CnC Group Journal
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The document provides background research for a group sketch portraying the Fall of the Samurai during the Boshin War in 19th century Japan. It summarizes the historical context of the war as a period of conflict during the modernizing Meiji Restoration. The research details the costumes, weapons, and props that will be used to portray different characters including the Emperor, Empress, samurai, dancers, and soldiers. The sketch script and storyboard are also summarized.
CnC Group Journal
- 1. 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
- 2. 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
- 3. 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
- 4. 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:
- 5. 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:
- 6. 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.
- 7. 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.
- 8. 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.
- 9. 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. 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.
- 11. 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.
- 12. 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.
- 13. PROPS (MISC) 1. Fans Used during the dance. 2. Tea set A simple Japanese tea set used ceremonially during the Tea Ceremony.
- 14. 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.
- 15. 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
- 16. 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.
- 17. 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)
- 18. 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*
- 19. 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.
- 20. 3b. PROGRESS PHOTOS MAKING THE SAMURAI ARMOUR VARIOUS GUNS
- 21. FITTING THE SAMURAI ARMOUR FITTING THE KIMONOS
- 22. CREATING THE EMPEROR’S VEST CREATING MORE SAMURAI ARMOUR
- 23. 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