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{{nihongo|'''Kazue Ikura'''|伊倉 一恵|Ikura Kazue}}, born in [[Nagano]], [[Japan]] on [[March 23]], [[1959]]) is a veteran [[seiyū]] who works for [[Aoni Production]]. She worked under the name Ikura Kazu (伊倉 一寿) from 1991 to 1995. She was previously affiliated with theater groups/production companies 劇舎燐, 俳協, Production Baobab and NABEYA.
{{nihongo|'''Atsuhime'''|篤姫|}}, literally Princess Atsu, is the 47th [[NHK]] [[Taiga drama]]. It began on [[January 6]] [[2008]] and will air throughout 2008 with an estimated total of 50 episodes. The story chronicles the life of [[Tenshōin]], based on [[Tomiko Miyao|Tomiko Miyao's]] [[1984]] novel {{nihongo|''Tenshō-in Atsuhime''|天璋院篤姫}}.


She is most known for the roles of Kaori Makimura ([[City Hunter]]), Toraoh ([[Mashin Eiyuuden Wataru]]), Ryuunosuke Natsume ([[All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku]]), and Leni Milchstrasse ([[Sakura Wars]]). Kazue Ikura has even taken her voice acting skills on stage to perform, in costume, Leni Milchstrasse during several events starting in 1998 to the present.
==Background==


Her blood type is O and her hobbies are scuba diving, swimming, and tennis.
Based on Tomiko Miyao's novel ''Tenshō-in Atsuhime''. The protagonist is Tenshō-in (Princess Atsu), the wife of [[Tokugawa Iesada]], the thirteenth [[Shogun|shōgun]] of the [[Tokugawa shogunate|Edo shogunate]]. It is the seventh Taiga drama to feature a female lead just two years since the previous [[2006]] [[Kōmyō ga Tsuji]].


==Voice roles==
Following the [[2005]] [[Yoshitsune (Taiga drama)|Yoshitsune]], this is Miyao's second work to be turned into a Taiga drama. Following the [[2004]] [[Shinsengumi!]], it is also the second Taiga drama taking place at the end of the [[Late Tokugawa shogunate|Edo shogunate]].
===Television animation===
*[[Sakura Wars]] (Leni Milchstrasse)
*[[City Hunter]]/[[Angel Heart (manga)|Angel Heart]] (Makimura Kaori)
*[[Tanoshii Moomin Ikka (TV series)|Tanoshii Moomin Ikka]] (Toft)
*[[All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku]] (Natsume Ryunosuke)
*[[Peter Pan no Boken]] (Tootles)
*[[Hime-chan's Ribbon]] (Bokota)
*[[Black Lagoon]] (Garcia)
*[[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!]] ([[List of Demon Beasts/Monsters in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!|Broom King]])
*[[Ranma 1/2]] (Satori)
*[[Slayers]] (Hellmaster Phibrizzo)
*[[Sorcerous Stabber Orphen]] (Vulcan)
*[[Case Closed]] (Kaori, Yuki Togawa)
*[[One Piece]] (Jessica, [[Tony Tony Chopper]] (substitute))
*[[Soreike! Anpanman]] (Shiratama-san)


===OVA===
The character of Tenshō-in was previously taken up in the [[2003]] [[Fuji Television]] series [[Ōoku (TV series)|Ōoku]] (staring [[Kanno Miho]]).
*[[Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory]] (Mora Bascht)
*[[Sakura Wars]] (Leni Milchstrasse)
*[[Sukeban Deka]] (Saki Asamiya)
*[[All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku]] (Natsume Ryunosuke)


===Theater animation===
The lead role is performed by [[Aoi Miyazaki]], for which it is her first Taiga drama lead. She is also the youngest to play the lead role. In May, 2008 she won a [[Galaxy Award]] for her work in this role.<ref>[http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/aoi-miyzaki-wins-galaxy-award-for-nhk-drama Aoi Miyzaki wins Galaxy Award for NHK drama]</ref>
*[[Mobile Suit Gundam F91]] (Bertuo Rodriguez)
*[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack]] (Rezin Schnyder)
*[[Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory|Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: The Last Blitz of Zeon]] (Mora Bascht)


===Video games===
The first half of the story predominantly takes place in [[Kagoshima prefecture]], and as such many of the actors and music coordinators are from Kagoshima.
*[[Super Robot Wars]] series (Rezin Schnyder)
*[[Ape Escape]] (Hiroki (aka Jake, aka Buzz))
*[[Sakura Wars]] (Leni Milchstrasse)
*[[Tales of Eternia]] (Shizell)
*[[Tales of Vesperia]] (Shizell)
*[[Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga]] (Jinana)
*[[Tengai Makyo II Manjimaru]] (Manjimaru)


