Shogun Episode 6: Recap and Ending Explained – Why does Ochiba Hate Toranaga?

FX’s “Shogun,” based on the historical drama novel of the same name by James Clavell, heralds the beginning of its promised war. Directed by Hiromi Kamata, “Shogun” episode 6, titled “Ladies of the Willow World,” shows the resilience of the women. The episode starts with an endearing friendship between two girls — girls who would grow up to decide the fate of Japan from opposing sides. After a series of episodes of hot-headed men making matters worse, this episode concentrates on the two women, Lady Mariko and Lady Ochiba, battling their battles to decide the fate of the war.

Shogun Episode 6 Recap:

Mariko and Ochiba’s Childhood Connection

In the last episode, Mariko (Anna Sawai) had to reveal her father’s treacherous act. Her father, the late Akechi Jinsai, betrayed the Daimyo and killed him. We go back 22 years. We see young Mariko being introduced as Jinsai’s daughter by Kuroda, the Warlord. She was introduced to Kuroda’s daughter by none other than the young Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido). Young Mariko and Ochiba seemed to foster a genuine friendship. We see Ochiba advising Mariko on her marriage to Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe). The friendship was seemingly destroyed due to Mariko’s father killing Ochiba’s father. A betrayal of the highest kind since Jinsai was supposed to be the protector of Kuroda. This incident changed the lives of both Mariko and Ochiba.

Buntaro’s Punishment and Blackthorne’s Prize

Buntaro’s wife-beating act from the past episode is punished. Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) punishes him for disrupting the peace of Blackthorne’s (Cosmo Jarvis) house. Buntaro is to do seven days’ worth of isolation from his wife. It was not exactly a punishment befitting his crime, but at least Mariko would have some peace. Blackthorne, on the other hand, is rewarded even more. Firstly, to compensate for Buntaro’s behavior, and then secondly, and more importantly, for saving Toranaga’s life one more time during the earthquake. Blackthorne’s knack of being at the right place at the right time to garner some favors is becoming quite routine.

Blackthorne is now awarded a fief to maintain. Toranaga also makes him an admiral for the cannon artillery. Toranaga’s benevolence towards Blackthorne is met with skepticism from Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) and his nephew, Omi (Hiroto Kanai). Blackthorne’s plea to get his ship back falls on deaf ears once again. Blackthorne’s attempt to persuade Toranaga to attack the Portuguese also falls flat. To compensate for that, Toranaga asks Mariko to arrange the best courtesan for Blackthorne. He also asks her to join him but mentions “as a translator” in the tantalizing moment.

Blackthorne’s Night at the Tea House

Upon Toranaga’s request, Mariko and Fuji (Moeka Hoshi) search for the best courtesan for Blackthorne. Blackthorne does not seem to have a say in this. Their search leads to the courtesan Kiku (Yuka Kouri). We have previously seen Kiku serving both Yabushige and Omi. With Omi, she has developed a relationship, or so it seems. When Mariko and Blackthorne reach the tea house (the brothel), Kiku greets them.

With Mariko translating, Kiku explains how they, as courtesans, act more than just providing sexual satisfaction. Courtesans like Kiku provide an experience, a respite amidst the mundane. The place is not just a brothel; it is a sanctuary from despair and loneliness. Kiku’s words and Mariko’s feelings evoke the strangest of pathos. Understandably, the questionable relationship Blackthorne and Mariko carry is stronger than what both of them believed it to be.

Shogun Episode 6 Ending Explained:

Why Does Ochiba Hate Toranaga?

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Lady Ochiba has a deep hatred for Lord Toranaga, a deeper hatred than the one Lord Ishido (Takehiro Hira) perhaps carries. We saw that Ochiba and Mariko used to be childhood pals. Ochiba’s father, Kuroda, appointed Akechi Jinsai as his vassal, the protector. So when Jinsai betrays Kuroda and kills him, it hits like a sharp dagger. However, this Jaime Lannister-ish “Kingslayer” turn also features a noble twist.

The insinuation is that Kuroda was going the “Mad King” way, too. And by killing him, Jinsai did the country a favor. But Ochiba surely does not see it that way. She wholeheartedly believes that Akechi Jinsai was manipulated into committing this treasonous crime, and she believes Toranaga to be that manipulator. Understandably, Ochiba leaves no stone unturned to goad Ishido into moving against Toranaga.

How Does Ochiba Start the War against Toranaga?

There is an unpredictable notoriety about Lady Ochiba. She is the mother of the heir of the Taiko. She has endured hardship to become that. Moreover, she did this to become one of the most powerful decision-makers in the country. After her return to Osaka, she has made it her mission to ensure Ishido moves against Toranaga, and fast. However, Lord Ishido, despite his ill feelings toward Toranaga, is a lawful man. A man who respects Taiko’s ideals and the process of the realm. So, as the law-abiding Regent he is, he chooses to impeach Toranaga first. For that, he and Lady Ochiba choose Lord Ito, who will follow their lead as the fifth member of the council. Remember, Toranaga’s resignation shortened the council’s membership. So, with Lord Ito’s inclusion, the council can now decide on Toranaga’s future.

However, the plan did not go as smoothly as Ochiba and Ishido had hoped. Lord Sugiyama, who has not fully supported Lady Ochiba’s claim that the heir’s life is in danger from Toranaga, votes against impeaching Toranaga, thus continuing the impasse. However, Lady Ochiba is on her tricks. She manipulates Ishido and motivates him to attack Lord Sugiyama. The climactic twist reveals that Ishido’s forces have killed Lord Sugiyama and his entourage.

What is Next for Toranaga?

Although the idea to raise the “Crimson Sky,” an all-out attack against Osaka, has been proposed to him, Toranaga has refused to succumb to that temptation. Toranaga has always been reluctant to take his “Shogun” role, a move to change the government that would allow Toranaga to rule over Japan. However, Ishido’s acts, especially killing Lord Sugiyama, change Toranaga’s mind. Toranaga declares Crimson Sky that would see him fulfilling his “Shogunate” prophecy.

But for this, Toranaga would need help. And the prospect of a new player has emerged. It is revealed that Toranaga has a half-brother who commands a large army. At the end of this episode, Toranaga has decided to forge that alliance. So, we are in for another intriguing influx of interesting characters. Toranaga, with the help of the returning Toda Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka), galvanizes his battalion, which includes Yabushige, Omi, and Blackthorne. The war has begun, and Mariko and Ochiba will play significant roles on opposing sides.

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Shogun Episode 6 Links: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia, Letterboxd
The Cast of Shogun Episode 6: Cosmo Jarvis, Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroto Kanai, Takehiro Hira, Moeka Hoshi, Shinnosuke Abe
Shogun Episode 6 Genre: Historical Drama | Runtime: 10 Episode (55–70 min)

Where to watch Shogun