Flowers of the Blade: Nakano Takeko's Story [MV]

This historical ballad is a tribute to the brave women of the Jōshitai, told through the eyes of Nakano Takeko. When war reaches Aizu, she and her sisters rise, not to flee, but to fight. With naginata and rifle, brush and blade, they carve their names into history.


・The first illustration depicts Nakano Takeko as she gathers her Jōshitai to prepare for battle in 1868.
・The second illustration depicts Takeko as she leads her Jōshitai in battle.
・The third illustration depicts Takeko receiving word that Yanagi Bridge is under threat.
・The fourth illustration depicts Takeko wounded in the battle.
・The fifth illustration depicts her sisters burying her head after the battle.


Verse 1
The storm of war closes in on Aizu
They say women’s hands need not hold blades
But the pride of the warrior burns in our hearts
My cry echoes: “Women of Aizu, march with me!”

Chorus
Even in a woman’s hands, a blade can strike
We will not die powerless, fading into silence
We turn our lives into a banner of pride
Even down roads of blood, we march straight on

Verse 2
My mother, my sister and my students beside me
Naginatas raised, we dance upon the battlefield
Falling like blossoms, each a mark of pride
Carving our names with each deadly strike

Chorus
Even in a woman’s hands, a blade can strike
We will not die powerless, fading into silence
We turn our lives into a banner of pride
Even down roads of blood, we march straight on

Verse 3
Yaeko raises her smoking rifle high
A rain of fire and lead tears through their lines
Each shot finds its mark and claims its toll
Once in her sights, no foe escapes

Chorus
Even in a woman’s hands, a blade can strike
We will not die powerless, fading into silence
We turn our lives into a banner of pride
Even down roads of blood, we march straight on

Verse 4
The beautiful Jinbo strikes with grace and power
Koike lays down her brush to fight on the field
They gave their art and beauty to the war
A blade too can be a brush, painting life and death

Bridge
The Yanagi Bridge is under threat
Run now, there is no time for doubt
Steel and flame shall meet at the Yanagi Bridge
We won’t let them steal the pride of women

Final Chorus
We charge forward with battle cries blazing
The enemy reels, their rifles fall silent
Dance with me, sisters, like petals in the wind
In the midst of the bloody wind, I finally fall

Outro
Even as I fall, my pride does not waver
My head must not fall in the enemy’s hands
Sister, I entrust this to you
Carve my name into the wind and carry it on
May my death carve a path forward


Concept & Lyrics: Toshiro
Music & Vocals: Suno
Illustrations: OpenAi