#i love yoshitsune

[dailydemonspotlight]

Yoshitsune - Day 40

Race: Wargod

Alignment: Light-Neutral

May 16th, 2024

Can you believe it guys? Twinks! Just a week away! Everyone knows Yoshitsune, everyone loves Yoshitsune- he's one of the most popular demons in the series for good reason, and in celebration of reaching 40 days of this series, I've decided to give him today's spotlight. Our resident prettyboy has a boatload of lore to get into, so without any further ado, let's get to the spotlight! Today's demon of the day is likely in everyone's top 10 list of demons, that being the ancient Japanese general of the Heian era, Minamoto no Yoshitsune!

During the late Heian era, a certain clan was incredibly prominent, one with a lot of political backing as being parts of the imperial family who weren't parts of the line of succession, instead being nobles. This clan, the Minamoto clan, commonly competed in the realm of politics with their contemporaries in the three other 'Great Clans,' those being the Fujiwara, Taira, and Tachibana (no relation to Yakuza 0) clans. Even now, the clan still persists in Japanese politics, albeit less prominent. In that clan, though, was a commander whose skill rose him to the level of a living legend- Yoshitsune no Minamoto, a man known as the epitome of the Samurai.

Yoshitsune no Minamoto, also simply known as Yoshitsune, was an incredibly powerful figure feared and respected by people all around. He was vital during the Genpei War as one of the most important figures leading the battles involved, helping his half-brother Yoritomo rise to power, though that isn't even close to the extent of the things that Yoshitsune got up to. According to legend, he managed to defeat the legendary monk-warrior Benkei, a man of equal prowess to him, whereafter Benkei offered to become his retainer. After this, he served his clan with utmost loyalty, being a leading commander throughout a power struggle with the Taira clan, who had usurped the supreme title of the emperor.

Yoshitsune's accomplishments during this war are stories and incredible, and, if anything, there are likely several anime about every little thing he achieved. Eventually, after he led the Minamoto clan to crush the Taira in the war with several historic victories, he was granted the Ōmi province to govern. Since then, he spent his days as a respected warrior-leader, though came into conflict with that same brother he helped earlier, Yoritomo. His half-brother suspected that something was up with Yoshitsune's rise, revoking all of his power in the army- however, in revenge, Yoshitsune declared war on the other Minamoto with allyship with his uncle, Yukiie no Minamoto. It didn't end that well.

Yoshitsune was forced on the run alongside his wife carrying an unborn child, but as she was captured, he couldn't make much of a move anymore as to not incur the wrath of his half-brother. He took to living a solitary life under disguise with the assistance of the son of a man leading the village, Hidehira no Fujiwara, but put under pressure by Yoritomo, he was eventually found and put to death. Yoshitsune's retainers were slaughtered in the night, including Benkei, and the samurai was put to death- wherein he took his own life via Seppuku.

I'm sure I don't need to explain why Yoshitsune is such a popular figure- his tale follows a format almost storybook-like, a man so unstoppable yet killed at last via a betrayal by his brother. It's a tale that has been retold time and time again, and for good reason, as it feels like one straight from a manga. There is a lot to his story that I couldn't cover in a short DDS, unfortunately, but overall he's a legendary figure for a reason. Some theories even purport that he faked his death and ended up becoming Genghis goddamn Khan, but these are more just people trying to come up with ways that Yoshitsune could have escaped his imminent death. His tale alone, however, is more than enough imo. Regardless, how is he portrayed in SMT?

Really well! While he's portrayed as rather skinny, his garb and face paint are very samurai adjacent, and his design is iconic for a reason. His usefulness in gameplay, too, also cannot go understated- he's one of the most powerful personas in Persona 4, per instance, as his signature move can completely obliterate almost anything. Yoshitsune is beloved, and we love Yoshitsune. It's almost impossible to point out any flaws with his design, as he would be a downright perfect main character to an SMT manga focused around demons. Shit, he already kinda is, appearing prominently in the Raidou Kuzunoha manga!

Overall, with his strong story, design brimming with that 'it' factor, prowess in gameplay, and everything inbetween, it's no wonder that Yoshitsune is one of the most popular and prominent demons in the series, and one of my favorites as well. I mean, who doesn't love this guy? The sheer flair of his design alone is enough to make him cool, even outside of the insane amounts of lore behind him. Yoshitsune is something of a creature to me, and I'm sure you can see why.

[cestacruz]

Ushi......

[corinadraws]

Some Ao Ashi doodles!

[catamaurrr-star]

persona 4 hyperfixation has come back to Fucking kill me.played it for like 2 hours and i am only stopped because [my secret reason]

[akihikosanada]

maxed all affinities, requests and social links, defeated margaret (don't ask how many times that took.), and got the true ending of persona 4 including that sexy timeskip where you meet all the besties again 💆‍♀️ loooove that for me

[hekateisconfused]

RANDOM AS FUCK YOSHITSUNE IDEA THAT JUST ENTERED MY MIND RIGHT FUCKING NOW AND I NEED TO JOT DOWN

⚠️ HEAVY Divine Arc spoilers !!!!!! ⚠️

You don't need to completely finish Divine Arc to understand, but atleast read after doing the Sanctuary (unless you're okay with spoilers)

I feel like Yoshitsune has been hella neglected story wise, her Divine Arc section was no different. Her section of Divine Arc was just in the middle of Momo's full chapter?? That being said, there's one thing Yoshitsune said that has stuck in my head since I've played her chapter.

