Taira no Kiyomori — Season 1, Episode 40: A Short Song (はかなき歌)

Episode synopsis

In 1174 in Fukuhara, Japan-Sung trade has already started. Kiyomori advises the cloistered Emperor Go-Shirakawa and Shigeko to visit Itsukushima Shrine to pray for the nation's prosperity. Meanwhile, Saiko and Narichika (Go-Shirakawa's aides) start to fear the growing power of the Taira family. Shigeko tells Saiko and Narichika to act as a bridge between Go-Shirakawa and the Taira family. However, after the passing of Shigeko in 1176, the power balance within the Imperial Court begins to fall apart. Around the same time in Izu, Yoritomo and Hojo Masako are gradually nurturing their love.

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)