100 Nobunaga questions
Mar. 24th, 2014 06:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
d_a_renoirTo be perfectly honest, I actually saw this a while ago, but never got around to doing it. Then I sawdaeva_neesan did it, so... why not? (sorry dae, I borrowed your translation, hahaha)
01. What is your nickname?
Agas or Renoir
02. How old are you?
I'm legal. Period.
03. Are you a man or a girl?
A derp girl
04. Where are you from?
The beautiful Emerald of the Equator
05. What's your occupation?
Wannabe Game Designer (still a student)
06. Since how long you're a supporter of Lord Nobunaga?
Not for long. I mean, I've known that Nobu existed for ages, but never quite took an interest until recently. "Recently" being... early 2013?
07. How do you usually refer to Lord Nobunaga?
I'm a lazy bastard, so I usually refer to him as "Nobu". Particularly when I'm flailing. I occasionally call him "Nobunobu" when I'm feeling especially derpy (and my excuse is that the 長 kanji can also be read as "nobu", so technically 信長 can be read as "Nobunobu"). "Nobunaga-sama" when in awestruck-fangirl-watch-out-for-the-nosebleed mode. And then just "Nobunaga" when I'm being serious.
08. When did you first know about Lord Nobunaga?
Uh... 2006? 2007? 2005? It was VERY insignificant, I swear, and the reference just flew right over my head.
09. And how did you know about him?
In the manga Detective Conan, there was a case in Osaka Castle involving a group of history fans doing a roleplay game of historical characters. That was where I found about Nobunaga and HIdeyoshi's uma-jirushi XD Of course, it TOTALLY meant nothing to me at the time. Just "there's a whole bunch of names and I don't know who these people are". Then I heard of him again in The Doraemons manga where the Dora crew time-travelled to the Sengoku era.
10. Which was your first impression of Lord Nobunaga?
Well. The whole "I don't know who these people are" probably don't count. But my first REAL impression on him is that "he reminds me of Cao Cao or Qin Shi Huang". Because... I'm from a Chinese family. And I used to really love reading about Chinese emperors and Sun Zi's Art of War and the warring periods of China.
11. When did you start to love Lord Nobunaga?
I wouldn't say I know precisely WHEN. Just that the more I read about him, the more confused I become, and I'm just like, "I must know more about this person!" Then it snowballed.
12. If there's an episode that made you fall in love with him, tell us.
No particulars. His entire being intrigues me. He is a complex figure, a real person. Not just some kind of legendary figure with stereotypical attributes. And yet at the same time, all these real qualities are sometimes confusing and so SURREAL.
13. Tell us about your strong feelings (passion, fear, respect or love) for Lord Nobunaga.
Intrigue, mostly. My feelings for him is a mix of awe, respect, bafflement, confusion, inspiration, and curiousity. But the whole "I want to know more" is probably the most dominant.
14. Which is Lord Nobunaga's best quality?
Balance. He is not afraid to throw out old traditions if new ideas can bring progress, but he doesn't abandon culture for the sake of "new things". He does outrageous things, but he is just and will not let the wrong go unpunished.
15. Which is Lord Nobunaga worst flaw?
His disregard for other people. If he wants something, he will go on with it even though it's probably a bad idea. Doesn't listen to advice, even if they're sometimes GOOD advice. Ignores other people's feelings and sometimes doesn't care if he causes misunderstandings. Bottom line? BAD PEOPLE SKILLS, YE GADS!!!
16. What do you think is the secret of Lord Nobunaga's strength?
Many things. Good management, clever planning, thinking outside the box... That last one might be it. Thinking outside the box, combined with his fearlessness to go ahead and do it.
17. And what about his weakness?
Bad people skills. Period. That, in general, brings you TROUBLE. Like, dude, WHY.
18. Among all the annedoctes of Lord Nobunaga's life (historically accerted or not) tell us your favourite three.
1) He danced women's dance while dressed as a Celestial maiden.
2) He provided clothing and shelter for a beggar down the street
3) How he handled the crazy monk in the religious debate
19. And why they are your favourites.
1) I just like how carefree he is being. In front of his men too. It just shows how he can associate well with his underlings
2) This act of kindness is almost surreal. I honestly had flashbacks of the BIBLE reading this.
3) It's hard to say why. Probably because, again, it shows how he's willing to "get his hands dirty". Instead of calling his guards to stop the monk who is raving and swinging around a blade, he went and tackled the monk himself. Then laughed about it and said "the monk was rude, take him away". The monk was about to KILL SOMEONE. "Rude" is an understatement!!
20. And what about any that you're not fond of?
... I can't say. I'm thinking of the whole "I'm god" thing that sometimes happen, but this was something the Portuguese people said. They MIGHT have misunderstood. I mean, governors were called "kami of so-and-so" at that time. MAYBE the Portuguese people thought it meant "kami" as in a god, while what Nobunaga had actually meant was he just wants to be the "kami" (ruler) of Japan?
I suppose I would say I really hate any modern adaptation of him that makes him out to be a crazy power-hungry demon. NO. Just... NO.
21. Is there an episode that make you think "Ooh, Lord Nobunaga, how cool you are!"?
The trial of fire. He did a trial of fire for a RANDOM PERSON... for no particular reason? I guess it was out of his sense of justice? But he picked up a burning axehead like nothing, even though it's really none of his business. This kind of stuff I only hear in myths and epic legends like Beowulf or the tales of King Arthur's knights or something. It's just... WOW.