"We have to find Shizuka soon.... Even if means exchanging my life for hers....

Hn? What's pushing me to such lengths, you ask? Shizuka is the princess of the Shogunate! Her life is worth ten of a warrior like myself.... Is what I would usually say about now.

But.... When I was still a child, Shizuka saved my life. Shizuka... I was never any good with politics or my brother's. But... She saved me. I vowed that it was for her I would live. And that hasn't changed.

It's a long story, so I will tell it some other time. Without Shizuka, I would be the same as a doll who had lost their heart. Nothing could repair that damage.... "Dolls have no hearts anyway?"... Hahaha, I guess you're right... Thanks. That helped calm me down a little."

Just... Something about that seemed so off to me... For a long time, I had a headcanon that she was of yokai blood to some degree. For a while I thought "maybe she tripped into the void or something of corruption". Something about how hesitant she was about the doll metaphor made me think... Was she projecting? Hinting to something?

It's clear whatever Lady Shizuka saved her was from something intense. But what if it was a "I was saved, but the damage had already been done" scenario? Yoshitsune was already affected, but Shizuka's saving was enough to prevent whatever hurt her from fully killing her?

The heart metaphor... I think of a lot. Also the mention of a doll. What if she sees herself as a husk? What if her heart *was* taken by a greater entity, but maybe got replaced...? A yokai heart?

That has been my theory, her heart was exchanged for a yokai one in some freak encounter. But Lady Shizuka arrived in time to stop it from becoming lethal.

Lady Shizuka is the Priestess of true sight. She is what kept everything together, all that is evil, gas eventually turned pure with her around. Yoshitsune having yokai blood would be calmed by Lady Shizuka's presence, and they have literally always been together.

But if there's one thing we should learn from Divine Arc.... Curses and memories swell up. Anything could change. Hell, Divine Arc is literally called DIVINE ARC because of the Divine Possession. Possession and changes in the body have been the whole deal. Every character affected by the deities, has died, and was brought back to life. Hell, Momotarou's crazed for returns! Not all seals are made to last forever! Things can be calmed, but can become undone eventually.

I'm just... Thinking of a scenario. One day, the yokai blood kicks in. Yoshitsune knows something is going on inside her, but can't say. Hell, she doesn't even know what's going on. She gets more quiet and distant, which is kinda really a problem because she's the only person in this nine person party with a brain.

She starts losing herself slowly, and eventually, it kicks in. A need to lash out, to kill, to drink blood, she's holding on by a thread to not give into the urges. Her mind is telling her, "Just kill them all... This whole party... They trust you, making them easy prey...".

I need Yosh to have yokai blood, a not human heart, something with the doll metaphor, it just screams too much of a hint to be ignored!

Anyway the idea spring because I just thought "What if she had an episode where her yokai blood took over and made her lash out, but snapped back to reality after seeing the damage she did, even if it's minor, and keep apologizing."... I need her to have more lore im begging please make her have yokai blood I'm bEGGING

[ikeameatballspoisonedme]

Omg I just realized that Oberon and Loki was left out by Margaret on Ultimax :( I guess they're not hot enough

[ask-misun-and-oc]

IkeSen vs IkeGen in 17th August competition

Note: By the way, yesterday is Independence Day in Indonesia. So congrats for Indonesia for 79 years. I hope no more drama and injustice in my country.

-GF Carrying Race -> Nobunaga and Mai vs Yoritomo and Yoshino

-Clog Race -> Hideyoshi, Masamune, Ranmaru vs Morinaga, Shigehira, Kagetoki

-Climbing Race -> Kenshin, Yukimura, Sasuke, Shingen vs Yoshitsune, Yoichi, Benkei, Sueharu

-Tennis Using Utensils -> Motonari and Mitsuhide vs Tamamo and Kurama

-Make Up Competition -> Mitsunari and Ieyasu vs Yasuchika and Akihito

-Water Splashing Competition -> Kennyo vs Ibuki

-Pillow Fight -> Kichou vs Rikka

Well, i'm sorry for Keiji, Yoshimoto, and Kanetsugu because IkeGen has no more character for the pair. Perhaps you can be the 'biduan' to entertain the supporters. (Just kidding)

Note:

-"Biduan" actually is a Diva or female singer. But in my country context, it's a sexy singer who sing dangdut music. I hate dangdut music because it's too vulgar. That's why i love J-Pop and K-pop (but it's male only).

