NHK's program "Heroes' Choices," which spotlights heroes who made decisions that drastically changed history, will rebroadcast "Called a Coward: Araki Murashige, the Man Who Betrayed Nobunaga" on NHK BS on June 8th at 9 PM. This special feature focuses on Araki Murashige, who has been gaining attention thanks to Tortoise Matsumoto's excellent portrayal in the network's historical drama "BROTHERS IN ARMS （Toyotomi Brothers!）".
Araki Murashige rebelled against Oda Nobunaga, and while hundreds of his family and retainers were executed, he survived, earning him the reputation of being "the most cowardly Japanese samurai." This program delves into the true story of a man who has been undervalued because he was a defeated general, aiming to uncover his true character.
Born in Settsu Province, present-day Hyogo Prefecture, Murashige sided with Nobunaga and rose through the ranks of the turbulent times, becoming a daimyo who ruled over the entire province of Settsu despite being born into a low-ranking samurai family. Through an analysis of Arioka Castle, a state-of-the-art fortress built around the present-day Itami Station, we can see the true character of Murashige as a capable ruler.
Murashige, however, rebels against Nobunaga. What choice will Murashige ultimately be forced to make amidst the fierce battles...?
