Shogun’s Ochiba-no-kata Dissected: Taiko’s History and Osaka’s Power Explained

In ‘Shōgun,’ a new character called Ochiba-no-kata is making things even more intense in the latter half of the season. 

Lord Toranaga is gearing up for a big battle, code-named Crimson Sky, against his eternal rival Ishido Kazunari. He’s even promoted Blackthorne while kicking the sneaky Yabushige to the curb. 

Meanwhile, in Osaka, Ishido’s trying to get a new guy on the Council of Regents, all to take down Toranaga.

Episode 6, called ‘Ladies of the Willow World,’ dives deep into Lady Mariko’s past, including her dad’s betrayal and tight bond with Ochiba-no-kata. 

It also reveals how Mariko ended up married to Toda Buntaro. Amid all this, we still get those tender moments between Mariko and Blackthorne. However, everything is leading to a showdown between Toranaga and Ishido. 

1. Lady Ochiba is Based on Yodo-dono 

Lady Ochiba, inspired by Princess Yodo-no-kata of the Sengoku period, lived a life filled with drama and power. 

Born as Azai Chacha to warlord Azai Nagamasa and Oichi-no-kata, she later became the influential consort of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, bearing him an heir, Toyotomi Hideyori. 

Her political clout was unmatched as she navigated the treacherous waters of Japan’s highest ranks. Yodo-no-kata’s strategic prowess was evident as she led the resistance against Tokugawa Ieyasu’s rise, culminating in the fateful Siege of Osaka. 

Seige of Osaka is the very event that the Shogun season 1 finale is expected to feature.

2. Why was Ruri’s name changed to Ochiba-no-kata?

Originally named Ruri, which means “lapis lazuli” in Japanese, Lady Ochiba’s name reflected a tradition of using gemstone names to ward off evil. 

However, her life took a tragic turn when her father was slain, and she lost everything in her life. That tragedy triggered a revengeful side and propelled her from a princess to a woman determined to regain her status.

Despite the odds, Ruri rose to prominence as the only wife of the Taikō to bear a son, securing her position as one of Japan’s most influential figures. 

With the birth of her son, she transformed from the daughter of a murdered lord to Ochiba-no-kata, the Mother of the Heir.

3. How was Lady Ochiba’s Relationship with the Taiko and Their Heir?

Lady Ochiba’s rise to power in Japan is undeniable. She was the Taikō’s only mistress to bear him an heir, which secured the lineage. Consequently, Ishido and the Council of Regents are bound to treat her with utmost respect. 

Ochiba suspects Toranaga is conspiring to eliminate her and the young heir to usurp the shogunate, a suspicion not without merit given her intimate knowledge of his devious nature. 

She also believes Toranaga orchestrated her father’s death despite the actual perpetrator being Akechi Jinsa. 

Having closely observed Toranaga’s strategies, she believes that he is plotting an assault on Osaka and intends to leverage his Minowara heritage to claim leadership of Japan.

4. Why does Lady Ochiba have so much power over Lord Ishido in Osaka?

In the power struggle depicted, Ishido and the Council of Regents share governance, but it’s a complex arrangement with many checks in place. 

Lady Ochiba, however, doesn’t see the Council’s authority as legitimate, considering them and Ishido merely temporary stand-ins until her son is old enough to rule. 

Consequently, Ishido ends up following Lady Ochiba’s commands. This dynamic leads to the elimination of Sugiyama, a rival of Toranaga. 

As the story progresses, the Council must find a replacement to challenge Toranaga. However, Lady Ochiba’s insight into his strategies might complicate his plans in future chapters of Shōgun.

5. About Shōgun

Shōgun is an upcoming American historical drama television limited series based on the 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell. The novel was previously adapted into a 1980 television miniseries.

The series is set to premiere with its first two episodes on February 27, 2024, on Hulu and FX, with new episodes of the 10-episode series then releasing weekly.

Shōgun follows “the collision of two ambitious men from different worlds and a mysterious female samurai; John Blackthorne, a risk-taking English sailor who ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will ultimately redefine him; Lord Toranaga, a shrewd, powerful daimyo, at odds with his own dangerous, political rivals; and Lady Mariko, a woman with invaluable skills but dishonorable family ties, who must prove her value and allegiance”.