WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Shōgun episode 6.
Summary
- Ochiba-no-kata’s past with Lady Mariko expands her tragic backstory as Lord Kuroda is revealed to be Ochiba’s father.
- Mariko and Ochiba-no-kata’s old friendship turned rivalry adds depth to their roles in the power struggle of feudal Japan.
- Mariko’s guilt over her father’s actions and Ochiba-no-kata’s desire for revenge could lead to a betrayal of Toranaga.
Lady Mariko and Ochiba-no-kata have a complicated backstory in Shōgun. Shōgun episode 6 reveals the behind-the-scenes plans of Ochiba-no-kata, the Mother of the Heir of the Taikō who had originally formed the Council of Regents before the events of the series. Ochiba-no-kata has otherwise remained mostly out of the picture until this point in the series, as Lady Mariko continues to be a key character to Lord Toranaga and the Hatamoto John Blackthorne.
Ochiba-no-kata’s backstory is discovered to be intertwined with Lady Mariko’s tragic past, as the two were once daughters of esteemed lords and close childhood friends. Ultimately, a grave tragedy involving both Mariko’s father and Ochiba-no-kata’s father ended up dividing the two friends and changing their lives forever. As a result, Ochiba-no-kata is now incredibly suspicious of Toranaga’s tactics as she believes he was the one who had convinced Mariko’s father to kill her father, Lord Kuroda.
Shogun’s Ochiba-no-kata Explained: Real Inspiration, Taiko History & Osaka Power
Shōgun’s Lady Ochiba is directly inspired by a prominent Japanese princess who is highly aware of Lord Toranaga’s (Tokugawa Ieyasu’s) cunning tactics.
Lady Mariko’s Past With Ochiba-no-kata Could Affect Her Loyalty To Toranaga
Ochiba-no-kata has far more to lose than Mariko does, considering Mariko is only fulfilling her obligation to Toranaga while Ochiba-no-kata is fighting for the continued reign of her family line.
Shōgun episode 6 continues to dive deeper into the tragic history of Lady Mariko and her father’s shocking betrayal of Lord Kuroda. Before episode 6, it was unknown that Ochiba-no-kata was the daughter of the slain Lord Kuroda. Lady Ochiba’s original name is revealed to be Ruri, who was a supportive friend of Mariko as she was ordered by her father to marry the samurai Buntaro. Mariko did not originally understand that her father had her marry Buntaro to save her from a death sentence following Kuroda’s murder.
Ruri and Mariko, once great allies, are now at opposite ends of an impending war for the absolute ruler of feudal Japan. Both are fighting for honor more than anything else. However, Ochiba-no-kata has far more to lose than Mariko does, considering Mariko is only fulfilling her obligation to Toranaga while Ochiba-no-kata is fighting for the continued reign of her family line. Because they were once close friends before the tragedy that would change their lives forever, it’s possible that Mariko could betray Toranaga when the time is right.
Shogun’s Willow World Explained: What It Means For Mariko & Blackthorne’s Relationship
Toranaga sends Blakcthorne and Mariko to Willow World in Shōgun episode 6, offering them both a brief moment to escape the restrictions of reality.
How Lady Mariko Could Find Herself In The Middle Of Lord Toranaga Vs. Ochiba-no-kata’s Shogun Conflict
It’s entirely possible that Mariko still harbors guilt about her father’s decision to kill Ochiba-no-kata’s father, Lord Kuroda.
Ochiba-no-kata has proven to be the driving force behind Ishido’s efforts to take down Toranaga, fueled by an unyielding desire for revenge. Ochiba-no-kata does not appear to be holding any resentment against Lady Mariko and the two have not yet acknowledged each other in conversations with their allies. It’s entirely possible that Mariko still harbors guilt about her father’s decision to kill Ochiba-no-kata’s father and end their privileged lives as they knew them. Mariko has proven to be loyal to Lord Tornana throughout Shōgun, but her secret heart could still be with her old friend years later.
Toranaga’s Kanagawa Fief Offer In Shogun Explained (& What Blackthorne Wants Instead)
Lord Toranaga rewards his Hatamoto John Blackthorne for saving his life once again, a great honor that also ensures the Anjin’s continued support.
Shogun
Shogun is an FX original mini-series set in 17th Century Japan. Shogun follows John Blackthorne, who becomes a samurai warrior but is unknowingly a pawn in Yoshii Toranaga’s plan to become Shogun. The series stars Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga, along with Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, and Yûki Kedôin.
- Cast
- Cosmo Jarvis , Hiroyuki Sanada , Anna Sawai , Tadanobu Asano , Yûki Kedôin
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
- Writers
- Maegan Houang , Rachel Kondo , Justin Marks , Emily Yoshida
- Directors
- Frederick E.O. Toye , Jonathan van Tulleken
