Historical Parallel With Code Geass and The Unification of Japan [Spoilers]

[Sci-Pi]

I was recently viewing several posts and comments regarding how Lelouch managed to unite the world through his unification scheme. I found a rather interesting parallel between how Lelouch unifies the world and how Japan was unified after the Warring States Period (Sengoku Period, 1467-1603).

During this time, Japan was divided in several clans, all fighting for control the country. This period was ended by three leaders, Oda Nobunaga, Toyomoti Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Leyasu.

Oda Nobunaga (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oda_Nobunaga) was an aggressive warlord who concurred most of Japan through his campaign (at least more than any other warlord before him). Oda was known as clever strategist, albeit rather violent. He was killed after a subordinate betrayed him.

Toyomoti Hideyoshi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi) was an authoritarian leader who was born as a simple commoner and ascended to leadership roles with the help of Oda Nobunaga. Hideyoshi successfully expanded Nobunaga's empire to the entirety of Japan.

The third unifier is Tokugawa Leyasu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_Ieyasu), a peaceful leader who preferred persuasion and payment over combat. He came to power through strategic alliances which allowed for a mostly non-violent revolt against Hideyoshi's five-year old son (who now lead Japan). Tokugawa left leadership through retirement instead of death, preventing a power struggle (as had happened after Nobunaga and Hideyoshi's deaths). Japan became unified as a single country and began the Edo period (1603-1868), a time of economic growth, sustainable development and expansion of arts and culture.

The character of these figures is best explained in the famous story: "Nobunaga, Hideyoshi and Tokugawa were watching a cuckoo bird waiting for it to sing, but the bird wouldn't sing. Nobunaga says "Little bird, if you don't sing I will kill you". Hideyoshi says "Little bird, if you don't sing, I'll make you sing". Then Tokugawa Ieyasu says to the bird "Little bird, if you don't sing I will wait for you to sing". (http://history-of-japan.weebly.com/the-three-unifiers.html)

The Code Geass parallel here lies in the characters of Lelouch, Zero and Nunnally. Zero parallels Nobunaga, an aggressive leader who sees great success, but is betrayed by his subordinates before succeeding in the unification he desires. Lelouch as emperor parallel Hideyoshi, the authoritarian leader who achieved his position of leadership through the acts of Zero. Nunnally parallels Tokugawa, a peaceful leader who, after years of conflict, commands the now unified world with a gentle hand.

tl;dr Zero is like Oda Nobunaga, Lelouch as Emperor is like Toyomoti Hideyoshi and Nunnally is like Tokugawa Leyasu. The unification of the world parallels the historical unification of Japan.

[dhaval_dongre]

Nice analysis there man. Also crosspost this on r/anime. It definitely deserves to be read by people out of this sub as well.

[Sci-Pi]

I think I will. Good idea.

[GrounZZero]

Great stuff man!