- @ask-kennyo request a switch team because he hates Mitsuhide. I guess... i will switch it with @mourimotonariblog. Don't worry, old man. Just smacking water baloon with a stick with closed eyes. And for tennis using utensil, it's just like 'kemari' but you can use any utensil such as book, pan, broom, fan, even bottle to hit the ball.

-I revised the role for @ask-kanetsugu-naoe and @ keiji maeda as commentator, while @ask-yoshimoto is host for supporters (just like interacting the audience)

[lanymme]

Falls to my knees , hiii so like... the requests.... would you be so kind as to consider Ushiwakamaru|Yoshitsune (and her wife Shizuka Gozen....) (she gets 1 dialogue in Heian-Kyo (Incredibly romantic line about wishing to follow Yoshitsune until the very end) and mentioned in Little Big Tengu)

Scenario... Ushi getting reminded of Shizuka and realizing how much she misses her...im basic i am starved

The idea of Ushi joining the "i miss my spouse" club and Tomoe being there is hilarious honestly. I am rambling

I am very sorry if this ask was too late </3

The monkey's paw curls.

Sure i can write that for you!

/\/\/\/\/\/\

It’s a quiet, clear night, the full moon shining brightly down on the trees, the courtyard, the roof of the mountaintop compound.

Sitting on that rooftop, one knee tucked up and the other dangling casually from the edge, foot swaying back and forth, a figure clad in a Japanese armor sits alone, drinking and looking out at the light of the city far below, long unbound hair fluttering slightly in a gentle breeze.

Behind them, a scattering of gold motes of light blows into shape and coalesce, as a woman dressed in similar armor stands behind them, posture straight and proper, sharing the same view.

“Ah, Lady Archer.” Her voice, normally energetic or cheerful, is subdued yet friendly. She turns, casual and unmannered, to smile thinly through the weight of emotion at her guest. “Please, come,” she says, offering the bottle and a small cup to her visitor. “Share a drink with me, and some familiar company in this foreign land.”

Archer ignores her offer, continuing to stare out into the city.

“…Lord Saber. I would kill you here, now, if our Masters were not allied.”

“Mm.” She nods, acknowledging the statement as true, if not important. “Such is the nature of the war we fight.”

Archer’s eyes narrow.

“…I will state the truth plainly, then. I would kill you if there were no war. Knowing you live, I would seek your death. Only duty now stays me from seeking vengeance for my Lord.”

Saber takes in a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh, staring out over the city.

“…Fair enough. I can’t apologize for anything I’ve done to serve my own Lord. But, if my Master permits, once our alliance is over, I will give you a proper fight to the death.”

The wind blows through the trees, rushing, cool. The tips of Saber’s hair blow in the breeze. She takes a sip, and studies the bottle of alcohol with casual interest.

Archer’s fists clench, the sound of friction audible like a creak of leather, before she lets her fair, callused hands relax.

“I am surprised to hear you’d take consideration for anyone other than the master you serve.”

Saber’s head bobs in positive appraisal. She continues to stare out into the night.

“My Master told me to convey to yours that he is to meet her in the shed tomorrow in the morning to discuss plans regarding Caster and Rider.”

Saber nods again. She stares into space for a moment, as she convey the message through the link.

Then, she takes another sip of alcohol, looking up at the moon.

Archer waits a few minutes longer.

Her eye twitches.

Just as she prepares to leave, Saber speaks again.

“It was a night like this, when I last saw my love.”

Archer regards her carefully.

Saber smiles, wistful, fond. “She liked to go for walks at night, and I would go with her, and stand close to keep her warm. Even on hot summer nights.”

For a moment longer, she looks out over the edge, features softened into a sad smile.

Then her face falls.

“But the last night I saw her… we didn’t have time for such happiness, such peace.”

She looks down, now, into the courtyard, at the earth.

“My retainers managed to convince me to run, when my brother decided to put me down. I gave it my best, really. But I knew he would catch up to me. And… I think she knew, as well.”

Archer stares at her, uncompromisingly.

“She wanted to stay with me, even so. I never… really understood people, or love. I don’t know what I did to deserve such loyalty. Or maybe that’s just how she was. But I appreciated it. I needed it. To know there was someone with me who would never move, never leave, even as I am… how I am. Who really cared.”

“If you really appreciated it,” Archer says, voice heavy, tinged with venom, “then why. Why did you send her away, before the end?”

Saber turns and looks at her. She smiles, faintly.

“Because I wanted her to live.”

Archer snaps.

“Selfish! You say you appreciated her loyalty, yet you would trample it for your own selfishness!”

“…Mm. It was selfish.”

Archer stalks toward Saber, where she sits balanced at the edge of the roof, “If her love, her loyalty truly meant so much to you, then why deny her the chance die alongside her Lord!” she demands, breathing hard, long-restrained anguish bleeding through into her fury.

Saber makes no move to respond, to back away or take a defensible position. She curls, hugging the knee tucked up against her chest, eyes cast down.

