FALL OF THE SAMURAI

GROUP JOURNAL

TEAM JAPAN

AMOS TAN CHI YI

JAMES WONG ZHEN FAI

NGE JIA CHEN

KHOR YEN MIN

KHOR HAO XIANG

ANNA NEO

LEE CZEN SHING

SZE MING

LAI TZE XIUAN

SCHANI DANIEL BHARAT

FALL OF THE SAMURAI

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. BRIEF

2. RESEARCH

2a. RESEARCH SUMMARY

2b. RESEARCH ADAPTATION

3. SKETCH SUMMARY

3a. SKETCH SCRIPT

3b. KEY FRAMES

3c. CUSTOMES

3d. PROPS

4. REFERENCES

2. RESEARCH

FALL OF THE SAMURAI is a brief re-enactment of the Meiji

Restoration, specifically, the Boshin War of 1868 – 1869. The

sketch is heavily influenced by a 2012 strategy game Total War

Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai, which also depicts the same

thing.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

This sketch portrays the Boshin War, a period of conflict

during the Meiji Restoration. This conflict occurred soon

after the arrival of the American Commodore Perry, who forced

Japan to open up her ports to allow international trade. Soon

after, Japan had various trade agreements with Russia, Britain

and France. This was a sudden change in Japan’s history, as

prior to this, Japan was an extremely closed society with

extremely limited trade and contact with the outside world.

Because of this, Japan was forced to modernize, disbanding

hundreds of years of tradition and abandoning the feudal

system.

However, abandoning the feudal system is synonymous with

deleting a very powerful social group: the Samurai. Evidently,

this made the Samurais angry, with this anger further fuelled

by more reforms made by the emperor. These reforms include

controversial policies such as the banning of personal

weapons, the overhaul of the military (allowing a meritocratic

ranking system), and the involvement of other foreign powers

in the militaries. Fed up with the government’s actions, the

Shogunate attacked the Choshu and Satsuma domains, and the

conflict escalated into what was to become the Boshin War.

The sketch explores the origins of the war, several key

Japanese cultures (Bushido code, Tea Ceremony and Odori dance)

and ends at the Battle of Aizu, one of the key battles of the

war.

COSTUME RESEARCH

This sketch is set in the Boshin War of 1868, and thus

features uniforms and dresses typical of mid-19th century

Japan. By this time, Western influences have crept into Japan

and caused a large change in dresses: evident by the uniforms

worn by the Emperor, Empress and Imperial troops. However,

traditional dresses are still present and particularly popular

with the housewives, dancers and the conservative Samurai.

This sketch features 11 characters, who are:

1. The Meiji Emperor

2. The Meiji Empress

3. Major General Kirino Toshiakii

4. Imperial Japanese Army rifleman

5. Odori dancer

6. Odori dancer

7. Housewife

8. Jinbo Kurabosuke

9. Tanaka Tosa

10. Samurai

11. Shincho-gumi / Ashigaru

1. The Meiji Emperor’s outfit is based on this:

This is the young Emperor Meiji in his military uniform in

1873.

2. The Meiji Empress’ costume is based on this:

It is unknown when this photo was taken, but it is believed to

have been taken shortly after the begin of her tenure as

Empress Consort of Japan in 1868.

3. Major General Kirino Toshiaki’s outfit is based on this:

This picture shows the typical officer’s dress of the day.

According to research, officers from the Satsuma domain (where

Kirino Toshiaki is from) do not have a set uniform. Thus, our

version is our interpretation of what his uniform most likely

looked like.

4. The Imperial Japanese Army Rifleman Uniform is based on this:

Above is a picture of a rifleman from the Choshu domain. At

the point of time the uniforms were of French designs, and

thus it is remarkably similar to contemporary European

designs.

5. Odori dancers

The costumes are based on the above, a traditional

extremely long-sleeved kimono. Both dancers have

different coloured kimonos.

6. The Housewife’s costume is based on this:

A typical Japanese housewife of that period would wear

a more practical, shorter sleeved kimono.

