Sekigahara: The Battle of the Samurai
Balanga
Japan, 17th century. For several decades, the country has been torn by civil war. Ever since the death of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the five regents appointed to ensure the education and safety of his only son, Hideyori, age 5, have been wrestling for power. One of them, Ieyasu, gains the advantage, but only to see Mitsunari, who remains loyal to Hideyori, rise against him. Their armies meet at Sekigahara. But, Ieyasu has an ace up his sleeve. General Hideaki has assured him that in the midst of battle he will betray Mitsunari and join forces with him. The battle begins, but the outcome remains uncertain. Hideaki hesitates to betray Mitsunari and remains in the rear with his troops. Ieyasu then takes a daring and capital decision: he orders his men to fire upon Hideaki’s forces. Hideaki reacts to the attack and, against all expectations, engages his troops on the side of Ieyasu as promised. His defection decides the outcome of the battle, which is won by Ieyasu. The battle of Sekigahara marks the end of the Sengoku period, the age of the provinces at war and the beginning of the Edo period, an age of peace that lasts more than 250 years. It is known as “the battle that decided the future of the country”. Ieyasu’s daring “double or nothing” decided the future of Japan.