adviser, Guo Jia. When I saw Kaku coughing last episode, I immediately thought of Guo Jia. Although the title is a reference to the execution of Ma Su, the result in this episode is the reverse of that. Ma Su didn't listen to Zhuge Liang and lost. Zhuge Liang ended up killing Ma Su for it. Ohga didn't listen to Yayakichi and lost. But the roles of the execution was reversed. Ohga killed Yayakichi. So, there is hope for Kaku after all.

Another episode that went by in a flash. What's up with all these 10 minute-short episodes 😭 The stan-off between Kaku and Yayakichi--fanboying for their respective beloved commanders was truly eye-popping. I just love how their glasses represented their fates: Kaku's remained intact which would suggest he's still amongst the living, tho he may not be long for this world and is powerless to do anything about it; while Yayakichi's deformed specs, in contrast, all but sealed his end--albeit of his own design/choosing. Another detail worth noting was the entire episode being shot during a heavy downpour (sans the final scene with Aoteru). And as someone who loves the rain, it just hits me in the feels hearing all that pitter patter in the background, with the proverbial heavens crying, as if in unison/commiseration with the characters/viewers.

NOOOOOOO KAKU NOT MY GOAT. PLEASE LET MY GOAT BE OKAY. But considering Seii lost their strategist, I can't see a future where Kaku lives either.... They JUST have to kill off Kaku to let Aoteru shine. Still, really sad though. No more old men yaoi 😢. And speaking of Aoteru, oh my lord they keep edging us with Aoteru. He realized what Kaku meant 3 episodes ago and only now is he getting around to finishing it. The animation and especially the audio this episode felt top tier. Kevin Penkin is fucking cooking HARD.

Idk, feels like you've shut your brain off a little too much while watching. Maybe the doubts around Wajima's leadership after she turned back at the bridge could've been highlighted a little more, but there were other flags set for the looming problems in Seii's forces that culminated in the events of this episode. It was certainly a surprising turn of events but it didn't feel forced to me at all.

I mean Yayakichi basically explained it. They’re a dictatorship on the back of her individual authority and gravitas and her failing to kill Ryumon completely kills the legitimacy of their regime because it makes her seem a naive leader. The only other person there who can take the fall for it is Yayakichi exactly because he is such a renowned strategist (ie someone she should trust) and someone the masses can believe would be able to manipulate her. If they dump it on some random it still makes her seem naive because she believed the advice of some random.

I shed tears for Yayakichi indeed. Let history judge what happened that night in Fukui but if there is one thing that will always remain true, it's that Yayakichi is a loyal man until the end. With Yayakichi dead and Kaku currently indisposed, both sides are lacking in Strategists. It unfortunately doesn't look good for Yamato however, since Ryumon is also down while Wajima rebuilt both her resolve and the military's morale. There is no other way out but for Aoteru's plan with his audience with the Emperor to succeed so they would have a chance in this war. There is also a huge chance that Taira would be there, which would be the first time that him and Aoteru would meet after Saki's death. I do wonder what's going on with Buo now that both Seii and Yamato are at war. It's mentioned that Yayakichi was the one responsible for the non-aggression pact between Seii and Buo, but with him dead the fate of that pact is currently uncertain.

The three kingdoms stand off exist because when one attacks another, it leaves them both vulnerable to be attacked by the 3rd. I can almost guarantee Buo will attack in the end. It's just a matter of whom. Seii went all out in this, banking on the non-aggression pact to hold. Yamato has more sense than leaving themselves open to Buo. My guess is Seii is fucked. I mean, what's going to happen if Buo broke the pact, Seii will be pissed off and go to war against Buo? Yamato will distrust Buo and not form any agreement with Buo? So there are literally no repercussions.

One balding ojisan with massive brass balls and a tea set has single-handedly destroyed morale in the Seii army, sowed discontent, and as a result forced Commander Wajima to execute her most trusted and loyal strategist in a plan that man concocted to restore order and trust in Wajima. Talk about dealing your enemy a heavy blow. Wajima may be more determined than ever, but the fact remains she’s just lost her right hand. Ryumon couldn’t have planned for a better outcome. What a legend. In the end though, I don’t think Yayakichi’s sacrifice is going to matter. This isn’t Wajima’s story. It’s Aoteru’s. I think he’s going to help win this war for Yamato. His star is going to rise and he’ll be one step closer to his goal of reunifying the country.

