#kiri samurai

[fushigi-yuugi-fans]

Here's a special treat to tide you over until we get chapter 7 completed. This is the 35 Question & Answer + Special Interview with Yuu Watase that was published with chapter 6!

Huge thanks to Clymistra for translating! Editing by Ranefea.

[itsmarjudgelove]

Harakiri Masaki Kobayashi, 1962

[hymnism]

"Mad? I was merely living my life... waiting for spring."

Hara Kiri: Death of a Samurai

[iwascouldbewillbebygodstillam]

o. my. god.

the subtext, the symbolism, the more-more-more deepening meaning of hara-kiri death of a samurai... it's so pleasing, satisfying, calming for my brain. i thought i knew how much i craved a g o o d movie but hell no i understood the depths of my hunger only while watching.

it's a masterpiece with s o m a n y hidden messages, with an amazing amount of stories one-in-other.

those who did it are fucking geniuses

like i started watching a samurai drama and ended up with a poetical fully-simbolic mythy tale-story. and it's not different stuff glued in two hours. it's a one fucking story, a full one, no blank spaces.

takashi miike did not remake masaki kobayashi's film, he made a new one, where everything is not what is seems to be and at the same time it is just what it is not a bit more or less

I'm just-

[keegsmcclue]

I'll never get over the implications of zoro sacrificing himself for luffy and the full scope of that.

Like

It's WILD.

Cause Luffy -- he's unconscious. He doesn't even know Kuma was there. And we'd never met Kuma till he shows up after luffy has already stretched himself to his absolute limit and passed out to recover in the belief he and everyone was safe.

Then we have Zoro, who flat out told Luffy, if he gets in the way of his dreams, he'll force Luffy to commit hara kiri, which according to Google, is ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword. It was formerly practiced in Japan by samurai as an honorable alternative to disgrace or execution. That's the stipulation he joins the crew with.

And like, yeah, after Mihawk slices him and tells him to live, to get stronger, so that one day Zoro may surpass him, Zoro doesny really acknowledged that. Instead, his only response is to pick up Wado Ichimonji, the sword of his long dead friend and of which he made his inital vow of becoming the world's greatest swordsman, to carry on kunia's dream in her honor, Zoro then proceeds to swear to never lose again because it's be embarrassing for Luffy as Pirate King.

And this whole scene is wild as well, because mans was basically on deaths door and all he could think about was how it'd disgrace luffy is he lost again. Like???

But this scene, it makes it apparent that Zoro's dream isn't just for himself and Kunia, it's shared by Luffy now as well.

Which, we know Luffy. Every crew members dream is a dream Luffy takes on as personally as his own. He shoulders those dreams and the weight of making them a reality as seriously as his own dream of becoming king of the pirates. Their dreams are Luffy's now too.

This is different than that tho. Because while the dream was shouldered by Luffy, it was still for Zoro's own like... fullflillment? Idk how to convey it. It was still wholy Zoro's, it belonged to Zoro. But by saying it'd be embarrassing for Luffy, or a disappointment, for Zoro to lose again before he becomes world's greatest swordsman-- it's now theirs in a way it wasn't. He's not JUST becoming the world's greatest swordsman, he's becoming the world's greatest swordsman because it's what Luffy deserves. He's becoming the world's greatest swordsman because Luffy's gonna be King of the Pirates and for Zoro to give him anything less than the world's greatest swordsman is a disappointment.

But that's still -- becoming the world's greatest swordsman is still his... the most important thing to him. He just has another reason besides Kunia and himself now. But you still don't get the sense that like... I dont think the zoro who loses to mihawk would be willing to sacrifice himself on the way zoro on thriller bark did.

Because while Zoro has never been afraid of dying, that was because he'd rather die trying to become the world's greatest swordsman then to not have tried at all. It's a mindset he shares with Luffy. This all or nothing mentality, right?

Neither of them have ever been afraid of dying as long as it's in pursuit of their dream.

But in Thriller Bark, he's not dying in pursuit of his dream. When he offers his head in exchange for Luffy's, he's effectively saying goodbye at ever achieving it, actually.

And he knows that, and you can see it jn the way he lays his swords down, because what use does he have for them if he's dead?

Kuma even says it here, "You have such an ambition, and yet you're saying that you're willing to take his man's place?"

He's not just offering his life in exchange for Luffy's, it's his dream he's exchanging too.

In doing this, it's made known that Luffy now holds more importance over Zoro's life, his swords, and his dreams.

Because this act, this sacrifice he makes, him dying in this way, isn't in service of dream and ambition, it's in service to his captain and king.

And idk how we're meant to be normal about this.

