OVA
Description
Kiyokuni Saionji is a central figure in the josei drama, depicted as the heir to a major banking family in Tokyo during the late Taisho period around 1923. He is introduced as the chosen fiancé of Akiko Hasho, a headstrong young woman from the nobility, in what is clearly an arranged marriage motivated by financial and social considerations rather than romantic love. Kiyokuni is described as wealthy, attentive, educated, and sophisticated, embodying the ideal of a successful and modern young gentleman of his era.
Personality-wise, Kiyokuni stands out among the story's principal characters for his pragmatic acceptance of duty. Unlike Akiko who chafes against the constraints of her predetermined future, or the yakuza Taka who is a prisoner of his own circumstances, Kiyokuni is portrayed as someone who has completely relinquished any vague desire for self-made independence. He views his arranged marriage not as a burden but as a necessity and even a kind of benediction, operating on the belief that love is something that can develop naturally over time through familiarity and habit. This perspective highlights a core aspect of his nature: a profound and perhaps problematic unselfishness that prioritizes the well-being and stability of his family lineage above his own personal feelings. His character is defined by a calm, rational acceptance of the social rules that govern his class.
In the story, Kiyokuni's primary role is that of a catalyst and a contrasting figure to the other three members of the main quartet. His relationship with Akiko is one of duty-bound betrothal, but her active rebellion against this engagement sets the plot in motion. His motivations are rooted in honor and social obligation; he seeks to fulfill his role as the heir and to form a suitable, respectable union, even if it lacks passion. A key moment in his development occurs when Akiko, seeking to pursue an affair with another man, attempts to offer her own maid, Sara, to Kiyokuni as a consolation gift. In a scene that demonstrates his underlying decency and regret, Kiyokuni turns Sara down gently, recognizing the impropriety and sadness of the offer despite finding the girl sympathetic. This rejection, while kind, pushes Sara to leave her job and set out on her own, dramatically altering her path. Through the tumultuous events and the tragedy of the Great Kanto Earthquake, his worldview is challenged alongside the others, leading each character to the start of a new and unshackled journey. The narrative does not focus on any notable physical or combative abilities for Kiyokuni, as his importance is derived from his social standing, his wealth, and his principled, if reserved, personality.
Personality-wise, Kiyokuni stands out among the story's principal characters for his pragmatic acceptance of duty. Unlike Akiko who chafes against the constraints of her predetermined future, or the yakuza Taka who is a prisoner of his own circumstances, Kiyokuni is portrayed as someone who has completely relinquished any vague desire for self-made independence. He views his arranged marriage not as a burden but as a necessity and even a kind of benediction, operating on the belief that love is something that can develop naturally over time through familiarity and habit. This perspective highlights a core aspect of his nature: a profound and perhaps problematic unselfishness that prioritizes the well-being and stability of his family lineage above his own personal feelings. His character is defined by a calm, rational acceptance of the social rules that govern his class.
In the story, Kiyokuni's primary role is that of a catalyst and a contrasting figure to the other three members of the main quartet. His relationship with Akiko is one of duty-bound betrothal, but her active rebellion against this engagement sets the plot in motion. His motivations are rooted in honor and social obligation; he seeks to fulfill his role as the heir and to form a suitable, respectable union, even if it lacks passion. A key moment in his development occurs when Akiko, seeking to pursue an affair with another man, attempts to offer her own maid, Sara, to Kiyokuni as a consolation gift. In a scene that demonstrates his underlying decency and regret, Kiyokuni turns Sara down gently, recognizing the impropriety and sadness of the offer despite finding the girl sympathetic. This rejection, while kind, pushes Sara to leave her job and set out on her own, dramatically altering her path. Through the tumultuous events and the tragedy of the Great Kanto Earthquake, his worldview is challenged alongside the others, leading each character to the start of a new and unshackled journey. The narrative does not focus on any notable physical or combative abilities for Kiyokuni, as his importance is derived from his social standing, his wealth, and his principled, if reserved, personality.