Our yearlong mini-essay series journeys through classical works, paintings, proverbs, and cultural heritage —
all connected with horses, both in Japan and beyond.

We’ve taken this journey together with viewers around the world.
And this time, it reaches its finale.

Horses have long shared life and death with us humans—our extraordinary companions.
How should we face horses? There is wisdom that has been passed down through generations.

In this finale, we shine a light once more on the bond between heroes and their beloved horses—
through the paintings and classics we’ve explored so far.

Ancient Macedon:
Alexander the Great (356 BC–323 BC), who went on to build a vast empire, and his beloved Bucephalus.

Medieval Japan:
Hatakeyama Shigetada (1164–1205), praised as a model warrior, and his beloved horse, Mikazuki.

What these heroes share in the way they treat their beloved horses is understanding—and care.

Today, we rely on technology to travel, work, and live our daily lives—
where horses once played that role.
Still, the wisdom— “not force, but understanding”—endures across time,
no matter who—or what—we face.

We hope you enjoy the full episode through the video itself.

Thank you very much for reading to the end.
Building on what we learned on this journey together over the past eight months,
we will share our next challenge on Dec 24 (Wed) at 7:00 PM JST (10:00 AM UTC).