22. Is there an episode that makes you think "Lord Nobunaga can be kind, too!"?
Two. The beggar thing I mentioned in question 18 and the fact that he forgave Nobukatsu after the Iga mess. Nobunaga had threatened to disown his son! Usually he's really serious about these kind of stuff, but then it was forgiven. This was the main reason I started to wonder "What is Nobunaga's relationship with his children like?"
23. Is there an episode that makes you think "This thing, and only this, I would have preferred if Lord Nobunaga didn't do it!"?
... Nothing that I could think of. There's a lot of things I wished he didn't do. Well. As a religious person I would probably say "I wish he wouldn't be so indifferent towards religion", but that's about it.
24. Is there an episode that makes you think "Lord Nobunaga, how embarassing!"?
WEARING PENIS-PATTERNED KIMONO DOWN THE STREETS. WHY DID YOU DO THAT???? I sincerely hope that's just bullshit rumour because it's CRAZY.
25. Is there an episode that makes you think "This is a posthumous invention!"?
"Nobunaga is an evil demon who wants to rule the world and think he's god". This is seriously why I cannot stand Sengoku Basara.
26. Is there an episode that makes you think "I can't think about it without laughing!"?
Nobunaga held a party to celebrate Nobutada's birth. A dance party, it was said. Nobu, you party animal! XD
27. Is there an episode that makes you think "I can't talk about it without crying"?
Two. The fact that somehow none of his younger sons are strong enough or influential enough to gather a force that could kick Hideyoshi's butt. If Nobukatsu or Nobutaka had better strategies or influence, I'm sure they could have made an army strong enough to stop Hideyoshi, but noooo. It makes me sad and bugs me to no end. Did Nobunaga fail to educate his other sons and focused too much on Nobutada? Are those two just simply stupid? WHY?
And... the fact that Nobutada went and died. It also made me scream WHY. Doesn't he have an army of 2000? Why not try to break free of Akechi's barricade or something? It's not like the 10,000 men are sitting there outside the gates, right? They must be scattered around town. And does Kyoto only have ONE exit? I just don't understand why he didn't even bother to try to fight his way OUT. I know, I know, samurai pride and all. It was said he'd rather die than be killed by some nameless foot soldier, but stiilll...
28. When did you think that Lord Nobunaga's aestheticism reached its climax?
When he had people light up lanterns all through Azuchi. It's got this surreal ambient, like dipping into modern era way before its time.
29. What kind of clothes fit better to Lord Nobunaga?
I really have a thing for seeing him in a mix of European and traditional Japanese clothes. It feels... steampunky XD
30. If Lord Nobunaga would be a colour, which one do you think he'd be?
Dark reddish-purple, like wine. It's a deep colour, fitting for his complex character.
31. If Lord Nobunaga could be described by a kanji, which one do you think he'd be?
永 ("Ei") --Eternity. Whatever you think of him, his presence left a lasting impression.
32. If Hideyoshi is a monkey and Ieyasu is a tanuki, Nobunaga is..?
Hahahaha, the three unifier as animals? I had to admit, I always thought of Nobu as a supernatural creature. A dragon or a phoenix, because of the "unreal" impression I had of him and sheer awe, but that puts him up on a too high pedestal. He's very down to earth, and that's why I liked him.
So I'm torn between wolf and raven, really.
33. What is your favourite battle of Lord Nobunaga?
Nagashino.
34. Why?
I've always appreciated the moments where cunning and strategy is used. I know it's now a debated subject, but still. A rotating volley of shooters. That is clever.
35. If you could pick one, which is your favourite period of Nobunaga's life?
When he's in his thirties. It's a tight moment, because of Shingen and Kenshin's presence, along with other enemies on the side, but that's when I think I can see his management skills. Times of struggle brings either the very best or the very worst of people, in my opinion.
36. Which was the greatest danger that Nobunaga had to face in his life (besides Honnouji's)?
I would say Okehazama?
37. Which is your favourite quote of Lord Nobunaga?
是非に及ばず zehi ni oyobazu His last words at Honnoji. I just... marvel at his calmness, I guess. It's almost a parallel to what he said before Okehazama, but this one... After knowing he's been betrayed AND that he's facing a sure-death situation, he pretty much says "oh well, it happens".
38. What is your favourite scene in Nobunaga's life, as depicted in novels or TV dramas..?
I haven't read that many novels or watched that many dramas, you know? But there's this one manga... showing an older Nobu (in his 30s?) acting completely ridiculous and his vassals are all "This is a normal occurence. Nothing to see here."
Nobunaga the eccentric is something I always appreciate. I know he tones down his crazy behaviour when he's older, but I'm always under the impression he didn't completely lose that edge (again, the religious debate comes to mind), so it makes me happy to see him show that wild side of him.
39. What is your favourite portrait or painting of Lord Nobunaga?
The European portrait by Giovanni Niccolò, of course. Because I can actually see what he looks like! Not those vague Japanese portraits that all resemble one another. It's a miracle you can even tell apart one guy from another!
40. Who is your favourite vassal of Lord Nobunaga's crew?
Hideyoshi used to be my favourite lord before Nobu ate my life, so he will forever have a soft spot in my heart.
41. And what about the vassal you like the least?
Strangely enough, Hideyoshi again. A part of me resent him for taking over power and he totally went bonkers too. And he did stuff that makes me really angry, so...