“Because… I always knew she would die for me, but I… I would always serve my liege, first. In the end, though, when my brother decided I should die… I thought, for once, I would like to return that devotion. To thank her, for always… for always supporting me. If I was to die… then I could still give her a life, to live on. I could do that for her, at the end.”

“I was never good at expressing my feelings. I knew enough, to know it would hurt her. But still… I wanted to do that for her.”

She takes a sip of alcohol, and smiles ruefully.

“I failed in the end, though. My brother captured her anyway. I was dead, by the time it happened, but…”

Archer stares at her, still breathing hard, glaring, body tense. But the earlier fire is gone from her eyes, and they instead search through old emotions.

“… We do not decide how fate will turn. It is the choices we make that speak for us.”

A moment later, she turns away.

She pauses.

“…Saber. The Master you serve…”

“Hmm?” Her face brightens visibly.

“…” Archer looks up, over the compound, fists balled at her sides. “…That person is not worthy of your devotion.”

She dissolves again into swirling gold motes of light, and they blow away in the gentle night breeze.

“… I wouldn’t know,” Saber says, to the empty rooftop. “I'm not the best judge of people. All I want… is the chance to faithfully serve, until the end.”

—

Cautiously, Tomoe Gozen enters the ruined compound, the remaining fires burning low. The building where she spoke with Saber on that night in the first days of the War is rubble, pulverized by the shock of Rider’s Noble Phantasm, and then cleaved in half.

Master— she begins, reporting out of habit.

Foolishness. Her gentle, composed Master is gone. She feels the loop of prayer beads at her side where they hang under her robes.

Rest easy. For my Master’s sake… I will see your wish granted. I will save them.

She is cursed, cursed to always be the survivor.

She’s too late to witness the conflict, but the state of the war has shifted dramatically. She picks her way through the buildings to see what she can still learn.

The night is darker, now, the moon waning. The courtyard is in ruins, stones broken and split, the lonely pear tree torn up from its roots. Great slashes are carved into the walls of the sturdy storage building that makes up its other side, and the wall has fallen over.

As she proceeds toward the center of the compound, she finds the headless body of Rider’s Master, lying flat on its back.

One of Caster’s siege defense machines has fallen from the rooftops, burnt almost completely, its bolt still loaded lying on the floor.

She tightens her grip on her self control as her oni blood flares, threatening to overtake her reason. She looks up to survey the surroundings

The other giant crossbows that line the remaining buildings are mostly intact. The one farthest back is split in half, jagged wooden remains stained by a heavy spray of blood.

But they are pointed into the heart of the compound, not at its surroundings.

A trail of blood leads her way deeper into the compound

A pit of dread fills her stomach. She worries at the prayer beads that keep her temporarily sustained with mana, her Master’s parting gift to her.

She materializes her sword with a lick of flames, and raises it in preparation before turning the highly defensible corner.

She finds the remains of the body Assassin was puppeting, leaking black ichor.

A few paces away, one of the giant crossbow bolts has buried itself into the earth. It’s stained red with blood.

The trail of blood thickens beyond it. There are bloody handprints, smears against the walls.

Tomoe Gozen narrows her eyes, and steels herself, and proceeds through the bounded field into the heart of the compound.

It’s burning. Ichor and bloodstains everywhere.

At the far side of the space, the largest crossbow is spattered with blood. Beneath it, the severed sleeve of Caster’s robe lies trampled on the ground. And beside that, a mangled figure.

Maintaining her alert, she makes her way quickly across the space.

Saber—Yoshitsune lies slumped against the building’s wall, still clutching her sword in her hands. Her skin is blistered, her long hair burnt away. Cuts and pierces litter her ruined armor. And a crossbow bolt the size of a wooden beam pins her against the building behind her.

So it’s true. Saber’s Master has taken Rider as his Servant.

The loyal general Minamoto no Yoshitsune has once again been betrayed and cut down by the lord she serves.

Tomoe Gozen feels no joy at the sight of her husband’s killer.

The lively, energetic Saber is almost inert, staring blankly up at the sky with dulled eyes. But as she approaches, she looks up at her in awe. Her sword falls from her fingers. Her bare, dry voice whispers.

“…Shizuka?” Tomoe’s heart drops.

She kneels by her foe, and takes her remaining hand in her own. Sightless, dull eyes cast toward her, feebly.

“… ah. My Shizuka. You’re safe. I’m glad… I’m glad.” She sighs, shuddering. “If you live… then all was not lost. I—“ she heaves a breath, and smiles. “can meet my death, without regret.”

Tomoe takes a ragged breath. Suddenly, her vision is full of tears.

—

“Lord Yoshinaka, I beg of you—“

“I have given you my command!” Her husband shouts, voice trembling with fervor. “Leave this battlefield! I will meet my death with Kanehira at my side!”

He looks at her, then, and feeling flashes over his face. Love. Sorrow. Pain. “I will not—“ his voice chokes, rough, raw. “—be shamed by dying together with a woman.”

She takes in a deep breath, trembling, spine straight, mastering her feelings. Then she bows stiffly.

“—As my Lord orders it.”