==Staff==
===Dubbing roles===
*[[L.A. Law]] (Grace Van Owen)
*Original: [[Tomiko Miyao]] (''Tenshō-in Atsuhime'', Kōdansha, 1984)
:The author of the original story, [[Tomiko Miyao]], was born in [[Kōchi]]. She received the {{Nihongo|New Female Writer Award|女流新人賞}} in 1962 with her work “Ren”. In 1973, she received the Dazai Osamu Award with “Kai”. In 1979, her work “Ichigen no koto” won the renowned [[Naoki Prize]]. The novel “Tenshōin Atsuhime” depicts the life of Atsuhime, who had been lost in the flow of history, and was discovered through Miyao's own research. The work “Tenshōin Atsuhime” is considered to be monumental among her works. This is the second time for NHK to create a Taiga Drama series after [[Yoshitsune]] in 2005.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/staff/gensaku.html]</ref>


==External links==
*Script: [[Kumiko Tabuchi]]
* [http://www.aoni.co.jp/talent/0271189.html Official profile at Aoni Production] (in Japanese)
:Kumiko Tabuchi was born in [[Shimane Prefecture]]. She has produced scripts for “[[Sakura]],” “Tsuma no Sotsugyōshiki,” and “Diamond no Koi,” among others. She is known for vividly illustrating women who positively face their lives. She offers scripts in a wide range of areas such as movies, musicals, [[rakugo]], play, and [[kyōgen]]. This is her first script for [[Taiga drama]].<ref>[http://www.nhk.or.jp/kagoshima/atsuhime/writer.html]</ref>
* [http://sdb.noppo.com/kazue_i.htm Comprehensive role listing at Noppo] (in Japanese)
* [http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=303 Kazue Ikura] at the Anime News Network (in English)


{{japan-voice-actor-stub}}
*Music: [[Ryō Yoshimata]]
:In the process of creating the music for this drama, Yoshimata went back after 30 years to his hometown Kagoshima and stayed there for three weeks. While meeting his old friends and watching [[Sakurajima]], he was touched by the warmness, toughness, and generosity of the homeland. His deep feelings for his homeland became the basis of the 47 songs created for this drama.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/staff/ongaku.html]</ref>

*Titling: [[Kinko Kikuchi]]
*Historical research: [[Manabu Ōishi]]
*Narrator: [[Tomoko Naraoka]]
*Production coordinator: [[Motohiko Sano]]
*Casting: [[Mineyo Satō]]

==Cast==

*Okatsu → Atsuhime → Tenshō-in: [[Honoka Nagai]] → [[Chinami Iwamoto]] → [[Aoi Miyazaki]]

===Shimazu Clan===
*[[Hideki Takahashi]] as Shimazu Nariakira
*[[Yūichirō Yamaguchi]] as Shimazu Tadayuki/ [[Shimazu Hisamitsu]]
*Hiroyuki Nagato as [[Shimazu Narioki]]
*Mayo Suzukaze as Oyura (Narioki's concubine, mother of Hisamitsu)

===Imaizumi Shimazu Family===
*[[Kyōzō Nagatsuka]] as Shimazu Tadatake
*Kanako Higuchi as Oyuki
*Yoshinori Okada as Shimazu Tadayuki

===Shogun’s Clan===
*Masato Sakai as Tokugawa Iesachi/ [[Tokugawa Iesada]]
*[[Shōta Matsuda]] as Tokugawa Yoshitomi/ [[Tokugawa Iemochi]]
*Takehiro Hira as Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu/ [[Tokugawa Yoshinobu]]
*Shigeru Saiki as [[Tokugawa Ieyoshi]]

===Daimyos===
*Tōru Emori as [[Tokugawa Nariaki]]
*Kenichi Yajima as [[Matsudaira Yoshinaga]]

===Elite Members of Shimazu Clan===
*[[Eita]] as Kimotsuki Naogorō / [[Komatsu Tatewaki]]
*Mikijirō Hira as Zusho Hirosato
*[[Ikki Sawamura]] as [[Komatsu Kiyomichi]]
*[[Rie Tomosaka]] as Ochika

===Low Members of Shimazu Clan===
*[[Yukiyoshi Ozawa]] as Saigō Kichinosuke / [[Saigō Takamori]]
*[[Taizo Harada]] as Ōkubo Shōsuke / [[Ōkubo Toshimichi]]

===Ōoku===
*[[Keiko Matsuzaka]] as [[Ikushima]]
*[[Izumi Inamori]] as [[Takiyama]]
*[[Atsuko Takahata]] as [[Honjuin]]
*[[Maki Horikita]] as [[Princess Kazu]]

===Shogun's Advisors===
*Masao Kusakari as [[Abe Masahiro]]
*Takurō Tatsumi as [[Hotta Masayoshi]]
*Baijaku Nakamura as [[Ii Naosuke]]
*Akira Shirai as [[Andō Nobumasa]]
*Kazuyuki Matsuzawa as [[Matsudaira Tadakata]]
*Seishirō Nishida as [[Itakura Katsukiyo]]
*Tōgo Shimura as [[Matsudaira Katamori]]