42. Who is the strongest vassal of Lord Nobunaga's crew?
Katsuie? He isn't named "Oni Shibata" for nothing.
43. Who is the smartest vassal in Lord Nobunaga's crew?
Hmm... Hideyoshi, definitely. I keep on mentioning his name like I don't know anybody else, geh. But he WAS famous for being wily.
44. Who is your favourite woman among those who had to do with Lord Nobunaga?
Ooo, tough question. I would say Toku-hime, his daughter. I think what she did to her husband and mother-in-law is interesting. It's debatable whether or not those two actually were conspiring against Nobu, but still.
45. Who is the enemy of Lord Nobunaga that you hate the most?
None. I don't CARE enough about them to hate.
46. Who do you think was Lord Nobunaga's most faithful vassal?
Uh... I need to actually know enough about his vassals to judge, no? Either I'm not looking hard enough or I'm just unable to care about anyone but Nobu and/or his children, none of those vassals made an impression on me.
47. Who do you think was Lord Nobunaga's arch-enemy?
"Japan". He has tough adversaries, but I don't think he considers any one of them specifically as his "arch enemy". So the entire warring states it is.
48. Who do you think was Lord Nobunaga's benefactor?
Should be his father-in-law. Wasn't Dousan one of Nobu's first close allies or something to that effect?
49. If you were one of Lord Nobunaga's vassal, what rank would you like to have?
It depends on the context. Would I be someone born and raised in the warring times? Would I be a time-traveller? Would I be like a ghost possessing one of his vassals? Would I be a time-traveller who somehow writes myself into history?
... I don't mind being his ninja, I guess? XD Or maybe a secretary isn't bad. I would like to be in a position where I could preach to him to tone down some of his more WTF behaviour, but he probably won't listen to me... Actually, I think I'd rather be serving one of his sons just because I want to know more about THEM. Especially Nobutada and Nobukatsu. And I seriously want to know if Nobukatsu's name is read Nobukatsu or Nobuo. It's rather up for debate in various forums, and it matters to me.
50. If you could time-travel to Sengoku era, where, when and what would you do?
Well, I'd love to be able to take pictures of the castles' interiors and layouts for personal reference. Tell me I would be able to return home anytime I want in this scenario, because I don't want to be stuck in that era forever. I don't want to be arrested, killed, made into someone's concubine, sold, or be involved with anyone who later dies.
51. If you could be one of those close to Lord Nobunaga, who would you like to be, and what would you like to do?
His portrait painter? I don't know. If by some miracle I don't freeze and get tongue-tied when I talk to him, I'd preach at him. Didn't he have ideas on conquering China? Hence the dragon motifs in Azuchi? I sincerely hope it's not true, but really, if it WAS, I would try to make him stop having overly-grandiose dreams. But again, he probably wouldn't listen and just tell me to shut up.
Barring that, maybe advise him to pay more attention to his other sons so that they could step up to the plate just in case anything bad happens (AHEM).
52. If you could be Lord Nobunaga for one day, what would you like to do?
Pfft, convert to Christianity XD
Okay, that may sound crazy, but I'm half serious. I mean, he'd probably drop the religion once he is no longer possessed by me, but still. I want to know what he would do if he actually became a Christian.
53. What would you think would have happened if Lord Nobunaga didn't win the Battle of Okehazama?
He'd die. Pretty sure of it. The impression I get of Imagawa is that he would destroy the Oda. If he didn't die, I say he'd lose whatever little support he has and he'd have a rather difficult life. Maybe he'd go ronin? I don't know.
54. If Lord Nobunaga didn't die at Honnouji, how would you think that history would have changed?
... Japan would become a steampunk country. Maybe it's just me being silly, but since Nobu always seemed to like to combine foreign things with traditional material... His nanban-do isn't just a straight out European armour. It's still combined with elements of traditional samurai armour.
I think Nobu wouldn't simply let the foreigners overrun him or make demands. He'll take what he likes, combine it with traditional items, and produce something new. Whatever it is, the "Westernization" wouldn't be like the Meiji era, I'm sure.
55. Did you ever visited one of the historical places related to Lord Nobunaga?
Just Honnouji. I wish to go to other places though.
56. Recommend one of them.
I'VE ONLY BEEN TO ONE PLACE!!!!!!!!!!
57. Which one would you like visit, yet?
So many places! There are places that I probably don't even know of! But the number one place I want to see is Azuchi XD
58. Did you ever visited Lord Nobunaga's tomb?
The Honnouji one, if that even counts.
I haven't been to any of them :(
61. Is there a gadget of Lord Nobunaga that you bought without thinking twice?
MANY THINGS. Nobu chopsticks, an Oda crest necklace, some stickers, and a file folder. And if Shinchou Ko-ki counts...
62. Is there a gadget of Lord Nobunaga that you didn't manage to get?
Mmm... nothing that I could think of right now.
63. Is there something of Lord Nobunaga's personality in yours?
Everything bad about him. Bad temper, bad people skills... Well. I guess "having crazy ideas" is the one semi-decent thing we share in common.
64. If you could compare yourself to one of the persons close to Lord Nobunaga, who would you be and why?
His son Nobukatsu. I have a bad tendency to be weak-willed and avoid confrontation if I can. Sometimes I try to do big things and fail epically. And do stupid things in spur-of-the-moment kind of situations and get in trouble for it.