[kyuubinosennin]

HOME AT SEA: PROLOGUE

No one in Kiri could expect one of their eldest to come back with a body - not in the way that occurred. The elder swordsman, Miraomoi Akawarai, had left the isolated and quiet village for some unknown purpose. Some speculated it was to collect the stolen Swords of the Mist. Others speculated it was to find an apprentice, but none could have forseen the aged warrior coming back with a body of a boy - a blonde haired boy with whiskers on his face. The boy was quickly ushered to Kiri's hospital - still fully rebuilding after the bloodied Civil War that had swallowed the nation up for years. Yet, enough of it was rebuilt to tend to the one brought into their home. As Akawarai handed Naruto off to the medics, the man tilts his head. It seemed his return home had come with attention onto him from others seeking to rebuild Kirigakure. So he stepped away from the on-going healing to greet those coming to see him. A singular grey eye stared at the figure of Terumi Mei. A powerful and influential figure among Kiri's circles - one rising in the aftermath of Yagura's death and the betrayals from several Swordsmen of the Mist. She was, of course, joined by Ao - newly forged leader of the Hunter-nin and a personal compatriot of Kiri's "elected" council. A council that happened to include both Akawarai and Mei. "Councilor Mei." comes the gruff voice of Akawarai. Akawari stood tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed like he came from battle. A mixture of shinobi gear and customized samurai armor from the shoulders down. "I'm not surprised you are the first to come the moment you heard of my return." The man was blunt and to the point - he wasn't one to dance around with a silver tongue. It made for poor politics, but good for getting details out. "Who is the boy, Councilor Akawarai? Why did you bring him here?" questioned Ao with a pointed stare. "Because I believe that boy may be a key to Kiri's future." Akawarai knew him throwing that much faith into this stranger was heavy but intriguing. "He's special. Not just because I say so, but because I got a good look at him." He pauses. "He's a jinchuriki." Ao's sharp inhale was more like a hiss. "You what? You brought that...to Kiri? Are you mad?" Akawarai shrugged to that before resuming looking at Mei. He awaited her response.

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

Makoto ni Tsuki Michite - Lyrics + Translation (誠に月満ちて)

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

Kanji:

(掲げよ 生き様を)

【Ei】 退く者は皆　刃に掛けよう

【Va】 英雄になれずとも

(構わない)

【Ya】 目の前の日常を　守り抜くため

【Va】 平和な世を創る

(懸命に)

【Ej】 蕾のまま枯らせはしない

【Sh】 命など 惜しみなく賭して

【Ng】 貫き通せよ 士道

【Ki】 本懐を遂げるために

【All】 いざ往け

【All】 (此処に) 泥臭く舞う

(嗚呼) 今宵は新月

(嗚呼) 悲願を告げる

(嗚呼) 一途に

(応) 遠く果てない

(嗚呼) 未来を求め

(嗚呼) 信じた道へ

(嗚呼) 切っ先を向け

光は見えずとも

七彩の正義たちが　足元を照らすだろう

【Ei】 互いに語り合った夢は褪せずに

【Va】 憧れが連れ立った

(志)

【Ya】 誰一人逃がさねぇ 悪には天罰を

【Va】 誠は不滅だと

(指し示せ)

【Ej】 邪魔する者は誰だろうと

【Sh】 容赦なく斬り捨てるまで

【Ng】 この目で確かめたい

【Ki】 後ろ指さされようと

【All】 理想郷を

【All】 (幾度) 稽古に励み

(嗚呼) 競い合うように

(嗚呼) 駆け抜けた日々

(嗚呼) ひたすらに

(応) 燃ゆる残陽

(嗚呼) 期待ではなく

(嗚呼) 信じていよう

(嗚呼) 満ちる月を

明日もまた同じ横顔を見たいと願う

倒れても這い上がれ

【All】 (集え) 浅葱を纏い

(鳴呼) 死をも恐れぬ

(鳴呼) 覚悟で挑む

(嗚呼) 再ひ

(応) 相まみえるは

(鳴呼) 地獄だろうか

(時呼) それも一興

(鳴呼) 縁固く

散りゆく刹那まで誇り高く在りたいと

背中を預け合って

Rōmaji:

(Kakageyo ikizama o)

【Ei】 Shirizoku mono wa mina yaiba ni kakeyō

【Va】 Eiyū ni narezu tomo

(Kamawanai)

【Ya】 Me no mae no nichijō o mamorinuku tame

【Va】 Heiwa na yo o tsukuru

(Kenmei ni)

【Ej】 Tsubomi no mama karase wa shinai

��Sh】 Inochi nado oshiminaku toshite

【Ng】 Tsuranukitōseyo shidō

【Ki】 Honkai o togeru tame ni

【All】 Iza yuke

【All】 (Koko ni) Dorokusaku mau

(Aa) Koyoi wa shingetsu

(Aa) Higan o tsugeru

(Aa) Ichizu ni

(Ou) Tōku hatenai

(Aa) Mirai o motome

(Aa) Shinjita michi e

(Aa) Kissaki o muke

Hikari wa miezu tomo

Shichisai no seigi tachi ga ashimoto o terasu darō

【Ei】 Tagaini katariatta yume wa asezu ni

【Va】 Akogare ga tsuredatta

(Kokorozashi)

【Ya】 Dare hitori nigasanē aku ni wa tenbatsu o

【Va】 Makoto wa fumetsu da to

(Sashishimese)