===Shogunate retainers===
*Kinya Kitaōji as [[Katsu Kaishū]]
*Ryō Katsuji as [[John Manjiro]]

===Others===
*Hiroshi Tamaki as [[Sakamoto Ryōma]]
*Jumpei Suzuki as [[Kido Takayoshi|Katsura Kogorō]]
*[[Natsuki Harada]] as Okoto

===Imperial Family===
*Hideki Tōgi as [[Emperor Kōmei]]
*Terunosuke Takezai as [[Prince Arisugawa Taruhito]]
*[[Maki Horikita]] as [[Princess Kazu|Kazunomiya Chikako]]
*[[Mayumi Wakamura]] as [[Kangyōin]]

===Kugyōs===
*Shumpūtei Koasa as [[Konoe Tadahiro]]
*Tsurutarō Kataoka as [[Iwakura Tomomi]]

==Plot==
The episodes largely fall into two parts. The first half of the series revolves around Atsuhime's life in Satsuma. The latter half mainly proceeds with the politics around the Tokugawa Shogunate after she moved to Edo to marry [[Tokugawa Iesada]].

===Episode 1: Child of Destiny (1/6/2008)===
The episode starts off in Satsuma in 1835, 20 years prior to the arrival of the [[Black Ships]] led by [[Mathew C. Perry]]. People in [[Satsuma]] are excited by the arrival of the heir to the domain, [[Shimazu Nariakira]], from Edo. Meanwhile, a long-awaited daughter was born in one of the cadet families of Shmazu clan, Imaizumi Shimazu family. The father of the girl, [[Shimazu Tadatake]], and the mother, Oyuki, name her “Katsu” wishing the child’s happiness. Okatsu grew up as a tomboy, much stronger than her brothers, yet full of curiosity and warm-hearted.

Before long, [[Satsuma domain]] picks up its efforts at strict financial reform under the guidance of [[Karō]] Zusho Hirosato. Saigo Kichinosuke ([[Saigo Takamori]]), witnessing the farmers’ harsh life, appeals to Tadatake. Hirosato receivs this news and punished Tadatake for allowing farmers to express their dissent, for it suggests the lenient treatment of farmers on Tadatake’s part. Okatsu, unable to comprehend Hirosato’s action of punishing those who support farmers, recklessly decides to charge over to Hirosato’s house with her close friend Kimotsuke Naogorō ([[Komatsu Tatewaki]]) to demand the reason.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st01.html]</ref>

===Episode 2: Vow at [[Sakurajima]] (1/13/2008)===
By restraining himself and devoting to the domain’s financial reform, Tadatake manages to avoid a punishment. With [[Karō]] Zusho Hirosato’s reform steadily gaining results, the domain’s debt, which at one point reached 5 million [[Ryō (Japanese coin)]], is cleared. Meanwhile, the lives of farmers and [[samurai]] become extremely difficult, and their plight fueled animosity among young samurai like Saigō Kichnosuke and Ōkubo Shōsuke ([[Ōkubo Toshimichi]]) toward Daimyō [[Shimazu Narioki]], who employed Zusho, and his concubine, Oyura. Amid hostilities, [[Shimazu Nariakira]]’s children have passed away one after another. What is more, a doll, supposedly used for curse, is found under the room of these children. The hatred toward Oyura and Zusho peaks within the domain. In this backdrop, Okatsu is invited by Zusho to his house. She visits him with Kimotsuki Naogorō. In his house, Zusho tells Okatsu that he wanted to share ideas with her before he goes off to Edo. Subsequently, Zusho went to Edo but is suspected by [[Rōjū]] Abein Masahiro of illegal trade. To protect Satsuma from repercussions, he kills himself by taking poison.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st02.html]</ref>

===Episode 3: Satsuma Divide (1/20/2008)===
In Satsuma, Oyura—Narioki’s concubine—is trying to make her son an hair to the clan and antagonizing with the group that stood by Nariakira. Okatus is curious about the domain’s politics, but Tadatake chides her that politics is not what children should be involved in. In connection with the family quarrel, Ōkubo Tadasuke (Toshimichi) is punished by the domain. Okatsu, who heard the news from Naogorō, worries about Tadasuke’s family and starts to bring in food to the family from her home. Tadasuke is deeply moved by the kindness of Okatsu, Naogorō, and Saigō. Having seen Tadasuke’s sisters busy with their side jobs, Okatsu tries to give her expensive comb and hair ornament to Tadasuke’s mother, Fuku. Fuku, however, flatly refuses to accept them. To Okatsu, who is worried if her kindness hurt Fuku, Oyuki explains about the pride of women in Satsuma. Meanwhile, Nariakira, who succeeded as the head of the clan with the help of [[rōjū]] Abe, enters Satsuma with huge ambitions.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st03.html]</ref>

