A wildly unusual story set in the earliest days of the Meiji era. The story centers around a gathering place called The Mermaid Saloon, where scantily clad pearl divers put on a show while two residents of the inn upstairs...

Saigo Takamori, the hero of the Meiji Restoration, was born to a poor, low-ranking samurai family in the Satsuma domain (present day Kagoshima Prefecture). His simple honesty caught the attention of its charismatic feudal lord of Satsuma, Shimazu Nariakira. Nariakira’s assertion that the love of people is what will enrich and strengthen the nation captivated Saigo who took on Nariakira’s secret mission and eventually became a key person for Satsuma. Not a portrait of him survives today and much of his life is a mystery. He is a man who was twice exiled and thrice married. He overthrew the Tokugawa Shogunate with exceptional bravery and action. Although he accomplished the restoration, he lost his life in a fight with the new Meiji government.

The 16th NHK Asadora. Starring Yoko Akino in a contemporary story about a woman who is an office worker.

Continuing the adventures from the film series, Shikoro Ichibei is back with his cache of unique weapons and the quickest sword in all Japan. Having worked directly for the shogun in the past, he now runs a school in his secret identity as an educator. Meanwhile he takes on secret missions as ”The Bounty Hunter” (Shokin Kasegi). The touches of humor during the scenes around the school disappear once Ichibei takes on a contract. Powerful swordplay and brutal violence highlight these episodes as Japan’s greatest sword star Wakayama Tomisaburo stands tall against all odds in this dynamic television series.