7. Jinbo Kurabosuke’s costume is based on this:

A typical Samurai armour from the late Edo period. His

armour is decorated to reflect his status as a Karo, or

a lieutenant.

8. Tanaka Tosa’s costume is based on:

Tanaka Tosa’s costume is loosely based on this. As no

photographs exist of Tanaka Tosa’s, the sketch does the

safe assumption that his armour would be typical of the

period.

9. The Samurai’s costume is based on:

Once again, it is based on the typical Samurai’s

armour. The Samurai would be wearing a less ornate set

of armour to show his lower rank.

10. Shincho-gumi / Ashigaru’s costume is based on this:

The Shincho-gumi is a police troop responsible for the

peace of Shogunate occupied regions. In terms of war,

they become Ashigarus, low ranking samurai.

PROPS RESEARCH: WEAPONRY

In this sketch, there are a wide assortment of weaponry

from the mid-19th century Japan period.

1. Minie Rifle (used by Imperial Japanese Army

Rifleman)

The Minie Rifle is a muzzle loaded French rifled

musket.

2. Spencer Repeating Carbine (used by Kirino Toshiaki)

This American carbine is a lever-action rifle, able

to fire rounds very quickly.

3. Tanegashima Gun (used by Shincho-gumi/Ashigaru)

Indigenous Japanese arquebus. This gun is very

primitive, very slow firing, has very poor accuracy

and rate of fire.

4. Wakizashi (used by Shincho-gumi/Ashigaru)

A short sword carried typically by ashigarus and low

ranking samurais.

5. Yari (used by Samurai)

A short, two handed spear used by the Samurai.

6. Katana (used by Tosa and Jinbo)

A Samurai’s signature weapon, the katana is a long

and very sharp two handed sword. Although

impractical during the BOshin War, the katana served

as a status symbol for the Samurai elite.

PROPS (MISC)

1. Fans

Used during the dance.

2. Tea set

A simple Japanese tea set used ceremonially during

the Tea Ceremony.

2a. RESEARCH SUMMARY

In conclusion:

THIS SKETCH IS ABOUT:

Japanese warrior culture during the Battle of Aizu set during

the Boshin War set during the Meiji Restoration.

THIS SKETCH HAS THESE CHARACTERS:

1. The Meiji Emperor

2. The Meiji Empress

3. Major General Kirino Toshiakii

4. Imperial Japanese Army rifleman

5. Odori dancer

6. Odori dancer

7. Housewife

8. Jinbo Kurabosuke

9. Tanaka Tosa

10. Samurai

11. Shincho-gumi / Ashigaru

THIS SKETCH FEATURES THESE PROPS:

1. Wakizashi

2. Yari

3. Tanegashima gun

4. Minie rifle

5. Spencer repeating carbine

6. Katana

7. Dancer’s fan

8. Tea set

2b. RESEARCH ADAPTATION

It is impossible to replicate exactly what the people of that

era wore and used. In addition, the factors that led to the

Meiji Restoration, and subsequently, the Boshin War, were

diverse and extremely complicated. Similarly, the initiation

of the Boshin War was complex, with various domain in-fighting

and politics. Thus, the sketch would serve the show the

primary causes as well as a simplified order of events.

3. SKETCH SUMMARY

The sketch begins with the meeting of the Meiji Emperor and

Empress with the Aizu Daimyo on the eve of the Boshin War. The

meeting is very cold, with steely remarks and insults being

exchange. Tanaka Tosa, a daimyo, is displeased with the

modernization of Japan, and accuses the Emperor of losing his

sovereignity. The Empress attempts to diffuse the situation by

inviting them to spectate an Odori dance performance. However,

that is not enough, and the meeting soon ends with the Daimyo

declaring that he is withdrawing his support for the Emperor,

and vowing to fight him. The Emperor commands Major General

Kirino Toshiaki to deal with the situation.