===Episode 4: A Wise Lord Angered (1/27/2008)===
In the wake of the family quarrel, the new clan head Nariakira arrives at Satsuma from Edo and takes the active lead in the reform of rice prices. The group who sided with Tadayuki ([[Shimazu Hisamitsu]]) fears how Nariakira is going to punish its members, but he has not punish anybody. Saigō and other young samurai become frustrated because Ōkubo, who should have been pardoned right away, has not received clemency. Okatsu and Naogorō go over to Komatsu Kiyomichi and Ochika’s place and ask about Nariakira’s true intention. Kiyomich, however, tells that faith in Nariakira is the only way of loyal, but this does not convince Okatsu. Meanwhile, Nariakira invites the Imaizumi family to the castle to meet members of branch families. Tadatake subjects Okatsu to practice in a lady-like manner to avoid embarrassment in the meeting. On the day of Okatsu's visit, Okatsu intensely presses to Nariakira for why Ōkubo has not been pardoned. Nariakira, who has a different purpose for the meeting, is amused by Okatsu’s honest yet serious attitude and comes to have interest in her.<ref>[ http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st04.html]</ref>

===Episode 5: The Best Man in Japan (2/3/2008)===
Japanese history books has been sent to Okatsu’s place from Nariakira. Kikumoto tells Okatsu, who were overjoyed and busily reading the books, that the happiness of women lies in marriage. Meanwhile, Shimazu Tadayuki comes with news to Tadatake that his son fell in love at first sight with Okatsu and that he wants to marry her. Fearing the risk that Nariakira might misunderstand the connection between his family and Tadayuki's family, Tadateke, however, could not view the marriage proposal in a positive light.
Naogorō, who heard the story from Tadayuki, is gravely shaken. He asks Okatsu about her thought on marriage, but she only tells that she wishes to marry the best man in Japan. In the meantime, [[John Manjirō]], who had just returned from the US, is invited to Satsuma. Naogorō meets him and is inspired by his story that marriage in the US is based on the agreement between the individuals, unlike Japan where it is decided by the two families. This gives him courage to openly tell Tadatake about his feelings for Okatsu. But, the next day, Tadatake is called up to the castle. Against his fear that the proposal news might have reached Nariakira, he is informed of Nariakira's plan for adopting Okatsu.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st05.html]</ref>

===Episode 6: Women’s Path (2/10/2008)===
Nariakira’s plan to adopt Okatsu has stirred Tadatake. Kikumoto, who had raised her since she was little, is overjoyed by this honor. Taken by surprised, Okatsu, however, is hesitant, not knowing what to do. It is only certain that she could not turn down the offer. Naogorō, who has learned the news, grows desperate, for it would be impossible to marry Okatsu once she is adopted. Emotionally charged, he starts to cry at Saigō’s home, but Saigō’s compassion cheers him up.

In the overjoyed Imaizumi family, Oyuki detects strangeness in Kikumoto’s behavior. Okatsu, in the meantime, implores Tadatake for permission to have an audience with Nariakira to plead for explanations. On the morning of Okatsu’s visit to the castle, Kikumoto presses on Okatsu saying “A woman’s life is like walking on a long one-way path. It is a dishonor to turn back the path."

In response to Okatsu’s straightforward question, Nariakira explains that he wants to adopt her because she reminds him of his mother. Having learned his brimming affection for her, Okatsu finally comes to a decision to become his daughter. When she returns home, however, there is news waiting that Kikumoto has killed herself. ”<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st06.html[</ref>

===Episode 7: The Father's Tears (2/17/2008)===
Okatsu is gravely shaken from Kikumoto’s taking her own life. What is more, she starts to hold ill feelings for her father, for he got rid of Kikumoto’s body as if treating criminals. That night, Okatsu learns from Oyuki that Kikumoto left a will. In it, she wrote that her choice to kill herself was motivated by her wish to erase the blemish that someone of a low status like herself raised Okatsu, who is now facing a bright future. Okatsu realized Kikumoto’s considerations and expectations for her future and learned the true meaning of becoming [[Shimazu Nariakira|Nariakira]]’s daughter.

Meanwhile, news from [[Dejima|Nagasaki Dejima]] comes in to [[Edo]] that an American navel fleet demanding trade with Japan is approaching. Leaders in the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] face difficulty in how it should be dealt. [[Tokugawa Nariaki|Nariaki]] supports the sweeping expulsion of foreigners from Japan and does not yield. Facing this, [[Shimazu Nariakira|Nariakira]] comes to a realization the urgency of adopting Okatsu to implement his political scheme in this political turmoil.
While the day Okatsu moves to [[Kagoshima Castle|Tsurumaru Castle]] closes in, Tadatake all of a sudden started to devote himself to constructing batteries for guarding the coastlines, behaving as if he has no interest in the adoption affair. Finally, the day for Okatsu to leave for the castle arrives.
<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st07.html]</ref>

===Episode 36: Satsuma or Tokugawa (9/7/2008)===
While the Edo group and the Kyōto group inside Ōoku continue to antagonize to each other, little by little Kazunomiya and Iemochi became closer. Tensho-in was finally feeling relieved.

