About this season
The Hyakunin Isshu are an anthology of one hundred poems found in a trational Japanese card game called Karuta. Presented by the person who selected the writings, Fujiwara no Teika, this is a glimpse into the origin of some of them. Since the majority of them are love compositions, the focus remains on romance in ancient Japan.
Episodes (13)
1. Takaiko and Narihira: The Honorable Ariwara no Narihira / Yukihira and Hiroko: The Councilor Yukihira
Aired 3 July 2012 • 25 min
Narihira is quite the ladies’ man, but when the bride to be of emperor catches his eye, he begins to change. Yukihira, his oldest brother, was always the opposite when it came to love.
2. Sadaakira and Yasuko: Emperor Yozei
Aired 10 July 2012 • 25 min
Sadaakira became emperor at the age of 9 and for a time was served by Narihira, who attempted to teach him how to become a man.
3. Munesada and Yoshiko: The Monk Henjo
Aired 17 July 2012 • 25 min
If you visit her every night for 100 nights, she will be yours to marry. But her true dream lies at the palace.
4. Yasuhide and Narihira: Funya no Yasuhide
Aired 24 July 2012 • 25 min
Three poets, three different styles, each express their reason and why they write poetry.
5. Eastward: Ono no Komachi
Aired 31 July 2012 • 25 min
Yoshiko, Yasuhide, and Narihira have grown to be great friends. Yasuhide is being sent to Mikawa and Narihira is leaving too. The three friends spend an evening together gazing at the stars.
6. Uta Hen+
Aired 7 August 2012 • 25 min
G1 Grand Prix in the Heian Capital, Teika's Room, and Heian card battle. Prepare for an intense non-stop episode.
7. Yoshitaka and the Daughter of Minamoto no Yasumitsu: Fujiwara no Yoshitaka
Aired 14 August 2012 • 25 min
Michitaka believes Yoshitaka relationship has gone stale and tries to help. Afterwards he needs some help with lady troubles of his own.
8. Mount Suenomatsu: Kiyohara no Motosuke / Sanekata and Nagiko: The Honorable Fuji
Aired 21 August 2012 • 25 min
Two couples very much in love, but even time can erode at something once thought unbreakable.
9. Shonagon and Yukinari: Sei Shonagon
Aired 28 August 2012 • 25 min
Yukinari’s father had a natural gift for poetry, a gift not passed on. Yukinari’s anti-social nature is affecting his reputation within the palace, in particular with the ladies of the court.
10. Nakoso Falls: Shonagon Kinto
Aired 4 September 2012 • 25 min
With the death of a prominent figure and a shakeup within the hierarchy of the palace, many things are changing and the old poets of the palace are moving on.
11. Kaoriko and Fujiko: Lady Murasaki
Aired 11 September 2012 • 25 min
Two friends form a bond as children and promise to keep it, as adults they learn things change.
12. Michimasa and Masako: Minister of Left Kyoto Michimasa / Midnight Moon: The Former Emperor Sanjo
Aired 18 September 2012 • 25 min
A chance for love takes courage, not pride.
13. Teika and Noriko: Princess Shokushi Gon Chunagon Teika
Aired 25 September 2012 • 25 min
A young man, not wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps, is drawn to the world of poetry by an untouchable source.