Was Lady Mariko a real person?

Anna Sawai plays the role of Lady Toda Mariko in ShogunAnd like many of the show’s characters, her character has connections to a real-life counterpart. A remake of the 1980s Shogun Miniseries and based on James Clavell’s 1975 book, the FX series follows a tumultuous time in feudal Japan and the opposing forces vying for power. At the center of the conflict in 1600 is an Englishman named John Blackthorne, who finds himself in Japan before emerging as a game-changer to one specific daimyo. That said, Sawai’s Lady Mariko also plays a crucial role in shaping Japan’s future.

Sawai continues to see her stardom rise in the industry, with her role in Shogun Being the last notable project. In 2023, the New Zealand actress has another leading role in Monarch: Legacy of MonstersApple TV+ series in the Monsterverse franchise. Previously, Sawai starred in another Apple TV+ show, PachinkoWhich is still expected to get a season 2. On the film side, Sawai would be best known for playing F9s Elle, the daughter of the scientist who developed Project Ares. That said, Shogun is set to be Sawai’s biggest title to dateAlthough it will be impossible for her character to return in Shogun Season 2 unless in flashbacks.

Hosokawa Gracia is the real-life inspiration for Shogun’s Lady Mariko

Hosokawa Gracia was born into the Akechi clan in 1563

Shoguns Cast features characters based on real-life people, including Anna Sawai’s Lady Mariko, who is based on Hosokawa Gracia. in ShogunToda Mariko is a fierce ally to Lord Toranaga, the Lord forced into conflict with his rivals among the fellow regents. Seemingly married for duty rather than love, Lady Mariko still carries great value, especially when it comes to her education. Besides being a devout Christian, Dame Mariko’s multilingual training allows her to translate for John BlackthorneWhom she finally gets closer to.

Gracia, also referred to as Hosokawa Garasha, was born into the Akechi clan in 1563 but eventually converted to Christianity and embraced the baptismal name. Although she was not involved with William Adams, the man who inspired ShogunS. John Blackthorne, Gracia was an influential figure during Japan’s Sengoku period. After being labeled the daughter of a traitor, Gracia was sent into hiding, but her life was thrown into more danger after her husband, Hosokawa Tadaoki, joined the Eastern Army during the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, which would go on to change Japan. s rule. until 1886.

What happened to the real lady Mariko

Gracia ordered her servant to assist in her suicide at the age of 38

Through Lady Mariko’s swordsmanship and intelligence, she will continue to be a crucial figure on Lord Toranaga’s side throughout. Shogun. however, It is unclear if ShogunThis version of Lady Mariko will follow the same fate as her historical inspirationWhich was quite tragic. As Gracia found herself in the middle of the Eastern Army (Tokugawa Ieyasu Loyalists) and the Western Army (Ishida Mitsunari Loyalists), she was ordered by Ishida Mitsunari to serve as a hostage when he tried to get rivals on his side. Instead, Gracia ordered her servant to assist in her suicide at the age of 38.

Although there have been some conflicting reports about whether someone else ordered Gracia’s death, the effects of her death are clear. Her fate harmed Ishida Mitsunari’s hostage plans, especially with potential allies who were also Christian converts. Mitsunari lost the Battle of Sekigahara, leading Ieyasu to create the Tokugawa Shogunatewith his clan ruling over Japan until 1868. These changes marked an important time for Japan since the region experienced tremendous economic growth. Considering Shoguns Master Toranaga is based on Tokugawa Ieyasu, it will be interesting to see what elements of Japan’s history play into the show.

What happens to Anna Sawai’s Lady Mariko in Shogun Season 1

Mariko makes an honest sacrifice to advance Toranaga’s plan

Lady Mariko had one of the most memorable moments of the celebrated first season in episode 9 “Crimson Sky”. Mariko arrives in Osaka but is held hostage and tries to fight her way out to no avail. This comes after Mariko is reunited with her teenage son, who tells her that if she tries to leave dishonorably, he will dismiss her as a mother. Despite this, Mariko does what she must to continue Lord Toranaga’s elaborate plan for the Shogunate. Mariko is about to commit seppuku and be seconded by Blackthorne When Ishido arrives and gives her the authority to leave Osaka.

after all this, Yabushige betrays Blackthorne and Mariko through sneak assassinations in the city. They hide in a store room where the killers set an explosive to gain entry. Rather than take cover, Mariko stands in front of the door and embraces death, which drives a wedge between Ishido and Ochiba-no-kata and acts as a crucial final step in Lord Toranaga’s plan. Mariko is arguably the best character in Shogun Season 1 and will hopefully be incorporated via flashback or potentially add a spiritual element to Season 2.