Then, commanding a force of a few thousand solders, Hisamitsu left for Kyōto with the intention of receiving the Emperor’s approval for reforming the Tokugawa Shōgunate.
Meanwhile, suspicion that Tenshō-in might be involved in the plot mounted in Edo.

The message that the Satsuma force headed to Edo reached Ōoku, and distrust directed to Tenshō-in further deepened. Amid this, even Iemochi, who had been on Tenshō-in’s side, came to suspect her. Crushed from everyone’s distrust, Tenshō-in started to burn her personal items that she brought with her from Satsuma. Seeing this, Iemochi realized how much she is hurt by his distrust and apologized to her that he would not doubt her from now on.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st36.html]</ref>

===Episode 37: Parting of Friendship (9/14/2008)===
The Satsuma force led by Hisamitsu entered Edo accompanying an Imperial envoy. His aim was to reform the Tokugawa Shogunate. Meanwhile, Tenshō-in was anxious if Tatewaki also came to Edo accompanying Hisamitsu. Against Hisamitsu's wish, the negotiation between the envoy and [[Rōjū]] came to a dead end. Hisamitsu became extremely impatient and ordered Ōkubo to threaten the Rōjū side by force. While Tatewaki felt awkward toward such a forceful approach taken by his comrades, Satsuma succeeded in pressing on the reform plan. Tenshō-in, who was upset at Satsuma's cowardly move, sought an audience with Hisamitsu to ascertain his true intentions. With her unsuccessful meeting with Hisamitsu, she failed to exchange words with Tatewaki, who was in the company of Hisamitsu. Regretting this sour reunion with Tatewaki, Tenshō-in asked Iemochi to invite Tatewaki to [[Ōoku]]. Playing [[igo]] like when they were still in Satsuma, Tenshō-in and Tatewaki engaged in friendly conversation and promised to each other that each would try their best to defend their own people: the Tokugawa clan for Tenshō-in and the people of Satsuma for Tatewaki.<ref>[http://www9.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st37.html]</ref>

===Episode 38: Heart of the Mother-In-Law, Heart of the Wife (9/21/2008)===
A letter from Tatewaki recounting what really took place in [[Namamugi Incident]] reached Tenshō-in. Having learned the truth, she maintained that the Shogunate, together with Satsuma, needed to apologize to Britain. Meanwhile, in Kyoto, the [[Chōshū]] group came to dominate the political scene, defeating the Satsuma group and its leaders [[Shimazu Hisamitsu]] and [[Iwakura Tomomi]].

Amid this confusion, an Imperial Envoy came from Kyoto to Edo, demanding Iemochi to visit the capital and to implement a policy that would exclude foreigners. Upon discussing the matter with Tenshō-in, he made up his mind to tell the emperor in person that the implementation of such a policy would be unattainable. [[Kazunomiya|Princess Kazu]], however, strongly opposed Iemochi’s decision.

[[Sakamoto Ryōma]] visited [[Katsu Rintarō]]. Although he initially intended to kill Lintarō, after discussion, he changed his mind and asked Lintarō to become his mentor. In the meantime in Satsuma, Tatewaki got promoted to the position of [[Karō]].

In [[Edo castle]], where Iemochi’s departure was looming close, Tenshō-in and Lintaro argued with each other whether Iemochi should take a land route or a sea route. Meanwhile, Kazunomiya, who learned that Tenshō-in pushed Iemochi to visit the capital, came to harbor strong hostility toward Tenshō-in.<ref>[http://www9.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st38.html]</ref>

===Episode 39: Buring Satsuma (9/28/2008)===
The news that Shōgun Iemochi arrived at Kyoto came to Ōoku and lightened her mind. Kazunomiya, on the other hand, worried about Iemochi and became more restless. Her fear became true when radicals led by a [[Chōshū]] Domain group supporting the expulsion of foreigners dominated the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Mired in the quandary, Iemochi was forced to promise to the court the enforcement of expelling foreigners.

Tenshōin, who blamed herself for urging Iemochi’s visit to Kyoto, asked Kazunomiya to convince his brother, [[Emperor Kōmei]] to arrange Iemochi’s return to Edo, but Kazunomiya adamantly refused it. Tenshōin sent [[Katsu Kaishū]] to Iemochi, who fell ill from the exhaustion from the trip to Kyōto. Through the conversation with Katsu, Iemochi regained his spirits and learned his board perspective on the matter.

