Taira no Kiyomori — Season 1, Episode 31: Prisoner in Izu (伊豆の流人)

Episode synopsis

It is 1164, Yoritomo, who was exiled five years ago by Kiyomori, has now turned 18 and lives with his retainer in Izu. Meanwhile, Kiyomori gains power in the Imperial Court under the rule of Emperor Nijo, who is in conflict with the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Nijo suddenly falls ill and passes the throne to his son, Prince Nobuhito (who later becomes known as Emperor Rokujo) with hopes to eliminate Go-Shirakawa's influence over the Imperial Court. However, after the passing of Nijo and with the enthronement of Emperor Rokujo at the tender age of two, the power balance within the Imperial Court begins to fall apart.

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

• E1Two Fathers (ふたりの父)
• 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)