【Ej】 Jama suru mono wa dare darō to

【Sh】 Yōshanaku kiri suteru made

【Ng】 Kono me de tashikametai

【Ki】 Ushiro yubi sasareyō to

【All】 Risōkyō o

【All】 (Ikudo) Keiko ni hagemi

(Aa) Kisoiau yō ni

(Aa) Kakenuketa hibi

(Aa) Hitasura ni

(Ou) Moeyuru zan'yō

(Aa) Kitai de wa naku

(Aa) Shinjiteiyō

(Aa) Michiru tsuki o

Ashita mo mata onaji yokogao o mitai to negau

Taorete mo haiagare

【All】 (Tsudoe) Asagi o matoi

(Aa) Shi o mo osorenu

(Aa) Kakugo de idomu

(Aa) Futatabi

(Ou) Aima mieru wa

(Aa) Jigoku darō ka

(Aa) Sore mo ikkyō

(Aa) Enishi kataku

Chiriyuku setsuna made hokori takaku aritai to

Senaka o azukeatte

Translation:

(Proudly display your way of life)

【Ei】 Those who retreat shall be met with the blade

【Va】 Even if I cannot become a hero,

(It makes no difference)

【Ya】 To protect the everyday life before my eyes,

【Va】 I will create peaceful times

(With all my might)

【Ej】 I won’t let the bud wither before it blooms

【Sh】 I will stake my life without hesitation

【Ng】 And stick to the samurai code until the end

【Ki】 In order to fulfill our long-cherished ambition,

【All】 Now, go forth!

【All】 (Here) We dance with a gritty resolve

(Ah) Tonight, the new moon

(Ah) Announces our ardent wish

(Ah) Single-mindedly

(Oh) Seeking a distant,

(Ah) Endless future

(Ah) I point my blade toward

(Ah) The path I believe in

Even if no light is visible,

The seven colors of justice will surely illuminate my way

【Ei】 The dreams we spoke of together never faded,

【Va】 Our (ambition) was fueled

By our yearning

【Ya】 No one will be spared from divine punishment for evil

【Va】 (We’ll demonstrate that)

Integrity is inextinguishable

【Ej】 No matter who gets in my way,

【Sh】 I will cut them down without mercy

【Ng】 I want to see it with my own eyes

【Ki】 Even if I’m blamed and criticized,

【All】 I will pursue an ideal society

【All】 (Countless) Days passed by,

(Ah) Pushing ourselves in training,

(Ah) As if competing with each other

(Ah) Let's not simply hope for

(Oh) The afterglow of

(Ah) The sun burning brightly,

(Ah) But believe in

(Ah) The full moon

I wish to see that same profile tomorrow as well

Even if you fall, rise again

【All】 (Gather) Clad in light blue,

(Ah) Unafraid of even death,

(Ah) We challenge with determination

(Ah) Will our

(Oh) Next encounter

(Ah) Be in Hell?

(Ah) That too would be okay

(Ah) We’re bound by fate

Until the moment we die, I want to stand proud,

Entrusting our backs to one another

[redsamuraiii]

The Tragic Story of Tokugawa's Wife

Did you know that Kiri is based on Tokugawa's concubine who became his consort, after his wife died?

This tale I'm about to tell you takes place before the events of Shogun, where his wife, Lady Tsukiyama, died when he was serving Oda Nobunaga (Goroda, The Dictator).

Young Tokugawa was a hostage of Imagawa Clan. When the powerful Imagawa was defeated by Oda at the historic battle of Okehazama, Tokugawa used the opportunity to gain independence to claim his ancestral lands. However, in order to rescue his wife and child who were still hostage by the remnants of the Imagawa, Tokugawa secured a deal with Oda by becoming his vassal to free them.

Kasumi Arimura as Lady Tsukiyama, in Dou Suru Ieyasu (2024). In this scene, she awaits Tokugawa's arrival at the Imagawa encampment where he secures a deal to free her and her child.

All is well as Tokugawa's family is safe and his home province is secured, with Oda backing him for many years. Oda marries his daughter, Tokuhime, to Tokugawa's firstborn son, Nobuyasu to strengthen their alliance. But a new problem emerged, the power hungry Oda is hell bent on conquering more lands and making more enemies, dragging Tokugawa along to fight them.

Tokugawa realised what kind of monster Oda really is when he witness the massacre of Takeda Katsuyori's forces where Oda first introduced his rifle regiment and the use of European tactic, Volley Fire, which was never used or seen before in Japan, catching everyone off guard, including the once powerful Takeda clan which was reduced into a weak force after a single battle.

Over time, Tokugawa's resources became depleted due to its war efforts for Oda and his province fell into chaos with uprising against the endless war, forcing Tokugawa to suppress them mercilessly after receiving a threat by Oda that if something is not done, he will personally take of it. Lady Tsukiyama got weary of Oda that she began contacting the remnants of Takeda and Imagawa.

Kasumi Arimura as Lady Tsukiyama, in Dou Suru Ieyasu (2024). In this scene, she and her son, who oppose Oda's endless wars, met the enemies of Oda to secure a deal to be independent.