Before she turns away for the last time, filled to overflowing with mastered emotion, tears leaking from the corner of her eyes—

She sees something like peace come over her husband’s face.

—

She trembles, kneeling before Saber.

Her mortal foe takes in a slow, desperate breath.

“Ah, but Shizuka. Your Ushiwaka… has so rarely received an injury. It really… hurts, after all.” she laughs weakly, and then coughs, and trails off.

Tomoe draws in a deep breath, steadying herself.

“Lord Yoshitsune,” she says. “Allow me to ease your pain.”

“…thank you,” that haggard voice says, relieved. “Thank you.”

Saber slumps forward, presenting her bare neck.

Tomoe stands, and draws her sword.

“…forgive me!”

With one swing, she separates Yoshitsune’s head cleanly from her shoulders.

A moment later, in a shower of gold mana, the body of her great enemy, of her husband’s killer, dissolves and fades away into the smoke-filled night air.

Tomoe stands alone. She cleans, and sheathes her sword.

“Lord Yoshinaka,” she whispers. “Your wife has avenged you. And if it gave you peace, then I will proudly carry forever the shame and sorrow of surviving you.”

With one final lingering glance at the place where a crossbow bolt lies embedded in the wall, she leaves the place of death behind.

Her Master, still, remains to be avenged.

There are yet more ghosts for Tomoe Gozen to carry.

[nica-my-beloved]

Ikemen Men In Ikemen Series

(Ikepri, Ikevil, Ikegen)

Businessmen

Sueharu: "I love women."

Silvio: "Women are bitches."

Jude: "Women should be respected!"

The Kings

Gilbert: "I'm a King."

Akihito: "Me too."

William and Elbert: "So are we"

Poster bois

Leon: "Ofc that's me."

Yoritomo: "Originally it's me, but my brother gets more spotlight from fans."

William: "I'm a poster boi as well."

Leon and Yoritomo: (Why does he have white hair?)

Tsun Tsun bois

Yves: "Want some cake?"

Shigehira: *Ahem* "Not like I'm dying to eat it or anything. But since you asked, as a decent person I'll have some.......Mm....Ahhh, it's so delicious"*starry eyed*

Yves: *blushes* "Hey! Stop making that face! As if you're enjoying my cooking!"

The ZzzzzzZ

Luke: ".....zzz....Honey...."

Yoichi: "....zzz..Young..zzz...master..."

Harrison: ".....zzz....Liam...."

That guy

Nokto: "Hey, how is that girl!?"

Jin: "Yeah. She's cute but the boobs aren't big enough."

Sueharu: (At least I'm decent than these two-----Ah! Yoshino's boobs!)

Best big brothers

Luke: "I'm younger than Emma but I still treat her like my younger sister."

Harrison: "I'm not even a big brother type. I simply got added here because Kate thinks I am one.

Morinaga: "I want to see Yoshino as my little sister but I can't help it. I get these indecent thoughts about her sometimes."

Luke and Harrison: "You need help."

The most beautiful ones

Azel: "Hah. I'm a god. Of course I'm the most beautiful."

Tamamo: *flips his hair* "Hmph. Well I lived here for more than 800 years. I'm the most beautiful one."

Elbert: "..............................."

Alfons: "Lord Elbert. No." <- not included in this category, just came here to avoid potential murder.

The babies

Luke: "Believe it or not, I'm the youngest prince."

Ellis: "Nice to meet you guys too. I'm the youngest villain."

Shigehira: (Wow...they are so tall and...those muscles...)

Someone from the audience: "Don't worry Shigehira, Yoshino still loves you."

Shigehira: *blushes* "Shut up!"

The unreasonable brats

Kurama: *points his fan* "Hey! Give me everything you're wearing right now. Yes, those shiny necklaces, bracelet, rings and also the shiny items in this room. Actually, give me your whole palace. Give it all."

Silvio: "Huh!? Who the hell are you? A thief?"

Kurama: "How dare you call me a thief. Do you wanna die you bling bling covered sleazeball?"

Silvio: "Who the fuck told you that name!!?"

Kurama: "Hm? A girl looking like a brown rabbit."

Silvio: "That bitch! I'm gonna kill her for sure!"

The most loved ones

Yoshitsune: "I don't know why everyone loves me. They say I have a very innocent personality but I don't understand."*cutely tilts his head*

Jude: "I'm most popular because everyone here likes to be choked for some reason." *rests his head on his fists looking bored*

Gilbert: "Well, I'm here because I'm so handsome and everyone falls down on their knees as soon as they see me."

Yoshitsune: "Why is that?"

Jude: "Obviously because-----forget it. I was paid by a blonde guy to not taint your mind."

Chevalier: *ignoring all of them because he's listening to an audiobook*

The villains

Ibuki: "I heard you love manipulating people for fun."

Gilbert: "I heard that about you too. Looks like we're...."

Ibuki and Gilbert: "Kindred spirits" *fist bumps*

Ibuki: "I have a kid."

Gilbert: "I have raised a kid too."

