Taira no Kiyomori — Season 1, Episode 1: Two Fathers (ふたりの父)

Episode synopsis

In 1118 in Kyoto amid the time of confusion, Taira no Tadamori, the heir of the Taira clan, spends days doing dirty works to capture robbers under orders of the Imperial Court. One day, he encounters a pregnant woman named Maiko, who is on the run to protect her unborn baby, a child of the cloistered Emperor Shirakawa (who although retired is still the most powerful,) from being murdered. Tadamori secretly provides shelter to Maiko, while shaking off the pursuit from Minamoto no Tameyoshi, the head of the Minamoto clan, who is searching for her under Emperor Shirakawa's order. Maiko eventually gives birth to a baby boy, Heita, who later becomes known as Taira no Kiyomori.

About Taira no Kiyomori

Villain or hero, Taira no Kiyomori changed Japanese history forever 900 years ago. Without ever knowing his real father, Kiyomori was raised as a samurai. Together with his stepfather, he wiped out piracy along Japan's western coast, becoming a full-fledged warrior samurai. In an age when samurai were looked down on as members of the lower class, Kiyomori was skillful at winning the hearts and minds of the people. By rounding up surrendered pirates and achieving other successes, Kiyomori eventually became the de facto ruler of Japan.

More episodes from Season 1

• E2The Villain Takeheita (無頼の高平太)
• E3Son of Two Clans (源平の御曹司)
• E4Court Assassination (殿上の闇討ち)
• E5Crush the Pirates (海賊討伐)
• E6The Pirate King of the Western Seas (西海の海賊王)
• E7The Unshining Prince (光らない君)
• E8Currency and the Minister (宋銭と内大臣)
• E9The Two Outcasts (ふたりのはみだし者)
• E10Norikiyo's Fall (義清散る)
• E11A Monster's Tears (もののけの涙)
• E12A Fateful Reunion (宿命の再会)
• E13The Gion Incident (祇園闘乱事件)