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The Best Episodes of Atsuhime Season 1

Every episode of Atsuhime Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Atsuhime Season 1!

The 47th NHK Taiga Drama is a life story of Princess Atsu, who was born in Kagoshima Prefecture, then called Satsuma, and became the wife of Tokugawa Iesada, the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 1 - Child of Destiny
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #1 - Child of Destiny

    S1:E1

    The episode starts off in Satsuma in 1835, 20 years prior to the arrival of the Black Ships led by Matthew C. Perry. People in Satsuma are excited by the arrival of the heir to the domain, Shimazu Nariakira, from Edo. Meanwhile, a long-awaited daughter is born in one of the cadet families of Shimazu clan, the Imaizumi Shimazu family. The father of the girl, Shimazu Tadatake, and the mother, Oyuki, name her “Katsu,” wishing the child’s happiness. Okatsu grew up as a tomboy, much stronger than her brothers, yet is warm-hearted and full of curiosity.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 2 - Vow at Sakurajima
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - Vow at Sakurajima

    S1:E2

    Zusho's financial reform successfully clears Satsuma clan's debt, however, many people are still badly off. Young samurai, including Saigo Kichinosuke and Okubo Shosuke, feel hatred toward Zusho. Meanwhile, Zusho invites Okatsu and Naogoro to his place, asking Okatsu a favor before he heads for Edo.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 3 - Satsuma Divide
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    #3 - Satsuma Divide

    S1:E3

    Oyura, concubine of Shimazu Narioki, the clan head, plots to make her son Tadayuki an heir to the Satsuma clan which provokes a serious confrontation within a group of samurai who stand by Nariakira, Narioki's legal wife's son. Shosuke is punished for his involvement in the family quarrel. Wishing to help Shosuke's family make ends meet, Okatsu offers food and money, however, Shosuke's mother, Fuku, refuses.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 4 - A Wise Lord Angered
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    #4 - A Wise Lord Angered

    S1:E4

    Nariakira succeeds as the head of the Satsuma clan. Although Nariakira is active in reform, Kichinosuke and other young samurai are impatient that Shosuke is not granted clemency. Meanwhile, Nariakira officially invites members of Shimazu's branch families to his place. On the day of Okatsu's visit, she asks Nariakira why he has not pardoned Shosuke.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 5 - Japan's Best Man
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    #5 - Japan's Best Man

    S1:E5

    Tadatake learns from Tadayuki that his son wants to marry Okatsu. Naogoro is upset to hear the news. Meanwhile, Naogoro meets John Manjiro who had just come back from the U.S. Inspired by Manjiro's free-minded way of thinking, Naogoro tells Tadatake that he too loves Okatsu. The next day, Tadatake is called up by Nariakira where he informs his plans of Okatsu.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 6 - A Woman's Destiny
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    #6 - A Woman's Destiny

    S1:E6

    Tadatake is delighted with Nariakira's offer to adopt Okatsu, but Oyuki senses something is wrong with Kikumoto who brought up Okatsu. Okatsu is unable to absorb the situation and begs Tadatake to let her talk directly to Nariakira. On the morning of her visit, Kikumoto advises Okatsu that going against one's destiny is a dishonor for women.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 7 - The Father's Tears
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    #7 - The Father's Tears

    S1:E7

    Okatsu is deeply shocked by Kikumoto's suicide and outraged at Tadatake's insulting attitude towards her death. Meanwhile in Edo, the Tokugawa shogunate learns that an American fleet is approaching Japan, aiming to establish a trade relationship. Nariakira realizes that he needs to adopt Okatsu soon to carry out his plan. As the day of Okatsu's departure approaches, Tadatake suddenly acts cool towards Okatsu.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 8 - How to be a Princess
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    #8 - How to be a Princess

    S1:E8

    Moving into Tsurumaru Castle, Okatsu is unable to fit into its restrictive customs, while those women serving under her and related to the Shimazu family mock about Okatsu's humble lineage. The American fleet led by Perry sails into Uraga. While Nariakira is building up armaments against the fleet, he asks Konoe Tadahiro, head of the Konoe family to send a tutor for Okatsu.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 9 - Atsuhime is Born
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    #9 - Atsuhime is Born

