SEASON 1 • EPISODE 10
Utakoi
"Nakoso Falls"
Original Air Date: Sep 03, 2012
Kinto sends Sei Shonagaon the second part of a coming-of-spring poem. She has some problems with it, but is able to write the first part of the poem, completing it. Amazed, a Fujiwara poet recommends a title by the Emperor. The poem is revealed to be based on a work by the Chinese poet Bai Juyi. Kinto mentions Sanekata's visit in episode 8 and his fate, a waterfall blocked by rocks, and the Emperor's protection of Teishi. Concerning the waterfall, Kinto recites a poem to Yukinari, remembering as to forgetting people. Meanwhile, the Emperor has two wives, Teishi and Shoshi, the latter becomes the new Empress. Shonagon decides to protect Teishi. Later, news of Teishi died after giving birth to a son spreads to the Fujiwara poets. Shonagon draws a tear to her hand as the other court ladies circle the court empress.
Yukinari has been avoiding Shoshi since she became Empress. Shonagon hears clucking voices as Yukinari wants to talk with her, talking about leaving the capital. Yukinari decides to protect her, but Shonagon is worried not just Teishi's children, but also her famous work, Makura no Soshi that also focused on Teishi's court life. They share a kiss, but Shonagon encourages to push forward. Yukinari serves Teishi's son Atsuyasu until the prince's death. Teishi's poem from the Hyakunin Shuka was read, which Teika did not include in the Hyakunin Isshu. Instead, another of Teika's works was based on Makura no Soshi and therefore the famous work is actually based on the empress herself.