Oda's daughter, Tokuhime, who is married to Tokugawa's son, is terrified of her father and is compelled to report the secret meetings. Oda sent a warning to Tokugawa to get his house in order or he'll send his forces into his province to execute them as traitors. For a while, his wife and son seemed to stop meeting Oda's enemies but persisted again later on in a different location.

When Oda caught wind of this, he gave Tokugawa an ultimatum to deal with his wife and son, or risk putting his home province under Oda's control. Fearing an invasion, Tokugawa had no choice but to put his wife and son to the sword by killing them himself to prove his loyalty to Oda and to protect his people from being killed by Oda's forces, knowing the heinous things they do in war.

On the surface, Tokugawa appears to be pledging himself to Oda, much to the frustration of his retainers after killing his own wife and son, but deep down, he began plotting to overthrow both Oda and his successor, Toyomoti Hideyoshi (The Taiko), while protecting his province and people. So the result is what you see in Shogun, a cautious, calculative and cunning Toranaga.

He went through so much and lost so much, which is why is he is hell bent on ending the endless war by any means necessary and only wage a war he knew he could win as he knows all too well what exactly happens to the defeated, the rulers and the people.

Historically, he managed to unify Japan, as Japan enjoys over 200 years of peace under Tokugawa Shogunate. A time where Samurai began to focus more on reading, writing, administration, governance and martial arts. A time where the Bushido first emerged.

Bushido, which dictates how a Samurai should behave, should do and should not do. Bushido did not exist before that, so it is of no surprised "honor" was absent in the battlefield during Sengoku Jidai. Samurai only began learning it during peace time.

[morporkian-cryptid]

I’ve finally been able to watch the Lupin III kabuki play, so y’all get a second round of me nerding out, lucky you! (You can go watch it right now, it only costs $30 and you can see it however many times you want until August 18th!)

For context: in December of last year, the Kabuki-za theater in Tokyo put on a kabuki adaptation of Lupin the Third.

Following the success of the kabuki play, the company decided to live-stream it in several countries, and make the recording available on-demand for one week.

So yesterday I finally watched the play myself, already having a general idea of the plot and knowing what to expect. Which did nothing to prevent me from going full fangirl on the phone with my sister (who was watching it with me). I have a special interest on Lupin III, and a special interest on premodern Japan and traditional Japanese arts (which is entirely Goemon’s fault btw); what was I supposed to do? Not spend 3 hours losing my entire shit and stimming hard enough for my hands to fall off? Unrealistic tbh.

As a general note, I could not possibly be more impressed at this adaptation.

You have to understand that kabuki is, historically, a popular form of theater, created by and for the masses. It evolved from travelling performers and prostitutes’ dances, was developed in the red light districts, and was attended by poor people, merchants and samurais alike. It has always been bold, colourful, bombastic, dramatic as hell, with as much focus on situational humour and on epic fights and dramatic tales.

And that makes it a perfect media to adapt Lupin the Third into. The unserious, self-derisive tone of Lupin III fits great into kabuki humour, the over-the-top expressions and cartoonish disregard for the laws of physics translate perfectly in choreographed dance-fights, dramatic poses and exaggerated grimaces, the mix of what-the-fuck-esque “are the writers on crack” plots and of genuine emotional scenes and high-stakes fights is shared by many many well-loved historical kabuki plays. The core elements of a Traditional Lupin Plot don’t get in the way of the kabuki art form, and the traditional kabuki conventions don’t limit the very unique identity of Lupin III as a franchise.  

With what little I know about kabuki as an art form (I had watched two plays and done a bit of research before this), it is obvious that a lot of work went into fitting Lupin III into the clear codes of a traditional theater form, and with everything I know about the anime, all the characters are their same old selves, banter and mannerisms and all, and the plot wouldn’t feel out of place in a TV special. The creation of this play clearly had to involve both kabuki experts and writers who love Lupin III, it is obvious from start to finish how much importance was given to both of these facets, and I am genuinely amazed at how well these two groups worked together to make everything work so perfectly. It’s almost as if Lupin III as a franchise was made to be adapted into kabuki. And I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that MP-sensei had used kabuki as an inspiration.

THIS CONTAINS (minor) SPOILERS! Read at your own risks ^^ If you’ve already seen the play, I give cultural and historical background for some scenes.

If you are familiar with Goemon Ishikawa’s background as a character, you’ve probably heard of the kabuki play about his illustrious ancestor, Sanmon Gosan No Kiri . A very famous scene from that play, the Nanzenji Sanmon (Nanzen Temple Gate) scene, is reenacted in the Lupin III play: Goemon appears at the balcony of the temple gate, reciting the famous line from Sanmon Gosan no Kiri. (I have been to that exact temple when I visited Kyoto, climbed up to the balcony on that exact gate, and recited that exact line. I then proceeded to spend half an hour trying to locate the temple graveyard where Goemon Ishikawa is buried. I found it and it was closed.)