65. Do you know other fans of Lord Nobunaga?
Yes, of course. Pfff...
66. Did you ever turn someone into a fan of Lord Nobunaga?
Yes. Apparently I am a very good salesperson. I didn't even TRY to get them interested. I just ranted and whines and rambled on about the things I like about Nobu and suddenly I have a number of people telling me they like him too because of my rambles. They still don't care enough to research themselves, but hey...
67. Is there something that you can boast about to other Lord Nobunaga's fans?
My handmade "Oda army" hoodie, wheee~
68. If you know a little known trivia about Lord Nobunaga, tell us!
Well... the penis-patterned kimono I mentioned in a previous question?
69. Tell us a wordplay (refs to goroawase) about Lord Nobunaga that you like.
I know none. I'm so ashamed.
70. Is there something about being a fan of Lord Nobunaga that was useful to you?
No. If anything, it probably ruined my life.
71. And what about something about it that was a problem for you?
See above.
72. What is a thing about Lord Nobunaga that made you happy?
His liveliness, I guess. He lives everything to the fullest.
73. What is a thing about Lord Nobunaga that made you sad?
I'm too embarrassed to say.
74. Is there a novelist, researcher, scholar that you like?
Don't know much.
75. Is there a novelist, researcher, scholar that you don't like?
Don't know any.
76. Is there a website where you contributed with articles or essays about Lord Nobunaga?
Not unless you count my sporadic rants as "contributions".
77. If there's a website you love about Lord Nobunaga, link it to us.
Aichi, HOME of the Samurai Spirit. It's one of the very few good websites that I can actually read because it's in English!
78. Tell us about a taiga drama featuring Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
None. I haven't watched any Taiga dramas.
79. Tell us about a movie or TV series featuring Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
Um, I liked Mitsuhiro Oikawa in the Nobunaga no Chef series. The one from Kagemusha was good too. I was fascinated by Onna Nobunaga, just because I wanted to know how does "Nobunaga is a woman" work.
80. Tell us about a TV show about Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
Nobunaga no Chef was the only one I ever seen.
81. Among the actors who performed as Lord Nobunaga, who is the best?
Each of them impressed me in a different way, so I have no particular favourite.
82. Is there an actor that you'd like to see performing as Lord Nobunaga?
... None in mind? I don't actually know that many actors.
83. Is there another person (or historical character) that reminds you of Lord Nobunaga?
Qin Shi Huang and Cao Cao. Or rather, Nobunaga reminded me of them both, as said in the above question somewhere.
84. Did you ever play a videogame featuring Lord Nobunaga? If you have any to recommend us, please do!
This is really embarrassing, but the only one that counts is "Ninja Love" otome game. I know Sengoku Musou, but I don't play it. I just watch my sister play it.
85. Tell us about your impressions after you played it.
IT MADE ME SO ANGRY. I WANTED TO STRANGLE THE CREATORS BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT. But then they released Nobu as one of the "date options" and that one was bearable. Still WTF, but at least it didn't make me want to murder people.
86. How many books do you own about Lord Nobunaga?
2 books, 2 biographical manga, and 2 magazines.
87. What is the book about Lord Nobunaga that you long for the most right now?
There's this book that seems to be about his children? I want that because I long to understand his relationship with his children.
88. Is there an historical document related to Lord Nobunaga (before Meiji era) that you'd like to recommend?
Uh, Shinchou Ko-ki, I guess? But don't everyone know about it already?
89. Is there an essay or research that you'd like to recommend us?
I AM AN IDIOT AND I KNOW NOTHING
90. Tell us about a novel featuring Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
Taiko was the closest thing. There's this novel series called "Nobunaga, Conqueror from Owari" or something to that effect in my local language, but I haven't read it in full. I don't even remember who wrote it. I remember liking the snippets I read, though.
91. Tell us about a manga featuring Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
I like the Sengoku series by Miyashita Hideki. I also really like Nobunaga no Chef and Rin-ne Nobunaga no Yabou. That last one could do without the stupid "I am god" moment, though.
92. Is there an author that you'd like would write about Lord Nobunaga?
No. I'm an indifferent reader. I haven't had a favourite author in ages.
93. Do you have posters/portraits/illustrations of Lord Nobunaga displayed in your house?
I used to have a drawing of Nobu that I put up on my room. Then I moved and that picture is still somewhere among my unpacked stuff.
94. When do you think "I'm really a fan of Lord Nobunaga!"?
When I catch myself blathering about him, completely out of context.
95. When do you think "I'm really obsessed over Lord Nobunaga!"?
He is on my mind every day. I buy books on him even if I can't read it just so I have it. I don't mind throwing around money uselessly for him.
96. When do you think "I'm a failure as a fan of Lord Nobunaga!"?
I KNOW SO LITTLE AND I DON'T EVEN BEGIN TO KNOW WHERE TO LOOK.
97. If you won the lottery, what would you do related to Lord Nobunaga?
Go on a trip to Japan and travel around all the relevant places.
98. Is there a question that you would have liked to see in this list?
I'm an easygoing meme-filler. I take any questions you throw my way, so... no
99. Thank you for reaching this point. How long did you take?
HOURS. I needed to double-check on some links and I get distracted a lot.
100. And, in the end, what do Nobunaga rappresent for you?
Someone who turned my life upside down
daeva_neesan did it, so... why not? (sorry dae, I borrowed your translation, hahaha)01. What is your nickname?
