English Dub Review: Nippon Sangoku “Tears For Yayakichi”

Overview:

Prime Video has recently dropped the latest episode of Nippon Sangoku, “Tears For Yayakichi,” which sees how the different countries react to the recent retreat from Wajima.

Our Take:

The episode plays out like a study in contrast between the two countries following Ryumon’s drastic self-sacrifice. With many fans worried about his fate, things start up with him being returned to Yamato on a stretcher, being hailed as a hero. Showing that these characters can still be human deep down, Kaku has an emotional reaction to this, highlighted by a pouring rainfall.

Meanwhile, in Seii, Wajima is viewed as a coward. As she spent the whole series so far trying to get people on her side through all means possible, dishing out bread and circuses with a wink, fans may suspect they haven’t seen how ruthless she can be. In a surprising show, she is actually initially willing to accept defeat and calls to respond. However, Yayakichi has a plan to help her save face.

This includes producing fake documents that paint Yayakichi as the true villain over the whole situation. Taking a page from Ryumon, he is willing to sacrifice himself as a scapegoat, even staging a failed attempt at attacking Ohga. When he is eventually “caught,” even Wajima herself deals with the inner conflict of going along with his plan. Eventually, the man’s own son, realizing what’s going on, calls for his execution. Highlighting things further, it is Wajima who is asked to deliver the final blow.

The episode gives an interesting display of sacrifice, especially when compared to the previous one. Yayakichi initially seems less honorable than Ryumon, being dishonest with his tactics, even if he is the ultimate target. However, as the people who know better are forced to carry out the plans against him, it becomes clear that this is all the horrors of war. Even the imagery of an innocent man taking on the sins of others is highlighted with the use of a cross in his execution. In the end, the years for Yayakichi come from the viewer.