I had been warned by Aime who had seen the play live, but I was still entirely unprepared for the fact that THE FUCKING TEMPLE GATE ROSE OUT OF THE STAGE TO REVEAL LUPIN STANDING UNDER IT. Practical special effects in kabuki are absolutely incredible and super creative, and most of them have existed since the Edo era.

Speaking of special effects, there are several revolving stages (the light play in the revolving stages!!! Holy shit!!!!), people coming out of the ground, and Lupin fucking flies off into the ceiling at some point.

In this play, Lupin and Jigen are just starting out as thieves, whereas Goemon is already well known as the greatest thief of his generation. Hence why, for a change, this time it’s Lupin who is constantly trying to find excuses to throw hands with Goemon, as opposed to how it usually goes in the anime.

Lupin’s expressions are PURE GOLD. Kataoka Ainosuke is a fucking genius actor who perfectly nailed Lupin’s “insufferable cartoon monkey” vibe. EVEN HIS VOICE IS PERFECT!!!!!! The video allows for close-ups on his expressions that the live play did not, so I’m lucky to have been able to watch this version.

Speaking of expressions, I must make a small aside to explain that dramatic facial expressions, bombastic poses and colorful costumes are a staple of kabuki (in the same way that subtle shifts of light on masks to represent different emotions are a staple of No theatre). That is the reason Jigen doesn’t wear his signature hat in the play: hiding his face would defeat the entire purpose of a kabuki adaptation and spoil the actor’s performance. I think the costume designers found a very elegant work-around by giving him bangs that almost look like the brim of a hat. (He also carries a straw hat in his hand in the first scene, and occasionally holds it up above his head)

I already made a whole post to nerd out about the incredible costume designs and how they managed to translate the anime designs and Western style of clothing of the characters into traditional Japanese stage costumes, so I won’t do it here again, but HOLY SHIT those costumes are incredibly well thought out, with such a deep attention to detail, and Lupin’s especially blew my mind. 11/10.

Lupin and Goemon started threatening to throw hands, upon which Fujiko appeared, said something along the lines of “I am a beautiful woman, please stop fighting, for my sake”, after which Lupin and Goemon agreed to put off their fight and go their separate way. Several scenes later, Lupin and Goemon finally have their showdown (which I will detail later); it is eventually interrupted by Jigen… who repeats Fujiko’s word’s verbatim, “Please stop fighting, for my sake”, to which Lupin and Goemon reply, I shit you not, “Yes Jigen, we will stop, for you.” I had to take a minute to yell into a pillow about the parallels between Lupin/Fujiko and Lupin/Jigen.

Also, WE’VE GOT ANOTHER FRIGGIN JIGEN EX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think?? unclear. The dude's like, 60 years old.

The showdown!!! The showdown at the waterfall!!!!! First off, the fact that there is an Actual Honest To God Fountain On Stage is still blowing my fucking mind. This is apparently something that has existed in kabuki SINCE THE EDO ERA. Western theater could never. Second of all, not only is there an actual fucking waterfall onstage, the actors GO INTO IT. LUPIN AND GOEMON FOUGHT IN THE WATER. ENDED UP DRENCHED TO THE BONES. ONSTAGE.

The duel scene was prefaced by a shamisen player and a singer reciting a poetic description of the upcoming fight (featuring dragons and cherry blossoms), explaining how epic it was and how the swords clashed etc etc. Then the curtain opens and you get Lupin and Goemon who, yes, have a very dramatic sword fight (like I said, kabuki and bombastic poses and dramatic faces. INCREDIBLE.); they eventually both lose their weapons and devolve into a fist fight, until they finally end up in the waterfall and start splashing water at each other. I love these absolute idiots so much.

After a few minutes, the fight is interrupted by Jigen, and you can just feel the bone-deep tired babysitter energy emanating from him, you can hear how loud he’s thinking “alright boys you’ve had your fun, time to go back to being mature adults, can we go steal things now?”

Also, the fight scenes. Let’s talk about the fight scenes. Kabuki is a type of theater that emerged from dance, and the fight scenes really reflect that – the characters mostly don’t touch, instead they leap around the stage and gesture at each other, but even the stylized movements really translate well what’s happening. THERE WERE CHARACTERS DOING BACKFLIPS ONSTAGE!!! REPEATEDLY!!! Meanwhile Lupin’s just vaguely dodging blows and gesturing away at his opponents. The backflips are incredibly impressive, and also you really get the sense that the Random Antagonists are giving their all in this fight and have to call on all their fighting abilities to take on Lupin, while Lupin simply Does Not Give A Shit and just dodges every blow effortlessly. (picture his no-handed fight with the kidnapper in Part 6 – The Last Bullet and you’ll have a good vision of what I’m talking about.)

Lupin and Jigen STEAL GOEMON. I mean this entirely literally. They drug him, shove him in a box, and make off with the box. With Goemon inside. THEY STOLE A WHOLE-ASS SAMURAI. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!!!!!

