Taira no Kiyomori (2012 TV Series)
Taira no Kiyomori is a Japanese historical television drama produced and broadcast by NHK in 2012. It is part of the long-running Taiga drama series, which focuses on significant historical figures and events in Japanese history. The series aired on Sundays from January 8 to December 23, 2012, spanning 50 episodes.
Background and Production
The series chronicles the life of the 12th-century general and politician Taira no Kiyomori (1118–1181). The narrative explores his rise to power, starting from his youth as the son of Taira no Tadamori, head of the Taira clan. The plot follows his efforts to suppress piracy in the Seto Inland Sea and his pivotal role in transitioning Japan from a noble-dominated society to one influenced by the rising samurai class. A central focus of the drama is his involvement in the Hōgen Rebellion and his subsequent rise to the position of Daijō Daijin (Chief Minister) under the trust of Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
Filming for the series commenced on August 18, 2011, with location shoots in Kyoto, Iwata, and Hiroshima. The drama occupied the Sunday 20:00 time slot on NHK, succeeding the series Gō and preceding Yae no Sakura.
Cast
The production featured a large ensemble cast, including Kenichi Matsuyama in the title role of Taira no Kiyomori. Other notable cast members include Kiichi Nakai as Taira no Tadamori, Hiroshi Tamaki as Minamoto no Yoshitomo, and Shota Matsuda as Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
