Tenchi: The Samurai Astronomer (Tenchi meisatsu) (天地明察)

A Film by Yojiro Takita

In the early 17th century, Japan isolated itself from the world.

Few Japanese knew of Copernicus's

idea of a sun-centered universe, or even that the earth was round.

In an age when the starry skies remained filled with mystery,

one man was determined to unlock its secrets.

The Samurai Astronomer

Sir Santetsu.

Aizu Clan Residence, Edo

Are you up there again, Sir? Please be careful.

You have an official duty tomorrow.

If you get hurt, our clan will lose all face.

Yes, I'll watch my step, Sir Ando.

Ando, Aizu Clan retainer

By the way, have you been to the Konno shrine?

Konno shrine?

Yes, an interesting puzzle has been posted.

Its author seems well versed in the art of mathematics.

Did you copy the puzzle?

No.

You're lying.

Please, show it to me! Oh, no!

Please.

No, I cannot!

Your duty calls at the castle tomorrow. If I show it to you, you will not sleep!

After you've done your duty, you can review it carefully.

Wait a moment.

Found it!

Edo is an amazing place.

Murase Academy

"There is a triangle. And also, an arc of 1 shaku, 6 sun.

"As drawn, the circle fits in the triangle.

"The perimeter is 9 sun 6 bu.

"What then, is the height and width of the triangle?"

One... Nine...

Before the first digit...

I hesitate...

What?

I must sweep and purify the area.

I'm terribly sorry, wait a moment.

Must you solve it here and now?

You cannot solve it immediately and the puzzle will not escape.

I can solve it soon.

Suit yourself then. Take your time.

Oh, no, I must hurry, hurry.

Why are you in a sudden rush?

- I must visit the castle. - The castle!

Thank you for your kindness.

It was most educational.

Thank you.

Hurry! To the castle now!

Stop, please!

Go back, go back!

It's gone.

You seek this?

Oh, thank you!

The answers...

Six sun.

They're all answered.

Who answered these...

Even a new puzzle!

Did you see this person, Seki Takakazu?

Yes.

Did he solve them here?

I watched him take one look and solve each one here.

Solved at a glance!

What is this person...

Seki like?

Edo Castle

It's so crowded...

You are late.

- Honibo Doetsu - - - - Yasui Sanchi - You're late! You could have kept the Shogun waiting.

I humbly apologize.

Priest Doetsu, I return the Go game record.

You have today's Go game plan firmly in your mind?

Yes.

Today is my disciple Dosaku's first Imperial exhibition.

I hope you'll play him well.

Sir.

I hope for a good match.

Today, I would like to display our way of playing Go.

Are you game?

Certainly.

But for Shogun exhibition games, we must play by plan to keep him from waiting.

We must play a real game.

An unplanned game, in front of the Shogun?

But you promised me...

That someday we'd show the Shogun

how a real game of Go is played.

Let us show the Shogun the essential way of Go.

December 1, 1661 Exhibition Go

Today, we will exhibit for you,

the third match of the sixth plan

between I, Doetsu and Sir Yasui.

Tokugawa Shogun between I, Doetsu and Sir Yasui.

Tokugawa Shogun

Tokugawa Shogun Is that so?

Is that so?

Let the play begin.

First move by Yasui.

Black stone on 17 X 4!

We would like to exhibit a real contest for you today.

How dare you!

This is a Shogun exhibition!

This is not for your pleasure!

Please understand, Sir.

How dare you!

The impudence!

Desist!

Insolent!

Withdraw!

Do as you wish.

How original to place your first stone in the center.

I thought all Go starts on a comer.

First stone on the center mark

An unconventional but profound move.

Another original move. Explain it.

It is a fierce contest between them,

to keep the power in the center.

Fascinating!

Santetsu, hurry.

Santetsu!

Make your move!

Do not rush him.

I will wait.

It is an eclipse.

An eclipse.

What is ominous?

What a shame.

Due to the unexpected advent of an eclipse,

this exhibition game

and all other castle events are now cancelled.

Eclipse...

But why?

Look...

Why an eclipse?

How dare you mock the rules of the exhibition games!

You indulge a whim to suit yourselves!

I do not believe Go to be bound by rules.

Master, Sir Yasui,

why do you two not fight it out to the highest winner?

I want to see the essential way of Go!

Silence, silence!

Rules maintain order!

Santetsu, Master Aizu calls for you.

First stone on the center mark. I've never seen that before.

I've never done that before.

But Why?

Aizu Clan Chief But why?

Aizu Clan Chief

Aizu Clan Chief The Go board represents the starry sky.

The Go board represents the starry sky.

The center mark is the North Star.

Breaking the mold on a whim?

No...

What do you think of the exhibition Go games?

To be perfectly honest...

The ritual of exhibiting moves, in a game already won is somewhat tiresome.

Why is that? It is a glorious opportunity.

When possible, I prefer to partake in real contests.

I hear you've treated a sundial in our gardens

and are mastering the art of mathematics.

Yes.

Do you like the stars?

I like the Sun and the Moon equally.

You're familiar with North Star Reckoning?

By measuring the height of the North Star from any place,

you can discern one's position on land.

In that case, Santetsu,

go and observe the North Star.

The North Star from where?

Everywhere throughout Japan.

Throughout Japan?

Sir, I am only a humble Go player, not qualified for such a great...

You just said you are tired of Go.

Depart in half month's time.

Upon your departure,

these will be yours.

Why bestow swords on a Go player?

Do not belittle Go players.

We have trained noblemen friendly to us,

throughout the land.

Go is the reason the Aizu clan chief showers someone of his lowly position,

with such favor.

I hear he's even moved him in

to the clan residence.

Does he mean to make him a samurai?

He gave the swords so he can travel

on official business.

Does this mean I must quit playing Go?

I am sure our master has his ideas.

It's true that I love the stars,

but traveling throughout Japan...

Were you able to solve that puzzle?

No, it is beyond me.

But it is the most beautiful puzzle I've ever seen.

It is a perfect challenge.

I would like to meet this man, Seki Takakazu.

Perhaps someone at the Murase Academy will know him.

Murase Academy...