MAMO

GREEN RAISIN MAN IS HERE

NO ONE TOLD ME GREEN RAISIN MAN WOULD BE HERE

HE BREAKS THE FOURTH WALL TO EXPLAIN KABUKI CONVENTIONS TO THE AUDIENCE DURING INTERMISSION

M A M O

Also fourth wall breaking happens on occasions, Lupin tells Jigen he’ll take him to see a kabuki play (which happens to be the other play scheduled at that theater), and Jigen says his favourite kabuki actor is Kataoka Ainosuke, to which Lupin (played by Kataoka Ainosuke) replies “oh I hate him.”

(btw this is somewhat historically accurate. Kabuki was invented in the Edo era, so after the time period this play takes place in; anachronism aside, kabuki actors were the tabloid celebrities of their time, trend setters that people tried to emulate, and the subjects of woodblock prints that fans would collect and trade. So Lupin and Jigen discussing their favourite kabuki actors is entirely believable.)

ALL THE MUSIC THEMES PLAYED ON TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS. POLICE CHASE SCENE PLAYED TO THE SOUND OF ZENIGATA MARCH ON THE SHAMISEN. LOVE SQUALL ON THE SHAKUHACHI. I NEED THE OST OF THIS PLAY GIVE IT TO ME

There were people in the audience doing Shouts From The Great Beyond!!

Oh and there are aliens. And robots. And alien robots. I realize I forgot to mention this. The play takes place in the 1600s and Goemon’s girlfriend is an alien robot. I could not make this up if I tried. I love this stupid franchise so fucking much ❤

Zenigata throws a giant coin directly at Lupin’s face

Lupin Zenigata impersonation

Both Jigen and Goemon get tied up and I tried very hard not to find this hot (I failed)

Oh and at one point Goemon ends up in a fundoshi and nothing else. With his butt on full display. Onstage. No matter if it’s an anime or a theater play, Goemon-chan always ends up being Mr Fanservice XD

“My girlfriend turned into a sword.” “That’s rough, buddy.”

Fujiko mentioned stealing the Kusanagi (legendary sword from the god Susanoo and one of the three imperial regalia of Japan), and Goemon immediately went “I NEED IT” and fucking legged it, not waiting for the others. Upon which Lupin remarked “Wow, that guy really likes swords.” I fucking love this gigantic nerd. Goemon my beloved <3

There’s one scene where Lupin and Jigen run into Fujiko as she’s participating in an oiran procession through the red light district, Lupin recognizes her and immediately goes “Heeeyyyyyy Fujiko-chaaaaan!!!!! 😃” and you can just see on Fujiko’s face the words “Oh gods no NOT HIM AGAIN” writing themselves in big bold golden letters while she attempts to keep a straight face. Absolutely amazing XD

Goemon and Itohoshi. I am so soft for them. Dear lord they are adorable and they did not deserve all that shit. Please just let them be happy TT (“Gomen” WHAT DO YOU MEAN “GOMEN” JUST STAB ME WITH A SWORD IT WOULD BE LESS PAINFUL)

I don’t know how to explain how cool and funny Zenigata gets, he has his awesome badass moments, and he also gets played like a fiddle by Lupin, and from the way he is played you get the whole “this guy is a bumbling idiot (affectionate)” vibe but also he gets scarily competent at times. And you can see his underwear like half of the time.

Goemon has a resting bitch face the whole way through. AS HE SHOULD

The scene at the end, where all five main characters appear in front of the sea with blue kimonos and paper umbrellas, and introduce themselves, will be recognized by all long-time Lupin fans as a reference to the Red Jacket double episode “Kooki Kabuki” (aka The Mysterious Gang of Five). As it turns out, that scene and in fact the whole double episode was a reference to a kabuki play called “Shiranami Gonin Otoko” (Five Men of the White Waves). According to Wikipedia, “The play is perhaps most famous for the speeches made by Kozō and his compatriots when they dramatically remove their disguises and reveal their true identities.” (I’ve never watched that play, but a recording is available on the same website as the Lupin III kabuki play, so I might watch it soon.)

Please look at the designs on their kimonos on that scene. They’re so cool!!!! Lupin has a rose, a European flower that also features on his rapier (he is the only character to have a European sword rather than a katana). Fujiko has wisteria, which is called fuji in Japanese. Jigen has a kiseru pipe with plumes of smoke and a crescent moon. Goemon has a dragon because he is a Mighty Warrior. And Zenigata has zeni coins and HANDCUFFS ON A STRING!!!! THE AMOUNT OF ATTENTION TO DETAILS IN THE FUCKING COSTUME DESIGNS!!!!!!!!

To my (mild) disappointment, in this version of the scene, Jigen doesn’t describe himself as “onnagirai” like he did in the anime. For those who haven’t seen that Twitter thread floating around on Tumblr, “onnagirai” or “woman hater” is (allegedly) an old Edo-era slang term associated to kabuki and used to designate homosexual men. Yes, Jigen actually called himself “onnagirai”, out-loud, on screen, in a recreation of a kabuki scene, in 1977. (I couldn’t find any reliable source explaining the link between “onnagirai” and homosexuality in five minutes of googling, so take it with a grain of salt, but at least Wikipedia mentions the term and sources it from a 1997 book on homosexuality under the Tokugawa regime.)