Ibuki: "I have tried manipulating the evil fox princess to break her heart."

Gilbert: "I too have tried tainting little rabbit's heart."

Ibuki and Gilbert: "But I failed."

Ibuki and Gilbert: "........!"

Ibuki and Gilbert: "Hahahahaha!"

[tanuki-kimono]

Hello! i saw your kimono drawing guide, and i have some questions. I saw this art and was wondering about a few things: what is the tied knot& tassel things on the sleeves for? and, what hairstyle is the lady wearing? If you know, please tell me! If you don't know, could it be possible to direct me to someone that might? Thank you for taking the time to answer, if you're able! Have a lovely night/day!

Hi and thank you for your question :) The ukiyoe you are sharing is by Utagawa Kunisada and titled Genji rokujo no hana (源氏六條の花), or "Cherry Blossoms at Genji's Rokujô Mansion". It is part of a three prints set:

It depicts an imaginary scenery from The tale of Genji, and the young lady playing with her pet cat is the princess Onna San no Miya.

Characters are not shown wearing period accurate clothes (from Heian era), but luscious Edo period attires. Because of her rank, the young princess is wearing what Edo princesses would, especially the trademark hairstyle named fukiya 吹輪.

You'll find below a translation from a costume photobook I did a while ago. Note the big bridge style front hairpin, and the drum like one in the back. Princesses from the buke (samurai class) would also have dangling locks called aikyôge (I also found the term okurege), but I am not sure kuge princesses (noble class) wore them too.

There is a whole dispute about this hairstyle, as we are not actually sure it was worn as such by actual princesses. This style may have in fact started as a somehow cliché bunraku/kabuki costume used to depict princesses (think a bit like Western Cinderella-types princess gowns). Nowadays, it is found only as a theater style, or worn by Maiko during Setsubun season.

For comparison, here is character Shizuka Gozen from kabuki play Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura:

As for the dangling cords, I covered those in a past ask about kamuro that you can find here (part 1 / part 2). TL:DR: I am still not sure what is the exact name for those decorations (kazari himo? sode no himo?).

But their use is pretty much linked to 3 things:

1) luck + protection (knots have auspicous meanings),

2) reinforcing weak points of garnment (here: sleeves wrist opening)

3) cuteness impact, as much like furisode (long sleeves kimono) those dangling ribbons were mostly seen on girls/young unmarried ladies by the Edo period

All the design elements chosen by Utagawa Kunisada for his Onna San no Miya stress own young and carefree she is still (which considering her narrative arc is in fact a bit sad... like all Genji Monogatari stories). BUT: bonus points for pet cat!

Hope that helps :)

[shatcey]

START PAGE

I've written about myself here (in case you wanna know).

The meaning of the link colors is here.

I'm not a native speaker of either English or Japanese. I don't know Japanese at all, but I have my own ideas about how this language works, because I started learning Korean, and these languages have some similarities. Based on that, there may most likely be errors in my translations/posts. I use autotranslation and rewrite the text to a readable state. Some phrases are not clear to begin with, and I use my gut feeling and some experience of reading such poorly translated texts that have taught me to see meaning in them. My summaries are always full of my comments and jokes. If you prefer a clean translation, then you definitely won't like it.

So… you have every right not to trust my translations. I do them so that others can familiarize themselves with the events and main routes. Not in detail, but in general. I don't have enough knowledge for more.

There are several people who do full translations, and I am very grateful to them for what they do. This is an incredibly difficult job that requires a lot of time and concentration.

@/judesmoonbeauty @/kurishiri @/archiveikemen @/dear-mrs-otome @/dark-frosted-heart @/aishangotome @/otomehoneyybearr @/caffedrine @/aquagirl1978

Most likely, there are even more of them, I just haven't found them yet.

Currently reading (update 16/09/24):

IkePri (En): Lion seq ; IkePri (JP): Keith (on skip) IkeVil (En): Harrison ; IkeVil (JP): Ellis IkeSen (En): Kennyo IkeGen (JP): Yoshitsune

Ikemen Prince

Ikemen Villains (EN)

Ikemen Villains (JP)

Ikemen Sengoku

Ikemen Genjiden JP

Ikemen Vampire

Ikemen Revolution (archive)

Other games

Love and DeepSpace (archive)

VA jp (Zayne) VA kr (Xavier) VA kr (Rafayel) VA kr (Caleb)

birthday Xavier (heart rate) Zayne loves me

Mystic Messenger and Ssum (archive)

Ray April Fool's DLC Seven Pencil

Mugenro

Voiced teasers Prostitutes?

