NHK's "Heroes' Choices," a program that highlights heroes who made decisions that dramatically changed history, will air "Called a Coward: Araki Murashige, the Man Who Betrayed Nobunaga" on NHK BS from 9:00 PM on November 24th. The program will feature Araki Murashige, who rebelled against Oda Nobunaga and survived while hundreds of his family and retainers were executed, earning him the nickname "the most cowardly Japanese samurai." The story of this man, who was never properly appreciated because he became the commander of a defeated army, will reveal the truth about him.
Born in Settsu Province, now Hyogo Prefecture, Murashige sided with Nobunaga and rose through the ranks of the ruling class, rising from a low-ranking samurai to become a feudal lord who ruled the entire province of Settsu. Through an analysis of Arioka Castle, the most cutting-edge castle of the time, built around present-day Itami Station, Murashige's true character as a capable ruler is revealed.
Murashige then rises up in rebellion against Nobunaga. What choice will Murashige be forced to make in the midst of the fierce battle?