That's why I'm thinking there's a possibility that the young generation joins hands or at least cooperates for a little bit even if they find themselves in opposition right now. Ohga's idea of Yamato is that under Denki Taira, which is super corrupt and a danger to the nation. The irony is that in her search to destroy that demon, she finds herself fighting the only faction opposing him domestically. If she can become aware of this fact, plans may change...

I was not expecting this to be the direction things were going to go for Seii's army after what happened last episode. Yayakichi was loyal to the very end, so much that he took on the role of traitor to restore Wajima's authority. I'm sure most of the commanders knew, but it's too bad there were some looking for his downfall.  I feel most bad for his two sons, especially the one that had to push for his death. Having to say those things about your father even though you know his intentions must have been really difficult. Seii is going to become an even more united army with this event.  Kaku running back to Ryuumon was so sweet, he has looked so stressed and worn out, add the worry of Ryuumon's safety, I'm sure it was a big relief to see Ryuumon alive and well. It's just too bad his own health seems to have taken a bigger hit, I'm not sure if he'll be able to come up with strategies at his full potential because I'm sure he won't let himself rest. This isn't a good episode for strategists.

You know, there was a lot of talks comparing Yamato and Seii for a while. When compared to Taira clan, Wajima appears a much more benevolent ruler who cares about her people. But what this episode shows that as long as they are dictators, they will eventually be coerced to do dictator things and keep being dictators. It does not matter how much they love (genuinely) their pupils. If it suits them, they are incentivized to sacrifice them even if it means innocent blood sheds. Perhaps the rule of a benevolent king will be better than that of the reign of terror; but does that really bring forward what is necessary to restore a pre nuclear war order? If what Saki asks of Misumi is anything similar to the era of wedding dresses, then his dream shall be much, much higher than what is shown this episode.

Ohga's faults are not just in her having to do dictator things. Her invasion is first and foremost based on revenge. While she has succesfully rallied her nation behind her, she is very emotionally driven and naive. I can't see many longterm positive outcomes of her being the one to unify Japan. Not because she's a dictator, but because of her childish and superficial reasoning for starting a full-scale war. If I trust anyone other than Ryumon and Kaku to unify the country, bring about reforms that benefit the people and to rule with justice if they don't bring back democracy, it's Aoteru. I'm not just sayin that because Aoteru is the MC. He is easily the most levelheaded and competent person with a good heart in the show, alongside Ryumon and Kaku.

Ah, so they know there weren’t actually any soldiers now. …is Kaku sick? Fucking madlad, this would be how Ryumon makes his return. Ah fuck… Oh damn… But will you make it out of this position with your life… Oh he is going all-in on making sure everyone thinks he betrayed Ohga. Yeah… Damn, that could not be easy to do. It’s a terrible day for rain. Shimmering sky! Can’t wait to see what Aoteru’s been planning.

I guess it was necessary but really such a massive loss for Seii to lose Yayakichi already. Ryuumon's gamble really yielded great results. Fitting for his high price of life. Gambling the dragon, we shook the tiger's authority and they had to sacrifice their right hand to regain it. Now next ep finally back to Aoteru? Yamato managed to keep Ryuumon but did we just lose kaku as well? Every time he coughs I worry ngl. Maybe he's just out of commission?

Ryuumon Aura'd so hard Yayakichi died. Fucking insane man. Rip Yayakichi. And I really hope our strategist is ok. I knew he was sick because he kept coughing and looked worse each time we saw him. He especially looked REALLY bad this episode, and him losing consciousness checks out. Things ain't lookin to good! WE NEED OUR MC IN ACTION NOW!!!! Edit: Wait, I just realized something. Thinking back, maybe that's why Yayakichi made that face when she retreated. He knew from the moment she backed away he'd have to sacrifice himself and take the blame because he knew what was to come. Damn.