Agas or Renoir
02. How old are you?
I'm legal. Period.
03. Are you a man or a girl?
A derp girl
04. Where are you from?
The beautiful Emerald of the Equator
05. What's your occupation?
Wannabe Game Designer (still a student)
06. Since how long you're a supporter of Lord Nobunaga?
Not for long. I mean, I've known that Nobu existed for ages, but never quite took an interest until recently. "Recently" being... early 2013?
07. How do you usually refer to Lord Nobunaga?
I'm a lazy bastard, so I usually refer to him as "Nobu". Particularly when I'm flailing. I occasionally call him "Nobunobu" when I'm feeling especially derpy (and my excuse is that the 長 kanji can also be read as "nobu", so technically 信長 can be read as "Nobunobu"). "Nobunaga-sama" when in awestruck-fangirl-watch-out-for-the-nosebleed mode. And then just "Nobunaga" when I'm being serious.
08. When did you first know about Lord Nobunaga?
Uh... 2006? 2007? 2005? It was VERY insignificant, I swear, and the reference just flew right over my head.
09. And how did you know about him?
In the manga Detective Conan, there was a case in Osaka Castle involving a group of history fans doing a roleplay game of historical characters. That was where I found about Nobunaga and HIdeyoshi's uma-jirushi XD Of course, it TOTALLY meant nothing to me at the time. Just "there's a whole bunch of names and I don't know who these people are". Then I heard of him again in The Doraemons manga where the Dora crew time-travelled to the Sengoku era.
10. Which was your first impression of Lord Nobunaga?
Well. The whole "I don't know who these people are" probably don't count. But my first REAL impression on him is that "he reminds me of Cao Cao or Qin Shi Huang". Because... I'm from a Chinese family. And I used to really love reading about Chinese emperors and Sun Zi's Art of War and the warring periods of China.
11. When did you start to love Lord Nobunaga?
I wouldn't say I know precisely WHEN. Just that the more I read about him, the more confused I become, and I'm just like, "I must know more about this person!" Then it snowballed.
12. If there's an episode that made you fall in love with him, tell us.
No particulars. His entire being intrigues me. He is a complex figure, a real person. Not just some kind of legendary figure with stereotypical attributes. And yet at the same time, all these real qualities are sometimes confusing and so SURREAL.
13. Tell us about your strong feelings (passion, fear, respect or love) for Lord Nobunaga.
Intrigue, mostly. My feelings for him is a mix of awe, respect, bafflement, confusion, inspiration, and curiousity. But the whole "I want to know more" is probably the most dominant.
14. Which is Lord Nobunaga's best quality?
Balance. He is not afraid to throw out old traditions if new ideas can bring progress, but he doesn't abandon culture for the sake of "new things". He does outrageous things, but he is just and will not let the wrong go unpunished.
15. Which is Lord Nobunaga worst flaw?
His disregard for other people. If he wants something, he will go on with it even though it's probably a bad idea. Doesn't listen to advice, even if they're sometimes GOOD advice. Ignores other people's feelings and sometimes doesn't care if he causes misunderstandings. Bottom line? BAD PEOPLE SKILLS, YE GADS!!!
16. What do you think is the secret of Lord Nobunaga's strength?
Many things. Good management, clever planning, thinking outside the box... That last one might be it. Thinking outside the box, combined with his fearlessness to go ahead and do it.
17. And what about his weakness?
Bad people skills. Period. That, in general, brings you TROUBLE. Like, dude, WHY.
18. Among all the annedoctes of Lord Nobunaga's life (historically accerted or not) tell us your favourite three.
1) He danced women's dance while dressed as a Celestial maiden.
2) He provided clothing and shelter for a beggar down the street
3) How he handled the crazy monk in the religious debate
19. And why they are your favourites.
1) I just like how carefree he is being. In front of his men too. It just shows how he can associate well with his underlings
2) This act of kindness is almost surreal. I honestly had flashbacks of the BIBLE reading this.
3) It's hard to say why. Probably because, again, it shows how he's willing to "get his hands dirty". Instead of calling his guards to stop the monk who is raving and swinging around a blade, he went and tackled the monk himself. Then laughed about it and said "the monk was rude, take him away". The monk was about to KILL SOMEONE. "Rude" is an understatement!!
20. And what about any that you're not fond of?
... I can't say. I'm thinking of the whole "I'm god" thing that sometimes happen, but this was something the Portuguese people said. They MIGHT have misunderstood. I mean, governors were called "kami of so-and-so" at that time. MAYBE the Portuguese people thought it meant "kami" as in a god, while what Nobunaga had actually meant was he just wants to be the "kami" (ruler) of Japan?
I suppose I would say I really hate any modern adaptation of him that makes him out to be a crazy power-hungry demon. NO. Just... NO.
21. Is there an episode that make you think "Ooh, Lord Nobunaga, how cool you are!"?
The trial of fire. He did a trial of fire for a RANDOM PERSON... for no particular reason? I guess it was out of his sense of justice? But he picked up a burning axehead like nothing, even though it's really none of his business. This kind of stuff I only hear in myths and epic legends like Beowulf or the tales of King Arthur's knights or something. It's just... WOW.
22. Is there an episode that makes you think "Lord Nobunaga can be kind, too!"?
Two. The beggar thing I mentioned in question 18 and the fact that he forgave Nobukatsu after the Iga mess. Nobunaga had threatened to disown his son! Usually he's really serious about these kind of stuff, but then it was forgiven. This was the main reason I started to wonder "What is Nobunaga's relationship with his children like?"