Nearly a year later, the Daimyo and his samurai prepare for

battle. An ashigaru arrives announcing Imperial troops have

arrived outside of their castle. The Daimyo has a final tea

ceremony with his wife, and dresses for battle. The Battle of

Aizu commences, and the Samurais are defeated. Dishonoured,

Tanaka Tosa commits seppuku with his loyal lieutenant.

3a. SKETCH SCRIPT

FALL OF THE SAMURAI SCRIPT.

CHARACTERS:

EMPEROR MEIJI: JOSHUA YIM

EMPRESS CONSORT: ANNA NEO

TANAKA TOSA: SCHANI BHARAT

JINBO KURABOSUKE: NGE JIA CHEN

SAMURAI: JAMES WONG

SHINCHO-GUMI/ASHIGARU: HAO XIANG

IMPERIAL JAPANESE ARMY RIFLEMAN: LAI TZE XIUAN

KIRINO TOSHIAKI: AMOS TAN

ODORI DANCER 1: YEN MIN

ODORI DANCER 2: LEE CZEN SHING

HOUSEWIFE: SZE MING

Act 1: THE MEETING

Locale: HIMEJI CASTLE

Sound: MILITARISTIC DRUM MARCH

Cue HRH Emperor Meiji and HRH Empress Meiji with Imperial

soldiers entering from left, cue Shoguns, samurai and ashigaru

from right. Both march towards stage. They greet coldly.

ON PROJECTOR: IT HAS BEEN X YEARS SINCE THE ARRIVAL OF THE

AMERICAN COMMODORE PERRY AND THE OPENING OF TRADE WITH JAPAN.

JAPAN HAS BEEN FORCED TO MODERNIZE, BUT AT A COST.

Schani: (Coldly) My emperor, it is an honour to be in your

presence. I trust your cooperation with your foreign dogs has

not hindered your sovereignity?

Meiji: (Coldly) My “loyal” servant, it may please you to know

that Japan has benefited greatly without the influence of your

kind.

Schani: (Angrily) Benefited? Ha! Under your rule, Japan has

lost its tradition, influence, and honour. Japan has now gone

to the foreign dogs!

Meiji: (Angrily) Are you challenging my authority, my dear

servant?

WEAPONS DRAWN FROM BOTH SIDES

Empress: Stop it, now! Let us discuss this civilly, and with

honour.

SCHANI AND MEIJI STARES DAGGERS AT EACH OTHER AS THEY SIT

DOWN. GUARDS STAND NEXT TO THEM AT ATTENTION. MEIJI CLAPS

TWICE.

CUE DANCERS. PERFORM ODORI DANCE. DANCE ENDS. DANCERS EXIT.

Meiji: (Coldly) Has that served to stop your reckless anger,

Schani?

Schani: (Coldly) My anger is righteous, sire, for I am under

the service of Japan.

Meiji: (Coldy) Service to Japan means service to me.

MEIJI STANDS UP

Meiji: (Firmly) Your rebellion to our reforms has been a

nuisance for our progress. I demand that you stop your petty

hindrance and surrender your weapons at once!

SCHANI STANDS UP

Schani: (Angrily) Reforms? By letting our ports open and

letting foreign dogs in? By allowing peasants to command

samurai? Where is your honour!?

Meiji: (Angrily) HOW DARE YOU LECTURE ME ABOUT HONOUR YOU

FILTHY MONGREL? ON YOUR HONOUR AS A SAMURAI, YOU SWORE TO

ALLEGIANCE TO ME, YOUR EMPEROR!

Schani: (Angrily) ALLEGIANCE MY ARSE. MY LOYALTY IS TO JAPAN,

AND NOT TO YOU. WE WILL NEVER BOW DOWN TO SUCH A TRAITOROUS

EMPEROR.

Meiji: (Angrily) LEAVE.

Schani: (Angrily) Gladly. I long to meet you on the

battlefield, my emperor. As enemies.

SAMURAIS LEAVE.

Meiji: (FIRMLY, TO GUARDS) General Kirino Toshiaki of the

Satsuma clan, General Y of the Tosa clan, I hereby elect you

two to take care of this traitor. They are well entrenched in

the castle of Aizu. Destroy this rebellion.