In the meantime, Chōshū Domain carried out the expulsion of foreigners, and word reached Satsuma. Hisamitsu and Tatewaki realized that war was imminent.

In Kyōto, Iemochi was permitted to return to Edo with Kazunomiya’s plea to the emperor. Tenshōin expressed her gratitude to Kazunomiya. Then, the news came in that the British Royal Navy staying in [[Yokohama]] headed to Satsuma. The Anglo-Satsuma War was about to start.<ref>[http://www9.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st39.html]</ref>

===Episode 40: Son Taking the Field (10/05/08)===
[[Saigō Takamori|Saigo]], who had been exiled, came back. At the gathering where Saigo and his old friends reunited, Tatewaki met a geisho, Okoto.
The Chōshū domain, which is bent on regaining its political leverage in the capital, suddenly attacked the Imperial Palace. This is known as the [[Hamaguri Rebellion]]. Tatewaki, who led the Satsuma forces, joined forces with the Shōgunate, along with [[Tokugawa Yoshinobu|Yoshinobu]], and defeat the enemy forces. In the meantime, in [[Ōoku]], Takiyama advised Tenshōin to let the Shogun have a concubine who could bare his heir, for she was purely concerned with the future of the Tokugawa clan and desired to consolidate the foundations of the Shugunate’s rule. Tenshōin, however, did not want to tore up the intimate relationship between Kazunomiya and Iemochi and flatly rejected the idea.

The Navel School established by [[Katsu Kaishū]] was about to be shut down by the shōgunate, suffering the repercussions of the [[Hamaguri rebellion|Hamaguri Rebellion]]. Katsu sent his disciple [[Sakamoto Ryōma]] to Tatewaki, who was the [[Karō|karo|]] of the Satsuma domain, to ask him to take care of the students.
Meanwhile, in [[Edo Castle]], [[Kazunomiya]] showed signs of pregnancy, and the entire [[Ōoku]] was delighted with the news. Kangyōin—Kazunomiya’s mother—and Tenshōin both shared the excitement of expecting a grandchild. As it turned out, however, Kazunomiya’s pregnancy proved false.<ref>[http://www9.nhk.or.jp/taiga/story/st40.html]</ref>

=={{Nihongo|Atsuhime Travel Sketches|篤姫紀行}}==
Atsuhime Travel Sketches is a series of sketches that is assigned to the last few minutes of each episode. In each sketch, A few historical sites relevant to the drama are introduced with a short video clip and brief comment.

===Sketch 1: Atsuhime’s Homeland<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou01.html]</ref>===
*The {{Nihongo|Imaizumi Shimazu Family Residence Historical Site|今和泉島津家別邸跡}} <[[Kagoshima, Kagoshima|Kagoshima City]]>
:[[Kagoshima]] City, [[Kagoshima Prefecture]], is the hometown of Atsuhime. It was a [[Castle town|castle town]] of the 770, 000 [[koku]] [[Satsuma Domain]]. In 1835, Okatsu (later Atsuhime) was born in one of the [[Shimazu]] branch families, the Imaizumi Shimazu family, as the eldest daughter. Her birthhouse was located in the area close to [[Kagoshima Castle]], where upper-class samurai lived.

:[[Ibusuki, Kagoshima]] is located 40 km north of Kagoshima City. The northern section of the city was the Imaizumi Shimazu family’s territory. In the Imaizumi family’s residence site still remains a [[Chōzubachi|chōzubachi]] that is known to be used by Atsuhime.
:Direction to the Imaizumi family’s residence site: JR [[Satsuma Imaizumi Station]]

===Sketch 2: Naogorō’s Homeland<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou02.html]</ref>===
*Komatsu Tatewaki Statue <[[Kagoshima, Kagoshima|Kagoshima City]]>
:[[Kagoshima]] City, [[Kagoshima Prefecture]] is the hometown of Kimotsuki Naogorō (later [[Komatsu Tatewaki]]). Naogorō was born in 1835, the same year as Atsuhime was born. He was the third son of [[Kimotsuki Kaneyoshi]] and grew up close to the birthhouse of Atsuhime.

:At the age of 23, Naogorō was adopted by the Komatsu family and afterwards became politically influential in the tumultuous period prior to the [[Meiji Restoration]] as [[karō]] of the [[Satsuma Domain]].

===Sketch 3: The Strongest Samuraihood<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou03.html]</ref>===
:[[Izumi, Kagoshima]], is the birthplace of the Shimazu clan. The first head of the clan, [[Shimazu Tadahisa]], established the castle in the [[Kamakura period]] and built the clan’s foundation. In Kannōji Temple, the first five heads of the clan are resting peacefully. During that time, travelers and shipments passing through Izumi were strictly searched, for the location was on the boarder between [[Satsuma]] and [[Higo]]. On the foot of the hills still remain numerous residences of samurai.