23. Is there an episode that makes you think "This thing, and only this, I would have preferred if Lord Nobunaga didn't do it!"?
... Nothing that I could think of. There's a lot of things I wished he didn't do. Well. As a religious person I would probably say "I wish he wouldn't be so indifferent towards religion", but that's about it.
24. Is there an episode that makes you think "Lord Nobunaga, how embarassing!"?
WEARING PENIS-PATTERNED KIMONO DOWN THE STREETS. WHY DID YOU DO THAT???? I sincerely hope that's just bullshit rumour because it's CRAZY.
25. Is there an episode that makes you think "This is a posthumous invention!"?
"Nobunaga is an evil demon who wants to rule the world and think he's god". This is seriously why I cannot stand Sengoku Basara.
26. Is there an episode that makes you think "I can't think about it without laughing!"?
Nobunaga held a party to celebrate Nobutada's birth. A dance party, it was said. Nobu, you party animal! XD
27. Is there an episode that makes you think "I can't talk about it without crying"?
Two. The fact that somehow none of his younger sons are strong enough or influential enough to gather a force that could kick Hideyoshi's butt. If Nobukatsu or Nobutaka had better strategies or influence, I'm sure they could have made an army strong enough to stop Hideyoshi, but noooo. It makes me sad and bugs me to no end. Did Nobunaga fail to educate his other sons and focused too much on Nobutada? Are those two just simply stupid? WHY?
And... the fact that Nobutada went and died. It also made me scream WHY. Doesn't he have an army of 2000? Why not try to break free of Akechi's barricade or something? It's not like the 10,000 men are sitting there outside the gates, right? They must be scattered around town. And does Kyoto only have ONE exit? I just don't understand why he didn't even bother to try to fight his way OUT. I know, I know, samurai pride and all. It was said he'd rather die than be killed by some nameless foot soldier, but stiilll...
28. When did you think that Lord Nobunaga's aestheticism reached its climax?
When he had people light up lanterns all through Azuchi. It's got this surreal ambient, like dipping into modern era way before its time.
29. What kind of clothes fit better to Lord Nobunaga?
I really have a thing for seeing him in a mix of European and traditional Japanese clothes. It feels... steampunky XD
30. If Lord Nobunaga would be a colour, which one do you think he'd be?
Dark reddish-purple, like wine. It's a deep colour, fitting for his complex character.
31. If Lord Nobunaga could be described by a kanji, which one do you think he'd be?
永 ("Ei") --Eternity. Whatever you think of him, his presence left a lasting impression.
32. If Hideyoshi is a monkey and Ieyasu is a tanuki, Nobunaga is..?
Hahahaha, the three unifier as animals? I had to admit, I always thought of Nobu as a supernatural creature. A dragon or a phoenix, because of the "unreal" impression I had of him and sheer awe, but that puts him up on a too high pedestal. He's very down to earth, and that's why I liked him.
So I'm torn between wolf and raven, really.
33. What is your favourite battle of Lord Nobunaga?
Nagashino.
34. Why?
I've always appreciated the moments where cunning and strategy is used. I know it's now a debated subject, but still. A rotating volley of shooters. That is clever.
35. If you could pick one, which is your favourite period of Nobunaga's life?
When he's in his thirties. It's a tight moment, because of Shingen and Kenshin's presence, along with other enemies on the side, but that's when I think I can see his management skills. Times of struggle brings either the very best or the very worst of people, in my opinion.
36. Which was the greatest danger that Nobunaga had to face in his life (besides Honnouji's)?
I would say Okehazama?
37. Which is your favourite quote of Lord Nobunaga?
是非に及ばず zehi ni oyobazu His last words at Honnoji. I just... marvel at his calmness, I guess. It's almost a parallel to what he said before Okehazama, but this one... After knowing he's been betrayed AND that he's facing a sure-death situation, he pretty much says "oh well, it happens".
38. What is your favourite scene in Nobunaga's life, as depicted in novels or TV dramas..?
I haven't read that many novels or watched that many dramas, you know? But there's this one manga... showing an older Nobu (in his 30s?) acting completely ridiculous and his vassals are all "This is a normal occurence. Nothing to see here."
Nobunaga the eccentric is something I always appreciate. I know he tones down his crazy behaviour when he's older, but I'm always under the impression he didn't completely lose that edge (again, the religious debate comes to mind), so it makes me happy to see him show that wild side of him.
39. What is your favourite portrait or painting of Lord Nobunaga?
The European portrait by Giovanni Niccolò, of course. Because I can actually see what he looks like! Not those vague Japanese portraits that all resemble one another. It's a miracle you can even tell apart one guy from another!
40. Who is your favourite vassal of Lord Nobunaga's crew?
Hideyoshi used to be my favourite lord before Nobu ate my life, so he will forever have a soft spot in my heart.
41. And what about the vassal you like the least?
Strangely enough, Hideyoshi again. A part of me resent him for taking over power and he totally went bonkers too. And he did stuff that makes me really angry, so...
42. Who is the strongest vassal of Lord Nobunaga's crew?
Katsuie? He isn't named "Oni Shibata" for nothing.
43. Who is the smartest vassal in Lord Nobunaga's crew?
Hmm... Hideyoshi, definitely. I keep on mentioning his name like I don't know anybody else, geh. But he WAS famous for being wily.
