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.
Behind the Story of “Blood and Tears” – What’s In a Name?
I tried to select character names consistent with the late Edo/early Meiji period.
My historical fiction “Blood and Tears” is Live!
At long last, my work of historical fiction, Blood and Tears, is LIVE! [huge exhale]🤣
