Blogging about my Torikae baya manga translation project.
Timeline
Saito Chiho’s Torikae baya takes place in the Heian period, between 794 and 1185 CE. This is long enough ago that much about it isn’t obvious for Japanese readers either. Saito had to do a lot of research that she talks about in the Atogaki baya sections at the end of each volume, as well as adding explanatory notes.
The story takes place over a long time as well, beginning with Sarasoju and Suiren’s births and following them through various trials and tribulations in adulthood. I’ve made this page so that you (and I) can keep track of the passage of time in Torikae baya. I’ll be keeping the page regularly updated, so if you’re reading the manga yourself, I hope this is a helpful resource!
Keep in mind that there will be spoilers here, so watch out if you’re reading along!
YEAR O
Summer, Year 0: Sara and Soju are born on the same day. (Episode 1)
YEAR 6
Year 14: Sara begins working at court. (Episode 2)
Probably Year 14: The Emperor falls ill, and a solar eclipse takes place. (Episode 3)
Probably Year 15: Umetsubo plots an attack on Sara during an autumn hunting trip. (Episode 5)
Winter-spring, Year 16: Sara marries Shi no Hime. Suiren begins working for the new Togu. Tsuwabuki approaches Suiren. (Episodes 7 to 9)
Late spring-early summer, Year 16: Shi no Hime is revealed to be pregnant. Sara, Suiren and Togu visit Yoshino. (Episodes 12 and 13)
Winter, Year 16-17: Yukihime is born. (Episode 14)
Late summer, Year 17: Sara and Tsuwabuki sleep together. (Episode 16)
YEAR 14
YEAR 15
YEAR 16
YEAR 17
Year 6: Sara and Soju are kidnapped en route to Kurama. (Episode 1)
Autumn, Year 14: Sara meets Tsuwabuki at the komahiki ceremony. (Episode 2)
Probably Year 14: Umetsubo grows suspicious of Sara (Episode 4)
New Year, Year 16: The Emperor abdicates in favour of the former Togu. (Episode 6)
Spring, Year 16: Tsuwabuki questions his feelings about Sara, then sleeps with Shi no Hime. (Episodes 10 and 11)
Summer-winter, Year 16: Sara and Tsuwabuki go to negotiate with local governors. (Episode 14)
Spring, Year 17: Sara confronts Tsuwabuki. (Episode 15)
Early autumn, Year 17: Sara avoids court. The Emperor sends him a cherry branch. (Episode 17)