English Dub Review: Nippon Sangoku “The Borderland General Corps Marches Out”
Overview:
Amazon Prime Video has recently dropped the latest episode of Nippon Sangoku, “The Borderland General Corps Marches Out.” A new dictatorship rises in Seii when Ohga Wajima suggests subduing Yamato by force. Quickly establishing her administration, she quickly charms the hearts of the people.
Our Take:
The story opens up with themes that really can resonate with modern viewers. Denki Taira lectures his emperor that there aren’t easy solutions to systemic issues. Unemployment has been cut in half, but workers are likely still unable to afford food, implying that new jobs came at the expense of living wages. However, as he notes, this makes the people all the easier to subdue. After all, now that people are overworked as well as underfed, they’re all the less likely to become soldiers.
In a slightly more comedic scene, viewers are then introduced to Denki Taira’s son and heir. A literal child, he appears in the imperial court barefoot and wearing an oversized uniform. He even appears to be missing some teeth, not to mention his perpetually runny nose. Despite this, he still appears to hold much sway at court. In keeping with topical themes, this really hits close to home when people have dealt with people in positions of power, even if it’s just a cushy job, all because they have the right connections. This is emphasized all the more as the bloodthirsty Denki Taira issues a menacing threat to ensure his son is protected. Sometimes, a character having a loved one humanizes them. Here, it’s used to illustrate hypocrisy and corruption.
In fact, the normally stoic Aoteru seems to take issue with the kid. However, Yoshitsune Asama is able to reassure him that it’s all part of the game, with different tactics eventually winning out.
The story seems to set up that Ohga Wajima will be a major player throughout the story. However, her political ambitions are mostly seen from the opposing side. This actually paints an interesting light on what is to come, showing the different sides of a conflict. On one hand, there is growing suspicion that her calls for rebellion mask her true motive, possibly revenge for her father’s death. She is also shown to have support within the factions, even if it’s just because people think she’s cute.
Meanwhile, viewers still see Aoteru balance duty with mercy. He spells out that the leader of the supporters must be put into exile by law. But, by reading of the law, he allows his other supporters to be pardoned. Even then, it’s implied that he might have some ulterior motive in sending the man to another place. Ultimately, with different factors at play, viewers are likely going to want to stay tuned in to see what happens next, as well as everyone’s true motives.
