* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Taiga Drama: Segodon (NHK, 2018)
大河ドラマ 西郷どん
The 57th NHK Taiga Drama, based on Mariko Hayashi's novel "Segodon!," aired in 2018 and starred Ryohei Suzuki as Saigo Takamori, depicting his rise from a low-ranking Satsuma samurai to a leading figure of the Meiji Restoration.
Description
Overview
"Segodon" is the 57th NHK Taiga Drama, broadcast from January 7 to December 16, 2018. Based on Mariko Hayashi's novel "Segodon!," with a screenplay by Miho Nakazono, it starred Ryohei Suzuki as Saigo Takamori across 47 episodes. It averaged a 12.7% rating in the Kanto region and was produced as part of the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration in 2018.
Story and the Role of the Sword
The drama depicts Saigo Takamori's life "from a woman's perspective," tracing his path from a low-ranking Satsuma samurai to a central figure in the movement to overthrow the shogunate, ultimately dying in the Satsuma Rebellion (Seinan War). Battle scenes depicting the Boshin War and Satsuma Rebellion, choreographed by Kunihide Kuruma, frequently show samurai fighting with swords.
Swords Featured (Fictional vs. Real)
Several real swords historically associated with Saigo Takamori are documented. "Tegai Kanenaga" was presented to Emperor Meiji by Saigo's younger brother Tsugumichi after Saigo's death and is now held at the Tokyo National Museum. "Rai Kuniyuki" is said to have been given by Saigo to former Satsuma retainer Tokuno Ryosuke when Saigo returned to Kagoshima after resigning from government following the political crisis of 1873. "Nobukuni" is the sword said to have inspired the saber worn by the bronze statue of Saigo erected in Kagoshima for the 50th memorial of his death. These are not dramatized props but real, historically documented swords connected to Saigo himself.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Marking the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration, the drama drew attention for its novel approach of depicting Saigo Takamori "from a woman's perspective," with Ryohei Suzuki's performance and a star-studded cast including Ken Watanabe and Keiko Kitagawa also generating buzz.
Real Swords Featured
Tegai Kanenaga
A sword said to have belonged to Saigo Takamori, presented to Emperor Meiji by his younger brother Tsugumichi after his death; now held at the Tokyo National Museum.
Rai Kuniyuki
A sword said to have been given by Saigo to former Satsuma retainer Tokuno Ryosuke after Saigo returned to Kagoshima following the 1873 political crisis.
Nobukuni
A sword said to have inspired the saber worn by the bronze statue of Saigo Takamori erected in Kagoshima for the 50th memorial of his death.
See authentic Japanese swords
See authentic Japanese swordsThis page is intended to introduce Japanese sword culture and is not affiliated with any of the works mentioned.