All in all an incredible experience, 100/10 would tie up the whole fandom and sit them in front of the screen to watch this play whether they want it or not. Huge huge huge kudos and my eternal thanks to all the people who worked on making this adaptation come to life, they did an incredible job and it is clear from start to finish that this was made by people who love kabuki and who love Lupin the Third.

[uh-oh-its-bird]

Naruto x Genshin crossover idea,,, save me naruto × genshin crossover idea,,,,,,, , , , ,,

Wedding of the Century

After a famously long and complicated courtship dance witnessed by the entirety of Liyue Harbor, Ningguang and Beidou are set to be wed. It's sure to be the wedding of the century, the great lady of the jade chamber and her her uncrowded lord of the ocean drawing in guests from across the nations.

But when the abyss order strikes before the happy couple can say "I do," several of the guests are launched through space and time and into another world entirely.

Ft.

Zhongli "the contract is set in stone" vs the web of lies and back stabbing that is shinobi politics

Chongyun's positive energy making Zetsu go "what the actual fuck is wrong with that kid" every time he gets within a 5 mile radius

Beidou "where the FUCK is my wife— oh hey is that sake" and Tsunade gambling together

A Xingqiu and Sai friendship that's sure to ruin just so many people's days

Xiao violently picking up Gaara and going "this one is child shaped" both at him and Shukaku individually, then deciding he should totally go on a quest to look at the other bijuu and maybe get mistaken for one himself along the way.

Kazuha getting to live up to that wandering samurai title and maybe accidentally join Akatsuki without fully knowing what he was signing up for just because it'd be really funny. He finally gets the full mission statement once he's joined and just kind of goes "Ah."

Venti, literal god of freedom, taking a good long look at the shinobi world then taking an even bigger, longer gulp from the nearest source of alcohol and going "alright baby time to get to work."

Ningguang and Keqing vs the absoloute fucking garbage disposal cranked up to full power that is the Konoha political scene (they are going to throw a hammer into it. That is a threat.)

Qiqi mistaking Orochimaru for Baizhu long enough to stick around, and accidentally dragging Orochimaru through what may pass for a redemption arc if you squint because of it

Childe having the time of his fucking LIFE somewhere out there in Kiri. There are horror stories being made as we speak about that guy losing his shit over there, he's absoloutley the first out of anyone to get his own super special corner of the bingo book out there

And the grand finale of the story where Ningguang and Beidou finally say I do and everyone claps

As always; will not be writing this! I don't have that kind of attention span! Feel free to pick this up or smthn I'd lose my mind (in a good way) if someone did actually. Just @ me if you do bc I'll eat that shit UP

[fushigi-yuugi-fans]

To hold you over while we wrap up the chapter 8 translation, here is the Yuu Watase World Tour that was included with Chapter 6! This details Watase's major works and provides a timeline of her published manga!

Big thank you to Clymistra for translating! Editing by Ranefea.

[dawnthefox24]

*Rumiko is painting Hanzo face for Halloween humming softly making him into an Oni, then she was going to paint Genji's face next since she's already done painting Sojiro as a vengeful samurai before taking his picture so she can recreate it when Halloween rolls around* Teen Hanzo: Are you don- Rumiko: No yet my hatchling I need to get the red details right. Teen Hanzo:*whines a bit* But mom- Rumiko:*smiles softly* No buts now hold still okay, I need to make sure you come out scary okay. Teen Hanzo: But why? Rumiko: You said you wanted to be an Oni and- Teen Genji: Mother! Mother in stead of painting my face and you make me an oni mask!? Rumiko:*sighs and sets the makeup brush down* Genji that'll take me ages my hatchling and- Teen Genji: please!!! Rumiko:*sighs* I'll see what I can do... Teen Genji:*hugs her* Yay! And Hanzo you look amazing! scary cool! Teen Hanzo:*looks at Genji and gets flustered a bit but looks down* Thank you Genji... Teen Genji:*smiles back before running off to get a reference on what he wants* Rumiko:*sighs and turns her attention back to Hanzo and smiles with her handy work* Perfect, you look perfect Hanzo. Genji was right you do look scary cool. Teen Hanzo: Really!? Can I see? Rumiko:*smiles and shows him a mirror of the makeup that she did for him showing him every detail* Teen Hanzo: I can't wait to show father!! Rumiko:*smiles and sets the mirror down before hugging him* I'm glad you like it. Teen Hanzo: What about you mother? Rumiko:*thinks for a moment and sighs* I don't know my hatchling. Teen Genji: *comes back with the reference in hand* You can be a ghost! Teen Hanzo:*rolls his eyes* Mother wouldn't be a ghost! Rumiko: Hanzo is indeed correct but not any kind of ghost, I think I know who I should be for Halloween. Teen Hanzo & Genji: REALLY!? WHO!? Rumiko:*smiles a bit* Well that's a surprise you know, so wait for Halloween it's going to be a scary surprise. Teen Hanzo & Genji:*groaning* But mom! Rumiko:*shakes her head* No buts besides, I assure you boys. You'll be terrified of what I have in store, also it'll give me free candy as well. Teen Hanzo & Genji:*both looking at her confused* What do you mean? Rumiko:*waves her hand a bit* Oh nothing now go get Kiriko, I have to ask her what she wants to be for Halloween and Hanzo don't go anywhere I need to take a picture of the makeup before I send you three out to go and get candy with Kiriko when Halloween arrives. Teen Hanzo:*groans a bit* Fine... Teen Genji:*grins happily before he takes off running* I'll get Kiri Rumiko:*chuckles a bit and looks at the reference that Genji gave her but sighed softly * Of course he would want something like that... Teen Hanzo: What is it? Rumiko: Nothing my son, besides you and your brother might be scared when you see me.