AMOS: As you command, sire.

Act 2: PREPARATIONS FOR WAR

Locale: Aizu Castle

Sound: Soft Japanese Music

EVERYBODY IS SEATED. HAO XIANG (ASHIGARU) RUNS IN.

Hao Xiang: My lord! Imperial troops have assembled outside the

castle! Troops from the Satsuma and Tosa clans are among them!

Schani: I knew this would happen.

SCHANI STANDS UP, ADDRESSING SAMURAI.

Schani: (INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH)

SAMURAI YELLS WITH INSPIRATION AND DEPARTS, LEAVING SCHANI.

Schani: My dear wife, the hour is at hand. Our final battle is

about to begin. Come, let us drink tea one more time.

TEA CEREMONY.

MEANWHILE OUTSIDE, IMPERIAL TROOPS ARRIVE AND READY WEAPONS.

Amos: (Keeps yelling) In the name of HRH Emperor Meiji,

surrender!

Your fight is futile! Lay down your weapons!

This is Major General Kirino Toshiaki of the Satsuma clan. You

are completely surrounded by troops from the Satsuma, Choshu,

Tosa, Hiroshima and Ogaki clans. We demand your surrender!

In the name of HRH Emperor Meiji, we will destroy you!

This is your last warning! In the name of HRH Emperor Meiji,

surrender or face death!

Schani: The time has come. We will fight to the end. Goodbye,

my wife.

Amos: YOU HAVE CHOSEN DEATH. TROOPS, PREPARE FOR BATTLE!

Act 3: THE BATTLE

Locale: THE GATE OF AIZU

Sound: WAR DRUMS

CUE SAMURAIS IN FORMATION. APPROACHING IMPERIAL TROOPS FROM

TOP RIGHT.

SCHANI RIDES AROUND GIVING INSPIRATION A LA BRAVEHEART AND

LOTR.

Schani: I like cats!

James: Ya me too!

Jason: Ya me too!

HX: Ya me too!

*BOOM*

Schani: Men! The hour has come! The Imperial traitors are

here! Fight! Fight for Japan!

*BOOM*

IMPERIAL TROOPS ARRIVE, DRAW BATTLE LINES WITH HX, OPEN FIRE.

HX FALLS DEAD.

IMPERIAL TROOPS FIX BAYONETS, CHARGE INTO BATTLE WITH SAMURAI.

JAMES IS KILLED WITH BAYONET CHARGE, SAMURAI FORCES ROUTED.

IMPERIAL TROOPS TAKE THE GATE.

Amos: By the emperor! The cowards have retreated! We have won!

Act 4: IN THE NAME OF HONOUR

Locale: AIZU CASTLE

Sound: EXPLOSIONS.

Schani: My loyal assistant, I have failed in honour. I must

perform what honour demands.

Jason: I understand.

PERFORMS SEPPUKU WITH SHAD

OW CLOTH.

PROJECTOR: WITH THE END OF THE REBELLION, IMPERIAL JAPAN CAN

FINALLY ADVANCE INTO THE MODERN AGE.

PROJECTOR: 37 YEARS LATER, JAPAN WILL DEFEAT RUSSIA, THE FIRST

TIME AN ASIAN COUNTRY DEFEATS A MAJOR EUROPEAN POWER.

PROJECTOR: THE END.

ALL ACTORS COME ON STAGE AND BOW THE END BYE.

3b. PROGRESS PHOTOS

MAKING THE SAMURAI ARMOUR

VARIOUS GUNS

FITTING THE SAMURAI ARMOUR

FITTING THE KIMONOS

CREATING THE EMPEROR’S VEST

CREATING MORE SAMURAI ARMOUR

4. REFERENCES

1. Japanese Military Uniforms 1841-1929, Egmont Books Ltd.

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Meiji

3. http://wabcorner.blogspot.com/2014/05/boshin-war-command-bac-ninh-

miniatures.html

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boshin_War

5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Sh%C5%8Dken

6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_Restoration

7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Aizu