Taira no Kiyomori (2012)
The epic NHK taiga drama chronicling the legendary samurai who defied his era and reshaped the destiny of feudal Japan.
Taira no Kiyomori - Series Information
- Original Title: 平清盛
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 54
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: NHK BS Premium
- Production Companies: NHK
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Taira no Kiyomori (JP)
Taira no Kiyomori - Plot
Villain or hero, Taira no Kiyomori changed Japanese history forever 900 years ago. Without ever knowing his real father, Kiyomori was raised as a samurai. Together with his stepfather, he wiped out piracy along Japan's western coast, becoming a full-fledged warrior samurai. In an age when samurai were looked down on as members of the lower class, Kiyomori was skillful at winning the hearts and minds of the people. By rounding up surrendered pirates and achieving other successes, Kiyomori eventually became the de facto ruler of Japan.
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Taira no Kiyomori - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kenichi Matsuyama
- Kiichi Nakai
- Shota Matsuda
- Arata Iura
- Fumiyo Kohinata
- Yudai Chiba
- Hiroshi Tamaki
- Rei Dan
- Kyoko Fukada
- Ryo
Writers
- Yuki Fujimoto
Taira no Kiyomori - FAQs
Who plays Taira no Kiyomori in the series?
Kenichi Matsuyama takes on the lead role of Taira no Kiyomori. Known for his intense and nuanced performances, Matsuyama brings the complex historical figure to life across all 54 episodes, portraying his transformation from an uncertain young samurai into the most powerful man in Japan.
Is Taira no Kiyomori based on a true story?
Absolutely. Taira no Kiyomori was a real historical figure who lived from 1118 to 1181. He rose to become the first samurai to dominate the imperial court, effectively ruling Japan during the late Heian period. The series dramatizes his life against the backdrop of the legendary Genpei War.
What is Taira no Kiyomori about?
The series chronicles the extraordinary life of Taira no Kiyomori, a samurai born into uncertainty who clawed his way to the summit of Japanese feudal power. From suppressing piracy along the western coast to outmaneuvering rival clans, the drama explores ambition, loyalty, and the cost of absolute power.
What is the Genpei War depicted in the series?
The Genpei War (1180–1185) was a defining civil conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans for control of Japan. It ended the Heian period and paved the way for samurai rule. The series dramatizes the political and military tensions that led to this pivotal clash, with Kiyomori at the center.
How many episodes does Taira no Kiyomori have?
Taira no Kiyomori consists of 54 episodes across a single season, following the NHK taiga drama format of year-long weekly broadcasts. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, offering an immersive and detailed portrait of Heian-period Japan and the life of its most controversial historical figure.
What genre is Taira no Kiyomori?
Taira no Kiyomori is a jidaigeki — a Japanese period drama — blending action, adventure, war, and political intrigue. It falls squarely within the prestigious NHK taiga drama tradition, a format known for sweeping historical narratives that bring Japan's most significant eras and figures to the screen.
What are similar shows to Taira no Kiyomori?
Fans of Taira no Kiyomori will likely enjoy Shōgun (2024), a gripping portrayal of feudal Japan's power struggles, Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (2021), a docudrama on Japan's warring states era, Dororo (2019), and the acclaimed Last Samurai Standing (2025) for more samurai-era storytelling.
Who wrote the screenplay for Taira no Kiyomori?
The series was written by Yuki Fujimoto, who crafted the screenplay for all 54 episodes. Fujimoto's script navigates the complex political landscape of Heian Japan, balancing intimate character drama with large-scale historical events to bring Kiyomori's legendary rise and reign to vivid life.
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