44. Who is your favourite woman among those who had to do with Lord Nobunaga?
Ooo, tough question. I would say Toku-hime, his daughter. I think what she did to her husband and mother-in-law is interesting. It's debatable whether or not those two actually were conspiring against Nobu, but still.
45. Who is the enemy of Lord Nobunaga that you hate the most?
None. I don't CARE enough about them to hate.
46. Who do you think was Lord Nobunaga's most faithful vassal?
Uh... I need to actually know enough about his vassals to judge, no? Either I'm not looking hard enough or I'm just unable to care about anyone but Nobu and/or his children, none of those vassals made an impression on me.
47. Who do you think was Lord Nobunaga's arch-enemy?
"Japan". He has tough adversaries, but I don't think he considers any one of them specifically as his "arch enemy". So the entire warring states it is.
48. Who do you think was Lord Nobunaga's benefactor?
Should be his father-in-law. Wasn't Dousan one of Nobu's first close allies or something to that effect?
49. If you were one of Lord Nobunaga's vassal, what rank would you like to have?
It depends on the context. Would I be someone born and raised in the warring times? Would I be a time-traveller? Would I be like a ghost possessing one of his vassals? Would I be a time-traveller who somehow writes myself into history?
... I don't mind being his ninja, I guess? XD Or maybe a secretary isn't bad. I would like to be in a position where I could preach to him to tone down some of his more WTF behaviour, but he probably won't listen to me... Actually, I think I'd rather be serving one of his sons just because I want to know more about THEM. Especially Nobutada and Nobukatsu. And I seriously want to know if Nobukatsu's name is read Nobukatsu or Nobuo. It's rather up for debate in various forums, and it matters to me.
50. If you could time-travel to Sengoku era, where, when and what would you do?
Well, I'd love to be able to take pictures of the castles' interiors and layouts for personal reference. Tell me I would be able to return home anytime I want in this scenario, because I don't want to be stuck in that era forever. I don't want to be arrested, killed, made into someone's concubine, sold, or be involved with anyone who later dies.
51. If you could be one of those close to Lord Nobunaga, who would you like to be, and what would you like to do?
His portrait painter? I don't know. If by some miracle I don't freeze and get tongue-tied when I talk to him, I'd preach at him. Didn't he have ideas on conquering China? Hence the dragon motifs in Azuchi? I sincerely hope it's not true, but really, if it WAS, I would try to make him stop having overly-grandiose dreams. But again, he probably wouldn't listen and just tell me to shut up.
Barring that, maybe advise him to pay more attention to his other sons so that they could step up to the plate just in case anything bad happens (AHEM).
52. If you could be Lord Nobunaga for one day, what would you like to do?
Pfft, convert to Christianity XD
Okay, that may sound crazy, but I'm half serious. I mean, he'd probably drop the religion once he is no longer possessed by me, but still. I want to know what he would do if he actually became a Christian.
53. What would you think would have happened if Lord Nobunaga didn't win the Battle of Okehazama?
He'd die. Pretty sure of it. The impression I get of Imagawa is that he would destroy the Oda. If he didn't die, I say he'd lose whatever little support he has and he'd have a rather difficult life. Maybe he'd go ronin? I don't know.
54. If Lord Nobunaga didn't die at Honnouji, how would you think that history would have changed?
... Japan would become a steampunk country. Maybe it's just me being silly, but since Nobu always seemed to like to combine foreign things with traditional material... His nanban-do isn't just a straight out European armour. It's still combined with elements of traditional samurai armour.
I think Nobu wouldn't simply let the foreigners overrun him or make demands. He'll take what he likes, combine it with traditional items, and produce something new. Whatever it is, the "Westernization" wouldn't be like the Meiji era, I'm sure.
55. Did you ever visited one of the historical places related to Lord Nobunaga?
Just Honnouji. I wish to go to other places though.
56. Recommend one of them.
I'VE ONLY BEEN TO ONE PLACE!!!!!!!!!!
57. Which one would you like visit, yet?
So many places! There are places that I probably don't even know of! But the number one place I want to see is Azuchi XD
58. Did you ever visited Lord Nobunaga's tomb?
The Honnouji one, if that even counts.
59. What would you pray for, in front of his tomb?
I don't believe in praying for the dead. Sorry.
I haven't been to any of them :(
61. Is there a gadget of Lord Nobunaga that you bought without thinking twice?
MANY THINGS. Nobu chopsticks, an Oda crest necklace, some stickers, and a file folder. And if Shinchou Ko-ki counts...
62. Is there a gadget of Lord Nobunaga that you didn't manage to get?
Mmm... nothing that I could think of right now.
63. Is there something of Lord Nobunaga's personality in yours?
Everything bad about him. Bad temper, bad people skills... Well. I guess "having crazy ideas" is the one semi-decent thing we share in common.
64. If you could compare yourself to one of the persons close to Lord Nobunaga, who would you be and why?
His son Nobukatsu. I have a bad tendency to be weak-willed and avoid confrontation if I can. Sometimes I try to do big things and fail epically. And do stupid things in spur-of-the-moment kind of situations and get in trouble for it.
65. Do you know other fans of Lord Nobunaga?
Yes, of course. Pfff...
