Chapter Tre secoli di Mito Kōmon: la sfida televisiva tra restyling e costruzione dei personaggi

Abstract

It is widely recognised that in Japan, the depiction of historical figures has been a recurring theme in both oral and written narratives, as well as various theatrical productions. One historical figure that has been a particularly rich source of inspiration is the daimyō Tokugawa Mitsukuni, whose stories have been told across different genres and disseminated through various forms of media. The chronicles of Tokugawa Mitsukuni’s journeys throughout Japan to dispense justice by punishing villains can be traced back to the late 18th century, when they first emerged in kōdan oral storytelling performances. Among the diverse artistic interpretations, this essay focuses specifically on the unique aspects of TV adaptations. It begins with the examination of Mito Kōmon, a television series broadcasted from 1969 to 2011 for six months each year. It then moves on to discuss the new adaptations of 2017 and 2019, which brought the venerable character back to the screen with altered narrative settings. These adaptations provide an intriguing lens through which to explore the evolving portrayal of Tokugawa Mitsukuni and his enduring impact on popular culture.