There is no way to prove this, but my theory is Ohga intended to throw Yayakichi under the bus to save herself. She just didn't expect him to go all the way and ended up having to die for it. So her tears were real because she thought he would take the blame and quit instead. If he hadn't kill anyone and rebel at the end, that's exactly what would happen. Here's why I thought this. Whenever the scene shows Ohga with her smile and the background turned all bright or some other effects, I believe that's a tell from the show that she is using her charm to manipulate people. They always shows the effect of people being charmed by her afterward. It happened all the time and it happened in her talk with Yayakichi. She knew she needed to get things back on track. She knew someone has to be scapegoated because it's simply impossible to lose this bad and no one gets blamed. But she needed someone willing to do it and she needed to maintain her image. So she cannot just ask someone to take the blame for her. She needed someone to volunteer without her asking. Keep in mind that she allowed massacre to happen without punishment because she was afraid morale would drop. She is not a righteous person. Because Yayakichi is a father figure to her, she manipulated Yayakichi into dad mode and take the blame for her. Did she acted like a leader in the scene of their talk? No. She was essentially going, "Daddy, I'm so sorry I made this mistake. I don't deserve this role." And Yayakichi is like, "Don't worry sweetie. Daddy will take care of everything." They didn't discuss how to manage this like a leader and strategist should. She acted like a helpless little girl, left the task to him, and she just left the room.

That profile shot of Wajima's face before the OP started was stunning. And then you get Ryumon aura farming in a stretcher. "Hey" lol good lord man. "I'm not dying you know." I'm not so sure about that old man... The facial close ups after the 'assassination attempt' are gorgeous. This show really does go all out visually. Crucifixion? I get she's forced to kill him but that seems like too much. And next week we get to see a confrontation with the Emperor (and likely Taira).

As I was saying before, this is just an incredible, aspirational run that Amazon MGM Studios is experiencing this year. Amazing to see their films and shows (like this one that they co-produced and funded, instead of licensed) get this much critical and/or commercial acclaim over the past few months. Genuinely feels like they could become a serious threat to competing studios if they keep up this quality.

I'm kind of surprised so many people sympathized with Yayakichi. The series has an overall melodramatic tone which I've enjoyed so far, but it felt a tad bit extra this episode. I thought the emotional scenes were played up a little too much. Maybe I just don't have any attachment to Yayakichi's character and I'm struggling to think of an episode or scene where the rest of you guys might've developed that. Also, engagement bait to end the last episode with Aoteru heading to the palace for whatever it is they're building towards only to shoehorn forced drama in between. I'm hoping Seii losing their strategist is somehow relevant to Aoteru's negotiations or whatever with Taira, otherwise they could've easily rearranged the episodes to show this episode after or before showing Aoteru's realization and/or approach to Taira.

Where is the shrine of the Prime Minister to be found? Outside the town of Brocade, cypresses grow all around. Before the steps, spring grass grows green, but all in vain; Among the leaves, the orioles sing a sweet refrain. Thrice to his cot the king went for the empire's sake; For two reigns the old minister a great state did make. But ere his aim was won, he died, his campaigns past; This always makes all heroes weep with tears at last.

In Christian theology, before the crucifixion of Christ, the cross was considered merely an instrument of execution. Afterward, it became a symbol of sacrifice for all – I am ready to die for you, not to kill you. The author chose the crucifixion to show that the strategist Yayakichi He sacrificed himself for his nation. In Christianity, the Prophet Jesus (the Messiah in their belief) was crucified and sacrificed himself to atone for the sins of humanity. As a Muslim, I know that the truth is that the Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him, was not crucified, but rather appeared to them in a vision. This is clearly stated in the verses of the Holy Quran.

Well I just got.done crying like a baby. While a big part of me thinks Yakichi's plan is smart and honorable, the other part of me can't get over how quickly he chose to sacrifice himself for the Commander-in-Chief and the rest of Sei. There was no debate and it was the first thing he thought to do. I feel like there could have been a better way, though I'm sure a less dramatic, less interesting one. Political extremists (and religious extremists) really know how to go the extra mile and know when to take one for the team.

