Ishida Mitsunari's Departure Ceremony: Guest Appearance by Koji Yamamoto

Shiga Prefecture, also known as the birthplace of Ishida Mitsunari, held the "Omi General Ishida Mitsunari Departure Ceremony" on March 5th at the JP Tower KITTE 1st Floor Atrium in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

This event is part of the "Ishida Mitsunari" promotion project, aiming to enhance Shiga Prefecture's recognition and appeal by showcasing the character and charm of Mitsunari, a "righteous warrior" remembered in history. Simultaneously, it promotes the attractions of Nagahama City, Maibara City, and Hikone City, places associated with Mitsunari.

Guest speaker Koji Yamamoto, who portrays Mitsunari in the NHK Taiga drama "Sanada Maru" (airing since January this year) starting in April, took the stage. He shared highlights of the drama and anecdotes about Shiga Prefecture, which he visited during filming.

Regarding the portrayal of Mitsunari in the drama, Yamamoto explained, "Scriptwriter Koki Mitani has a deep connection to Lord Mitsunari. His portrayal differs somewhat from the intelligent, cool Lord Mitsunari I had previously imagined. He is actually depicted as a man with passionate ideals, and the script details the reasoning behind his famous historical decisions. I'm striving to portray a Lord Mitsunari you can't help but love."

Regarding his visit to Shiga Prefecture, he mentioned local specialties, saying, "The Omi beef was so delicious it was shocking. I'd go back just to eat that again." He also shared, "When I saw Lake Biwa in front of me, it was so vast I thought it was the sea. I spent a lot of time feeling the atmosphere where (Mitsunari) must have stood gazing at this, tracing his thoughts. That was the most precious experience."

Next, Nagahama City Mayor Yuji Fujii, Maibara City Mayor Michio Hirao, and Hikone City Vice Mayor Tsuneyoshi Kawashima took the stage to discuss their respective cities' charms and their connections to Ishida Mitsunari.

On stage, a banner personally inscribed by Yamamoto with the characters "大一大万大吉" (Daichi Daiman Daikichi) was unveiled. This phrase, meaning "If one works for all, and all work for one, life will be auspicious and peace will come to the world," is known as the banner Mitsunari raised at the Battle of Sekigahara. Holding the flag, Yamamoto commented, "These characters express Lord Mitsunari's spirit of caring for those around him and valuing himself," and then demonstrated his calligraphy skills on the spot.