Kiku, honorifically called O-Kiku (お菊), is a character in the FX limited series, Shōgun, who is portrayed by Yuka Kouri.
The most deft and renowned courtesan in Izu, Kiku is accomplished and skilled in ways known to the select few men who can afford her. While she shares a special relationship with Omi, she is perceptive and ambitious and brings an elevated artistry to her work.
Biography[]
Seducing Yabushige[]
Kiku goes to entertains Lord Yabushige. She seduces another man in front of him, which pleases him very much.
Sleeping with Omi[]
Kiku and Omi sleep together. She expresses her concern about the presence of the barbarian and remarks that it might be nice if one day Omi himself were Lord of Ajiro. He seems pleased by this idea.
A Night with the Anjin[]
Mariko and Fuji arrange for Kiku to come and stay with the Anjin. Omi is upset she has to go with the Anjin, but she tries to reassure him. John comes to the tea house with Mariko to see Kiku. John seems uncomfortable but Mariko urges him not to make a scene. Kiku tries her best to welcome and calm them down. Kiku invites both John and Mariko to join her in the bedroom but Mariko says it must only be her. Mariko leaves and she and John’s hands brush up against each other. The next morning, Kiku brings John home.
Meeting Saeki[]
Lord Toranaga gifts his brother Saeki a week with Kiku as a welcome. Kiku sleeps with him and Saeki tells her he will bring her to Edo with him to be his seventh consort. She asks Saeki if she can elevate their play and he agrees. She leaves so that Nagakado has the window to try and kill Saeki.
Building a Future in Edo[]
Gin shows Kiku and the other courtesans where she will build her tea house, including a room just for Kiku. Kiku seems excited about their new future.
Personality[]
Kiku is a graceful, perceptive, and ambitious woman.