[hymnism]

"Ronin began flocking to the houses of great lords. Some were taken on, while others were sent away with coin to save face... Now all penniless ronin think that threatening suicide brings money. That man is one of them. We must make a lesson of him."

[ragnar0c]

7th dragon blorbos (Guild Arcangel)

Kohaku (Samurai): Or Kiri. A used to be fearsome samurai who lost her memories after the bloom put her in comatose for 3 years. Has to relearn her craft. Oddly bubbly even though she forgot everything. Usually I made her the main character... But compared to my first run I haven't really used her 😭

Momiji: Kiri's BATTLE partner. Initially her hired hand, now he stays out of obligation to return her to her former state. He's stoic, but super soft underneath that.

Tansy (Princess): A noblewoman from a tyrannic family. She's sick and twisted but wishes for redemption for her family. Hence why she became a hunter. Fable's younger sister. [When I draw her she 100% is going to have a darker skin tone]

Fable (Mage): Tansy's illegitimate older brother. Looks calm and collected but still has to shake off the cruel/ antisocial behavior his family inflicted on him. Wants redemption deeply. [When I draw HIM HE'S GONNA LOOK WAY DIFFERENT TBH. He'll be half lucier/ rushe and tanner. His hat hides his pointed ears.]

Overall, they work best. As in. After the take over they band together to take down king. I think I might have it so Tansy and Fable sought out Kohaku and Momiji, thinking they were the best in the land... only to find out that they downgraded severely and needed help.

Other members:

Rin (Fighter): A fan of Kiri in her heyday. Trained to become as strong as her and join Arcangel. She did... and she never expected she'd have to train Kiri someday.

Brandi (Rogue): Not sure yet... But she's definitely gonna feel some way about her guild being nobles/ super well-known and her being the one of the only commoners. Maybe she joined just to scam them lollll

Sade (Knight): An older noblewoman. First spotted the bloom and no one believed her. Has a secret about the bloom she won't share. Somehow, she can make it have less of an effect on the human body. She uses provoke, parry, and chivalry skills (Save the queen/ Knight fury). Got recruited bc Kohaku believed her.

Older than she looks here and I'll change her design to reflect that. Warns the guild and teaches them.

Athena (Healer): Her dream is to go to school in Pleroma. As a commoner this isn't an easy task. She eagerly accepted the mission to study bloom. Hasn't made much progress. But heard of Sade's dilemma and pesters her about how she can do it and about bloom to make her thesis.

Main party comps:

Provoke+ Ice veil+ Parry + Hide+ Royal order + Parry

Sade is doing numbers!!!

Sade is overbearing about Fable and Tansy and insists they should just "Get along". Leads to lots of bickering. Brandi doesn't care. (Tansy thinks she's cool for it.)

Status down+ ailments (maybe)

Rin is versatile and may swap between parties. I keep these guys around just for that.

Kohaku isn't what she once was and though Rin has skills that pair well with hers (element link) They don't work. They have to find new ways to fight together. And hrm... Maybe Athena gets inspired by momiji to get into poison hehehe

They are the perfect serious/ silly guild. Not GOOFY like I am used to... more angst. I'll try to draw them soon... Not sure if I'd write about em... but I do like their story beats and how they can mix.

[emotional-support-carbuncle]

🍁 Glamtober Day 9 - Melee 🍁

Fun Fact: Samurai is Kiri's canon DPS despite the fact that I'm not very good at it

Sakonji Haori - Ruby Red Sakonji Gloves Sakonji Hakama Sakonji Tabi Augmented Law's Order Samurai Blade

FFXIV GLAMTOBER PROMPTS

[gintama-polls]

After three months of polling, the Gintama OP/ED Music Tournament winner is:

"Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!) (サムライハート)" by SPYAIR

Thanks to everyone who voted! Seeing everyone's opinions on these songs made it extra entertaining.

A Spotify playlist with 67 of the songs (it doesn't include "Kiri Musubi" by DOES) can still be found here.

Preparations for the next long tournament has started. You can find more information on this post.

Finally, please enjoy this performance of "Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!)" from the Gintama Ginmaku Zenya Matsuri 2013.