Behind the Story of Blood and Tears – Japanese Snacks: Konpeitō, Taiyaki
It doesn’t take long before we learn O-Bun has quite an appetite, especially for sweets. Here are a couple of her favorites…
Behind the Story of “Blood and Tears” – Social Class in the Edo Period
The initial friction between O-Hatsu and O-Bun arises from differences in their relative social status. Beginning in the 17th century and ending with the Meiji Restoration, people were categorized into roughly four social classes:
Behind the Story of “Blood and Tears” – Yaba Onna
In Episode 2, Usaburo informs O-Bun that a yaba onna is not the type service worker she had in mind. yaba = archery range onna = woman
Behind the Story of “Blood & Tears” – Sonno Joi! 尊皇攘夷
In Episode 1, O-Hatsu’s teahouse is raided by pro-imperial samurai searching for Tokugawa supporters. The slogan “Sonno joi!” (Expel foreigners, revere the Emperor!)
Behind the Story of “Blood and Tears” – Edo Period Travel
When we first meet O-Bun in Episode 1, she is complaining about having to walk so far… To encourage trade and travel, the shogunate government built highways connecting several major cities.
Behind the Story of “Blood and Tears” – The Battle of Toba Fushimi
The Battle of Toba Fushimi was fought January 27-30, 1868, between Tokugawa loyalists and pro-Imperial troops from the Satsuma, Choshu and Tosa domains.