===Sketch 4: Nariakira’s Achievements<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou04.html]</ref>===
:[[Shimazu Nariakira]] established the first modern factories at a location called Iso 5 km northeast of central Kagoshima city. With the incorporation of western technology, great efforts were made at the development of ironworks and shipbuilding, along with the foundation of the glass handcraft industry and the cotton mill industry. In Senganen, Shimzau’s villa, Nariakira succeeded in lightening a gas lamp. He was enshrined in Terukuni Shrine and is still known by many.

===Sketch 5: Manjirō’s Homeland<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou05.html]</ref>===
:Nakahama ([[Tosashimizu, Kōchi]]), located on the eastside of [[Ashizuri Peninsula]], is the homeland of [[Nakahama Manjirō]]. Manjirō, who lost his father when he was young, started working early to make ends meet. It was at the age of 14, when he was cast away during his fishing trip. He was saved by an American whaling ship and spent 10 years in the foreign land of America. The knowledge that Manjirō brought from abroad gave a significant impact on later developments in Japan.

===Sketch 6: Satsuma’s {{Nihongo|Gojū Education|郷中教育}}<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou06.html]</ref>===
:Kajiya Town, located on [[Kōtsuki River]] in [[Kagoshima]], produced many leaders of the new [[Meiji]] government such as [[Saigō Takamori]] and [[Ōkubo Toshimichi]]. The [[Satsuma Domain]] had a unique educational system named {{Nihongo|Gojū Education|郷中教育}}. The territory was divided roughly into 30 areas, and within each area the senior educated the junior. Saigō and Ōkubo were also educated by teachings of their seniors.

===Sketch 7: The Port Town Deeply Connected to Atsuhime<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou07.html]</ref>===
:[[Ibusuki, Kagoshima]] is renowned for {{Nihongo|sunamushi hot spring|砂蒸し温泉}}, a hot spring that requires the body to be covered with hot, steamy sand. The town has a good natural port and was busy in trade with China and [[Ryūkyū]] in the past. As a consequence, however, the town was exposed to the threat of foreign ships many times. Lord Nariakira reinforced battery fortifications around the area to strengthen its defense.

===Sketch 8: The Arrival of the Black Ships<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou08.html]</ref>===
:During the Edo period, [[Uraga]] was an entrance for many ships which visited the country. Back then, the port was lined with ship merchants. Many [[Inari]] shrines built for business success still remain in the city. In 1853, four black ships commanded by Commodore [[Matthew Perry]] appeared in [[Uraga Bay]]. Seeking the opening of Japan, he lands on Kuri Beach. The arrival of the Black Ships heralded the beginning of the turmoil leading up to the [[Meiji Restoration]] and also radically changed the fate of Atsuhime.

===Sketch 9: The Castle where Atsuhime was Born<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou09.html]</ref>===
:[[Kagoshima Castle]] is called "Crane Castle" and has been cherished by many, for it is formed in a shape that appears like a crane spreading its wings. The front side has the main gate called Gorō Gate. Passing through the gate, a modestly constructed main palace used to welcomed visitors. It's been said that one corner of the building was assigned to [[Ōoku]]. The stone foundations still contain traces of bullets from the [[Satsuma Rebellion]]. In the castle that witnessed the tumultuous period of Japan, Okatsu took the name Atsuhime.

===Sketch 10: Achievements of [[Tokugawa Nariaki]]===
:[[Mito]] flourished during the [[Edo]] period as the castle town of the [[Mito Han]], one of the Tokugawa [[Gosanke]]. The 9th [[daimyo]] of the domain, [[Tokugawa Nariaki]] aggressively carried out reform. He also encouraged both literary and military arts and established the school Kōdōkan and the relaxing place for samurai [[Kairakuen]]. Even after the family headship was handed over to his son, he remained on the political scene as a leading figure of the {{Nihongo|Jōi|攘夷}} group, whcih supported the expulsion of foreigners from Japan.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou10.html]</ref>

===Sketch 11: The Town with a Flagrance of Antiquity===
:Located at the southeast of [[Satsuma Peninsula]], in current [[Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima]], Bōnotsu Town had been known, inside and outside of the country, as a sea entrance to Japan. It is said that [[Ganjin]], a renowned Buddhist monk, arrived here in 753f from China and passed on knowledge about [[incense]]. There is a historical record recounting that merchants of Bōnotsu broght in the incense called {{Nihongo|Jinkō|沈香}} from [[Agarwood]]to the [[Shimazu]] clan.
:It has been said that the activity to burn incense for entertainment caught on and expanded to the four corners of the country during the [[Edo]] period.<ref>[ http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou11.html]</ref>

