cnc group journal
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CnC Project 2 FNBE0214 Group JournalTRANSCRIPT
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