    S1:E9

    Okatsu is being trained to be a full-fledged princess by Ikushima, a tutor brought in from the Konoe family in Kyoto while Nariakira renames Okatsu as "Atsuko" and officially begins her life as "Atsu-hime." Meanwhile in Edo, Ieyoshi, the 12th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, suddenly dies and his son Iesachi, who is known to be benighted, is to succeed. Nariakira confides his secret to Ikushima why he wishes to rush the training of Atsu-hime.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 10 - Determined to Become the Shogun's Wife
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    #10 - Determined to Become the Shogun's Wife

    S1:E10

    Ikushima is finding it difficult to train Atsu-hime who shows no interest in the training. Nariakira finally tells Atsu-hime that she is a candidate to become the wife of Iesachi, the next shogun. On that night, Atsu-hime, who attempts to escape from the castle but is easily caught, asks Nariakira his real objective. Moved by Nariakira's ambition to rebuild the unstable shogunate through Atsu-hime's marriage, she too desires to marry Iesachi.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 11 - Reunion on the Tanabata
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #11 - Reunion on the Tanabata

    S1:E11

    Atsu-hime is absorbed in princess training with Ikushima. Naogoro is shocked by Nariakira's plot but is given a chance by Nariakira to see Atsu-hime again at the Star Festival. She entrusts Naogoro with her parents and the future of Satsuma. The day of Atsu-hime's departure to Edo is just around the corner.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 12 - Farewell, Sakurajima
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #12 - Farewell, Sakurajima

    S1:E12

    Before Atsu-hime's departure, heads of the families related to the Shimazu family are called up to the castle where she sees her biological parents after a long time. However, she is only allowed to say some formal greetings to them. On the day of her departure as the ship leaves Satsuma, Atsu-hime cries for the first time. She vows to Ikushima that she will never cry again longing for her hometown.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 13 - The Mother in Edo
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    #13 - The Mother in Edo

    S1:E13

    Atsu-hime arrives at Satsuma clan's castle in Edo, however, she is unable to meet Nariakira's wife Fusa and adoptive mother of Atsu-hime. In Edo castle, Nariaki, former head of the Mito-Tokugawa family, opposes to Asuhime's entry in "Ooku." Meanwhile, back in Satsuma, Nariakira picks Kichinosuke to accompany him to Edo. Although Atsu-hime finally meets Fusa, she gives her a frosty look saying Atsu-hime does not deserve to become the wife of Iesachi.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 14 - The Father's Wish
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #14 - The Father's Wish

    S1:E14

    Atsu-hime is depressed by Fusa's affirmation that Atsu-hime can never be the wife of Iesachi who later becomes Iesada as the 13th shogun. A new year begins and the American fleet led by Perry again appears off the coast of Edo. Nariakira is suddenly called up to Edo but before his departure, he makes a visit to Tadatake who is ill, and makes a promise which he breaks when he encounters Atsu-hime in Edo.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 15 - The Princess Goes to Battle
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #15 - The Princess Goes to Battle

    S1:E15

    Kichinosuke is put in charge of preparing the traditional bride's gear for Atsu-hime. Meanwhile, Nariakira is struck down by serious illness and rumor has it that Nriakira's illness is caused by a curse of Oyura, who is plotting to make her son the head of the clan. Atsu-hime visits Oyura for the first time to confirm the rumor herself.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 16 - Cherry Blossoms Amidst Tumult
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #16 - Cherry Blossoms Amidst Tumult

    S1:E16

    Nariakira recovers from his illness. Although Atsu-hime's marriage is in the final stage, Iesada shows no interest in getting married. To persuade Nariaki and to receive his approval to Atsu-hime's marriage, Nariakira invites him to Satsuma clan's castle, however, Atsu-hime argues with Nariaki about his policy on foreigners.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 17 - An Unexpected Marriage
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    #17 - An Unexpected Marriage

    S1:E17

    The marriage of Atsu-hime and Iesada is finalized and the Satsuma clan's castle is in a celebratory mood. Meanwhile in Satsuma, Naogoro is to serve under Nariakira in Edo. Only a few months later, Nariakira orders Naogoro back to Satsuma to marry Ochika, who is from a distinguished family of Satsuma clan and a younger sister of Komatsu Kiyomichi, who died of illness, to succeed the Komatsu family. After Naogoro leaves Edo, a big earthquake hits Edo.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 18 - Nariakira's Secret Orders
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    #18 - Nariakira's Secret Orders