===Sketch 12: My Homeland, [[Sakurajima]]===
:[[Sakurajima]] is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. In particular, the eruption in 1914 caused enormous damage to the region. Due to thermal effects created in the volcanic area, public bathhouses in [[Kagoshima City|Kagoshima, Kagoshima]] use hot spring water. At the foothills of Sakurajima grow local produce such as Sakurajima [[Daikon]] and Sakurajima Small [[Mikan]]. The volcano that Atsuhime adored is the homeland for people of Kagoshima across time.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou12.html]</ref>

===Sketch 13: Atsuhime’s Journey to Edo===
:In the fall of 1853, Atsuhime dropped by Kyoto on the way to Edo. During her stay, she met with [[Konoe Tadahiro]]. Konoe, a [[kuge|Kuge]], had a strong tie with Satsuma, since he married Nariakira’s elder sister as his primary wife. [[Tōfuku-ji]] Sokusōin, where Atsuhime visited for worshiping, was the temple where the [[Shimazu]] clan worshiped their ancestors tracing back to the [[Muromachi]] period. After spending roughly one week, she left for Edo with full of expectations and worries.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou13.html]</ref>

===Sketch 14: [[Ii Naosuke]]’s Homeland===
*[[Hikone, Shiga]]
:Ii Naosuke, who later played a significant role as a [[Tairō]] in the late [[Edo]] period, was born in 1815 as a son of the head of the [[Hikone]] domain. Although he was the 14th boy, coupled with his brothers’ untimely deaths, he was surprisingly chosen to head the domain at the age of 36. It was the Hikone domain that was guarding [[Uraga Bay]] when [[Matthew C. Perry|Commodore Perry]] came to demand Japan’s opening. Ii, who recognized the immense military power of the US, asserted the importance of opening the country. Afterwards, he antagonized with [[Tokugawa Nariaki]] over foreign policy.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou14.html]</ref>

===Sketch 15: The Temple Remembered in Connection with [[Saigō Takamori]]===
*{{Nihongo|Meguro Fudōson Ryūsen-ji|目黒不動尊瀧泉寺}} <[[Meguro, Tokyo]]>
:Meguro Fudōson Ryūsen-ji is a temple that is closely connected to Saigō Takamori. According to the temple’s historical recount, it was established in the [[Heian]] period and was bustled with visitors during the [[Edo]] period. In 1854, the [[Satsuma]] domain met with an unfortunate turn of events, [[Shmzau Nariakira|Nariakira]]’s illness and his fifth son’s sudden death. Saigō wrote in a letter to his friend that he paid homage at the temple for Nariakira’s health. Under Nariakira, who recovered his health, Saigō lived through the tumult years of the late Edo period.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou15.html]</ref>

===Sketch 40: [[Hamaguri Rebellion|Hamaguri rebellion]]===
*The {{Nihongo|Hamaguri Gate|蛤御門}} <[[Kyoto, Kyoto|Kyoto City]]>
:On July 19th, 1864, the [[Chōshū]] domain attacked the [[Kyoto Imperial Palace]]. Later, this incident became known as the rebellion at the Hamaguri Gate. The Shogunate force guarding the palace was, at one point, overwhelmed by the Chōshū forces. The Satsuma forces led by [[Saigō Takamori]] came for reinforcement and turned the tables.
:It was said that [[Komatsu Tatewaki]], who attacked [[Tenryū-ji]], where the Choshū forces’ headquarters was located, distributed to commoners who suffered from fires from the war the rice that was left in the temple by the enemy forces. In the wake of this battle, Satsuma’s influence in Kyoto became further strengthened.<ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/kikou/kikou40.html]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/taiga/ NHK Taiga drama official site]
*[http://www.nhk.or.jp/kagoshima/atsuhime/ NHK Kagoshima site]
*{{imdb title|1050377|Atsuhime}}
*[http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Atsu_Hime DramaWiki]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ikura Kazue}}
[[Category:NHK taiga drama]]
[[Category:2008 television series debuts]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:2008 television series endings]]
[[Category:Japanese voice actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]


[[ja:篤姫 (NHK大河ドラマ)]]
[[ja:伊倉一恵]]
[[zh:篤姬]]

Revision as of 02:58, 13 October 2008

Kazue Ikura (伊倉 一恵, Ikura Kazue), born in Nagano, Japan on March 23, 1959) is a veteran seiyū who works for Aoni Production. She worked under the name Ikura Kazu (伊倉 一寿) from 1991 to 1995. She was previously affiliated with theater groups/production companies 劇舎燐, 俳協, Production Baobab and NABEYA.

She is most known for the roles of Kaori Makimura (City Hunter), Toraoh (Mashin Eiyuuden Wataru), Ryuunosuke Natsume (All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku), and Leni Milchstrasse (Sakura Wars). Kazue Ikura has even taken her voice acting skills on stage to perform, in costume, Leni Milchstrasse during several events starting in 1998 to the present.

Her blood type is O and her hobbies are scuba diving, swimming, and tennis.

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