66. Did you ever turn someone into a fan of Lord Nobunaga?
Yes. Apparently I am a very good salesperson. I didn't even TRY to get them interested. I just ranted and whines and rambled on about the things I like about Nobu and suddenly I have a number of people telling me they like him too because of my rambles. They still don't care enough to research themselves, but hey...
67. Is there something that you can boast about to other Lord Nobunaga's fans?
My handmade "Oda army" hoodie, wheee~
68. If you know a little known trivia about Lord Nobunaga, tell us!
Well... the penis-patterned kimono I mentioned in a previous question?
69. Tell us a wordplay (refs to goroawase) about Lord Nobunaga that you like.
I know none. I'm so ashamed.
70. Is there something about being a fan of Lord Nobunaga that was useful to you?
No. If anything, it probably ruined my life.
71. And what about something about it that was a problem for you?
See above.
72. What is a thing about Lord Nobunaga that made you happy?
His liveliness, I guess. He lives everything to the fullest.
73. What is a thing about Lord Nobunaga that made you sad?
I'm too embarrassed to say.
74. Is there a novelist, researcher, scholar that you like?
Don't know much.
75. Is there a novelist, researcher, scholar that you don't like?
Don't know any.
76. Is there a website where you contributed with articles or essays about Lord Nobunaga?
Not unless you count my sporadic rants as "contributions".
77. If there's a website you love about Lord Nobunaga, link it to us.
Aichi, HOME of the Samurai Spirit. It's one of the very few good websites that I can actually read because it's in English!
78. Tell us about a taiga drama featuring Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
None. I haven't watched any Taiga dramas.
79. Tell us about a movie or TV series featuring Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
Um, I liked Mitsuhiro Oikawa in the Nobunaga no Chef series. The one from Kagemusha was good too. I was fascinated by Onna Nobunaga, just because I wanted to know how does "Nobunaga is a woman" work.
80. Tell us about a TV show about Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
Nobunaga no Chef was the only one I ever seen.
81. Among the actors who performed as Lord Nobunaga, who is the best?
Each of them impressed me in a different way, so I have no particular favourite.
82. Is there an actor that you'd like to see performing as Lord Nobunaga?
... None in mind? I don't actually know that many actors.
83. Is there another person (or historical character) that reminds you of Lord Nobunaga?
Qin Shi Huang and Cao Cao. Or rather, Nobunaga reminded me of them both, as said in the above question somewhere.
84. Did you ever play a videogame featuring Lord Nobunaga? If you have any to recommend us, please do!
This is really embarrassing, but the only one that counts is "Ninja Love" otome game. I know Sengoku Musou, but I don't play it. I just watch my sister play it.
85. Tell us about your impressions after you played it.
IT MADE ME SO ANGRY. I WANTED TO STRANGLE THE CREATORS BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT. But then they released Nobu as one of the "date options" and that one was bearable. Still WTF, but at least it didn't make me want to murder people.
86. How many books do you own about Lord Nobunaga?
2 books, 2 biographical manga, and 2 magazines.
87. What is the book about Lord Nobunaga that you long for the most right now?
There's this book that seems to be about his children? I want that because I long to understand his relationship with his children.
88. Is there an historical document related to Lord Nobunaga (before Meiji era) that you'd like to recommend?
Uh, Shinchou Ko-ki, I guess? But don't everyone know about it already?
89. Is there an essay or research that you'd like to recommend us?
I AM AN IDIOT AND I KNOW NOTHING
90. Tell us about a novel featuring Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
Taiko was the closest thing. There's this novel series called "Nobunaga, Conqueror from Owari" or something to that effect in my local language, but I haven't read it in full. I don't even remember who wrote it. I remember liking the snippets I read, though.
91. Tell us about a manga featuring Lord Nobunaga that you liked.
I like the Sengoku series by Miyashita Hideki. I also really like Nobunaga no Chef and Rin-ne Nobunaga no Yabou. That last one could do without the stupid "I am god" moment, though.
92. Is there an author that you'd like would write about Lord Nobunaga?
No. I'm an indifferent reader. I haven't had a favourite author in ages.
93. Do you have posters/portraits/illustrations of Lord Nobunaga displayed in your house?
I used to have a drawing of Nobu that I put up on my room. Then I moved and that picture is still somewhere among my unpacked stuff.
94. When do you think "I'm really a fan of Lord Nobunaga!"?
When I catch myself blathering about him, completely out of context.
95. When do you think "I'm really obsessed over Lord Nobunaga!"?
He is on my mind every day. I buy books on him even if I can't read it just so I have it. I don't mind throwing around money uselessly for him.
96. When do you think "I'm a failure as a fan of Lord Nobunaga!"?
I KNOW SO LITTLE AND I DON'T EVEN BEGIN TO KNOW WHERE TO LOOK.
97. If you won the lottery, what would you do related to Lord Nobunaga?
Go on a trip to Japan and travel around all the relevant places.
98. Is there a question that you would have liked to see in this list?
I'm an easygoing meme-filler. I take any questions you throw my way, so... no
99. Thank you for reaching this point. How long did you take?
HOURS. I needed to double-check on some links and I get distracted a lot.
100. And, in the end, what do Nobunaga rappresent for you?
Someone who turned my life upside down
no subject
Date: 2014-03-28 07:49 pm (UTC)Pretty sure that penis kimono rumour is fake, but hey. I can't think of anything else to answer that question with O___o
And about Nobukatsu, YES that is what I mean!! XD Damn, English is hard.