    S1:E18

    After returning to Satsuma, Naogoro decides to marry Ochika. In Edo, the day of Atsu-hime's wedding, which was canceled after the big earthquake, is finally rescheduled. On the eve of Atsu-hime's departure to Edo castle, Nariakira confesses to Atsu-hime his true intention for arranging her marriage; if she is unable to bear an heir to the Tokunaga family, she was to persuade Iesada to make Yoshinobu, the head of the Hitotsubashi family and Nariaki's son, the next shogun.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 19 - Ascend to the Ooku
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    #19 - Ascend to the Ooku

    S1:E19

    Atsuhime moves to Edo castle where she meets Honjuin, Iesada's mother, and Takiyama who is in control of the servants at "Ooku." However, the meeting with Atsu-hime's to-be husband, Iesada, was unscheduled. She learns that he has a concubine. One day, Atsu-hime sees a man playing hide-and-seek in the garden and hears him being addressed as "shogun.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 20 - The Wedding Night
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #20 - The Wedding Night

    S1:E20

    Having seen Iesada playing in the garden, Atsu-hime begins to have doubts over his sanity. On the night of the wedding, Iesada goes to sleep, showing no interest in Atsu-hime, which raised her distrust in Iesada. Ikushima finally confesses to Atsu-hime of knowing that Iesada may be benighted, but she also says that Nariakira has doubts over the rumor. Seeing Iesada playing in the garden again, Atsu-hime decides to find out the truth herself.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 21 - Battle of the Wives
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    #21 - Battle of the Wives

    S1:E21

    Atsu-hime senses Iesada must be pretending to be benighted and asks Iesada the reason. He begins to ignore and avoid her. Atsu-hime asks him to see her but he tells her that he had no intention of having a child. The information was quickly sent to Nariakira through Ikushima. Atsu-hime invites Iesada's concubine, Oshiga, to learn more about her husband. Atsu-hime feels jealous and could not resist caring about Iesada, which proved the subconscious growing affection inside her.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 22 - The Shogun's Secret
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #22 - The Shogun's Secret

    S1:E22

    Atsu-hime remains unsure whether Iesada is really benighted. The U.S. begins preparing for a trade treaty between the shogunate after signing the Treaty of Shimoda, a treaty of peace and amity. Although the shogunate is pressured to decide the next shogun to face the international pressure, Abe, the chief retainer of the shogunate who stands by Atsu-hime, suddenly passes away. Overwhelmed by the situation, Atsu-hime decides to confess to Iesada that the true intention of her marriage was to make Yoshinobu the next shogun. Iesada in return confesses his secret.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 23 - The Better Man
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #23 - The Better Man

    S1:E23

    Despite Atsu-hime's persuasion to name Yoshinobu successor, Iesada disagreed saying it was nonsense to recommend someone she had never met. Atsu-hime invites Yoshinobu and Tokugawa Yoshitomi, another candidate from the Kishu-Tokugawa family, to the castle to see them face to face. While Yoshinobu disappoints her, Atsu-hime was fascinated by Yoshitomi to whom laced snack was served.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 24 - It's Unforgivable, Atsu-hime
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #24 - It's Unforgivable, Atsu-hime

    S1:E24

    As the day to meet U.S. consul general neared, Iesada tells his worries to Atsu-hime. She comes up with an idea for Iesada to maintain his dignity at the meeting and also suggests Yoshinobu's presence. Although the meeting turns out to be successful, Honjuin, who wants to make Yoshitomi the next shogun, bursts in anger, learning Atsu-hime persuaded Iesada to have Yoshinobu at the meeting.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Atsuhime Season 1 Episode 25 - A Mother's Love and Hate
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #25 - A Mother's Love and Hate

    S1:E25

    Iesada falls ill which gave cause for Honjuin to keep Atsu-hime away from Iesada, saying his illness was caused by Atsu-hime. Although Iesada wished to spend time with Atsu-hime, the mother ordered Oshiga to be at his side. Atsu-hime sees Honjuin to clear the misunderstanding; however, Honjuin blames her for having no intention to bearing an heir to the family.

    Director:Unknown
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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Child of Destiny" is the best rated episode of "Atsuhime" season 1. It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/6/2008. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Vow at Sakurajima".