Dead games (RIP)

Comparison games

Wolfs Pets My heart on 11/11/23 Aggressively defensive Faces of the games Birthday presents Familiar backgrounds Sirius and Ibuki My fav smiles The same VA (how could it be?) Purple eyes Villain's logic Drama Princess Height Voice Why I like them (part 1) Final credits Alfons and Sebastian

Lesson of Japanese

...and grumbling

bad written story (Faust) time zones No luck (cards) That's just not fair (Jude) I don't love you, Gilbert Weekend plans Forget-me-nots Double Forget-me-nots tea Overwhelming Gilbert's card Free diamonds Cleaning

...and my scribblings

Alternative prologue IkeVamp: Prologue Picture

IkeVil: Bread Drawing lesson Innocent smile Lazy morning Vow The call of the moon

IkePri: The brave one Innocent Rose

Mixed: Husbands

[cestacruz]

Well thoughts on Yoritomo and Noriyori as figures?

Ah yes the Minamoto sibs!

Honestly ofc im biased in my dislike towards Yoritomo but mm! I love the tragedy of it all, they're all doomed😔😔😔

Came back from the future to say this became a rushed history lesson lmao

Both Yoshitsune and Noriyori were incredibly loyal to Yoritomo but once he ordered them to kill their cousin, Yoshinaka, things changed for Noriyori specifically, thinking wise

We all know bout Yoritomo, 3rd son of Yoshitomo Minamoto, he's honestly slightly paranoid and easy to influence. Spared yet exiled as a young guy by the Taira, once he came back he wasnt really Doing much, it wasnt until Yoshitsune arrived And that he gave Yoshitsune power to command his own army that the tables actually turned (and got destroyed) on the Heike

Ofc many stories could be exagerated since Yoritomo was and is not well liked by pretty much anyone

To me the idea of him being this dumbass who just Very easily gets menipulated or convinced of anything seems fair but also not, i think there was some more seriousness, and for lack of a better word (just woke up) evilness(?) To him

He's definitely stupid (its a Minamoto thing), just not That stupid, yknow? Thats my thoughts

Noriyori man, 6th son of Yoshitomo, exiled as well, then came back to serve his brother, like Yoshitsune, to avenge his father and clan

Unlike Yoshitsune who we do kinda know what he was up to during his entire life theres not really a lot on Noriyori before 1180

He served his brother and thats it, participated in Ichi-no-Tani and that was like the last time iirc that he actually was in the three decisive battles, led by Yoshitsune ofc, against the Taira

Noriyori tried and failed to convince Yoritomo to change his mind bout Yoshitsune and in the end he just, obeyed the orders to arrest him </3

I dont actually recall if Noriyori's reason for getting the short end of the stick as well was either:

Yoritomo getting paranoid that Noriyori was writing about being loyal to him So much (noriyori was paranoid that yoritomo would have him arrested and killed just like what happened to Yoshinaka and Yoshitsune)

Or, there had been this like battle or something and shit and it was rumoured that Yoritomo died there, and while Hojo Masako was all sad, Noriyori was like "dont worry, even if my brother was killed, i'm here for you and the clan" which ofc caused a very much Not Dead Yoritomo to start doubting him

Regardless of the actual reason, Yoritomo had him killed on charged of conspiracy or something

He seems to me like this slightly emotional guy, more cheerful in general than someone like Yoshitsune, who was no gloomy individual but theres less like, happy go lucky energy and more "im gonna be the most loyal and best soldier!!! Yippee!!! Wdym i have to die" yknow? Noriyori just feels more chill and cheerful in general

Point is

I like em, Yoshinaka, Yoshitsune and Noriyori need to have a groupchat labelled "Yoritomo sucks" and then Yoritomo has them all arrested and killed for conspiracy, again

They have to recreate this meme (yoritomo on the floor ofc)

Anyway this is what i depicted them like a While ago (ages written down not reflected in the drawings because i drew them at some random point of their lives rather what i thought they'd look like at the year they died)

[amemenojaku]

some pictures of my visit of Shimonoseki/Dan no Ura today before I forget to post them (next post will be from my backlog and touhou-related, either shinmyoumaru or megumu & tsukasa? we'll see)

love the cute art and the big 'enjoy Shimonoseki!! ☺️' even though one of the most heart-wrenching events of japanese history happened right here

the sea from Mimosusogawa park, which used to be part of the sea too. the current really is as strong and nightmarish as people say it is, so just looking at it from the park is enough to make you picture how tough that battle must've been 😓 there's also two really beautiful statues facing one another here: Yoshitsune doing his legendary leap and Tomomori about to jump to his demise

after that we went to Akamajingu, the shrine dedicated to emperor Antoku. I don't have good pictures of the front gate right now, but the whole shrine complex is gorgeous and very reminiscent of depictions of the dragon palace. walking there and just taking in the atmosphere, thinking about how they made it this way specifically because of what Antoku was told before drowning, made me feel all sorts of things 🙃

the Heike crest was everywhere, obviously

monuments to the Heike; they looked a bit run down... you can kind of see one in the middle of the picture but some pink flowers had fallen from a nearby tree and right on the stones. the color's completely wrong but they look a little like sal flowers, so obviously they caught my eye, but I have no idea what they could be. if I see them again I'll take better pictures... and if someone knows what they might be then by all means please let me know 😩

there's a little place with a beautiful statue of Miminashi Hoichi and a recorded biwa performance playing in the back, actually right next to the Heike stones shown above, so the atmosphere there was very special.

finally I had a look at the very very small but really interesting museum-ish room of the shrine; no pictures allowed but they had stuff like gorgeous screen paintings of the different Genpei battles and some nice swords and pieces of armors, clothing, statues of Antoku and old complete versions of the Heike Monogatari scrolls (in closed, sealed boxes, sadly). I bought one of the catalogue books so I might write about it in the future when I have time to just sit down and look at it...