I don't know why but i really don't give a damn about Sei and couldn't give a damn about Yayakichi death, what he planned to do was obvious. But yeah i don't know if that because Sei are just hypocrite like Kaku said and start a war just for the leader personal revenge which is foolish in my eyes, i already despise war so if you said me someone start one for his personnal revenge and cause thousand of death, civilian to be rape etc i will not like him at all. Kaku dying or being sick is also predictable for letting the MC shine, i wonder if they will reveal that Kaku got pneumonia or something since he cought since quite some time. Now i expect Sei to be a problem before the MC find a way to turn the situation over because Sei are borderline in a fanatic kind of mind and there is nothing worst than fighting fanatic that doesn't fear death.

We don't know Kaku's full opinion on Ouga as he brought up Ouga's motivation for revenge to try to convince the Yamato soliders not to side with her. We do know that the President of Seii was going to surrender his country to Yamato and more specifically to Denki. The people of Seii were already suffering and on the brink due to the lack of food from climate change. At the end of the episode, Ouga is saying that she's not going to allow her people to be controlled by Yamato and doing it to fulfill the wishes of her father and Yayakichi. Ouga's army is also only one part of Seii and not everyone feels the same way as we saw with Seii's original government. Not everyone feels the same way in Ouga's army as we saw with Daikichi and Yasuke. Same goes for Yamato where we know of at least two different factions (Denki vs. anti-Taira).

From my anilist comment: This episode kinda irked me. You're telling me that Wajima ignored her strategist's insights, made bad calls which in turn led her people to not trust her leadership... And then she goes on to execute that same strategist to maintain the illusion of authority? Girl, what? She could've exiled him, sent him on life imprisonment. How could she execute him!? I liked Yayakichi! That glove puppet scene was so cute TT This girl who made multiple bad decisions while having a capable strategist expects to win a war with none 😆 For her sake, I sure hope there's someone (Yaykichi's sons?) to hold the ropes in that department cause she can't go far on her own. I was excited to see what Aoteru would do :") Have to wait another week now TT That scene where Kaku welcomed Ryumon back was so great! Lowkey got emotional. And now Kaku's sick sigh This better not be cause they keep chain smoking all the time.

That we can agree on. But, even though her reasoning for starting a full-scale war is childish, superficial and naive, she was still useful in unifying the nation. She is basically an idol that everyone rallied behind because they admire her. I think one of the people who wrote angry letters even called her their "oshi". Most of the strategizing and planning that made everything else work was probably Yayakichi's doing, and now he's gone. As you said, we have seen what happened when she ignored Yayakichi and the other advisors. Wajima can say that she is going to war to "end corruprion" (paraphrasing) but we know what the real reason is. She is letting soldiers be killed on both sides, while the civilians of Yamato are being graped and slaughtered, all so that she can avenge her father. It's making it really hard to like her. However, I do think that Yayakichi forced her hand in executing him. After he had spread the half-truths that made him look like a usurper responsible for all of Wajima and Seii's sins, there was no other option to appease the people.

She knew that Yayakichi wanted her to execute him. He publicly claimed he was responsible for the murders and rape of many innocent people and deaths of Ouga's brother's, leaving her without any family. To only exile him would not be enough for such crimes and she needed to make it clear to her soldiers that they cannot commit such despicable acts. It also wouldn't look convincing if she let him live when she's seeking revenge against Ryūmon for her father's death as what Yayakichi did to her brothers is more heinous since they were on the same side and close.

And then she goes on to execute that same strategist to maintain the illusion of authority? Girl, what? She could've exiled him, sent him on life imprisonment. How could she execute him!? That's where public sentiment plays in. She could have done those if Yayakichi hadn't attacked her residence and killed one person. That's irrefutable evidence of treason, and considering the public sentiment of that indictment, paired with his attack. The only real choice is to execute him; else, Ogha would lose even the loyalty of those who stuck to her side after the retreat. Yayakichi essentially forced her to choose to kill him or lose even more authority and make her dreams null. Authority is after all, where people choose to believe where it is.