[justlarkin]

Valentines is coming up, so we get to experience the chaotic duo of Yoritomo and Yoshitsune!MC in English!!!

Shennong and MC may be the most interesting, but Yoritomo and Yoshitsune!MC is the funniest dynamic, hands down. Yoshitsune is so hyperactive puppy coded and Yoritomo scolding them and acting like they're an ungodly terror is so funny. I love these idiots ❤

[ga-yuu]

Where do you want a sweet kiss?

The meaning of that glossy lips....the only people who knows that, is you and your lover.

It happened while I was on a date with Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoshino: "Ah! Look out!!"

Yoshitsune: "Yoshino...!"

I reached out to the young girl who was about to fall into the river.

Although I succeeded in rescuing her, I suffered a small injury on my toe.

Yoshitsune: ".....It looks painful."

Yoshino: "It's fine. Its just a small cut."

I sat down on a rock as Yoshitsune-sama led me by the hand.

The expression on Yoshitsune-sama's face, who was kneeling in front of me and looking at my injury, was gloomy.

Yoshitsune: "What would you think if I said the same and neglected treating it?"

(Ah...)

Seeing the painful look in his eyes, I immediately regretted what I said.

Yoshino: ".....Sorry."

Yoshitsune: "If you understand, then fine."

Slightly softening the mood, Yoshitsune-sama turns to my injured leg.

With a serious face he started washing the wound with water and skillfully applied the medicine which I had brought with me, just in case.

(I made you worry)

I was torn between the apologetic feeling and the earnest kindness of Yoshitsune-sama.

After calmly finishing his treatment, he looks up.

Yoshitsune: "I don't want you to get hurt, but..."

Yoshitsune: "I am dazzled by your nobility to reach out to a little girl without hesitation."

Yoshitsune-sama's fingers starts to caress my toe while avoiding the injury.

Without any hesitation, with a gentle expression, Yoshitsune-sama's face moved closer and----

(Nn...Ah)

Before I could stop him, he reverently kissed my toe.

Yoshino: "Nn...D-Don't do that. It's dirty."

Yoshitsune: "Your body is beautiful everywhere."

(I can't argue back while looking at that face...)

Even though it was rinsed off with water, I was still so embarrassed that I tried to complain....

Yoshitsune: "It's true....you're really really beautiful."

Yoshino: *blushing so much*

I swallowed my words unable to resist the sweet loving gaze of Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoshitsune: "Does it hurt anymore?"

Yoshino: "No. I'm fine."

Yoshitsune: "....Thank god."

After he sighed relief, he lightly lifted my feet.

Yoshino: "W-Wait---"

Yoshitsune: "...Mm..."

(Ah...)

Once again, Yoshitsune-sama's lips touches my toe.

(This is so embarrassing, but...)

Even so, the faint feeling of pleasure runs down my spine and my heart fluttered.

Yoshitsune: "Did your toenails always looked like this?"

Yoshitsune: "Even this end of your body is build differently from mine....it's cute."

Yoshino: "Yo-Yoshitsune-sama..."

While wearing a calm expression, I feel like he's doing something evil.

And I cannot, just cannot stop blushing.

Yoshino: "If you want to kiss me, do it somewhere else."

When I muttered very very lightly, Yoshitsune-sama's eyes lit up.

Yoshitsune: "You're dazzling all the time. But there are times when you're just too precious."

Yoshitsune: "That's not all."

(Eh...?)

Yoshitsune-sama, who had been kneeling in front of me, suddenly stood up. His arms stretched out towards me.

Yoshitsune: "If you were only an object of worship, I wouldn't have such evil thoughts."

Yoshino: *blushing* "W-Wait.."

(Ah)

He hugged me tightly as I panicked.

Yoshitsune: "Like this."

Yoshino: "Yoshitsune-sama..."

(Ah, wait...)

While holding my back with one arm, his other hand goes easily under my thighs.

Yoshino: "No wait!! Someone will see us."

Yoshitsune: "Because you, dazzling as you are, can be so disturbed by a single kiss from me."

Yoshitsune: "I can't help but want to love you and....touch you."

Yoshino: "B-But...Mmm..."

His fingers caresses my thighs, easily sliding all the way between my legs....

Yoshitsune: "....I promise, I won't do anything you dislike. So please."

Although there was no one around, I was still embarrassed and ashamed about the fact that we're doing this in public.

(I trust Yoshitsune-sama, but.....I wonder how far he will go....)

The sweet anticipation that was faintly but surely lit made my heart pound again.