Kiri No Kata (桐の方) is a character in the FX limited series, Shōgun, who is portrayed by Yoriko Dōguchi.
Kiri is a steadfast partner to the great warlord. She is an affectionate, yet vigilant, mother hen to his large family. Though she laughs easily, she is fiercely protective of the lord of her family.
Biography[]
Kiri no Kata arrives in Osaka with her husband Lord Toranaga. There, she is a guest of Lord Ishido. When Lord Toranaga decides to leave Osaka without alerting Ishido, Kiri no Kata is a big part of his plan. She gets into a carriage to leave the city but Ishido, suspicious of the sudden need for her and others to leave, rushes to arrive and pay his respects. Ishido speaks to Kiri and she informs him there are too many assassins in Osaka and this is why she plans to leave. He understands and shuts the carriage door. When Ishido is distracted, Toranaga takes the opportunity to discreetly go into her carriage, disguised, and switch places with Kiri. Kiri no Kata goes back to Hiromatsu who is content that the plan was a success.
In Osaka, a fire burns in a building, sending everyone screaming and running outside. Hiromatsu urgently tells Kiri no Kata that Ishido has taken the regents hostage, including their families, in the castle to force a vote against Toranaga. Hiromatsu instructs that they leave immediately but Kiri’s daughter is pregnant and cannot travel so she urges Hiromatsu to run and warn Toranaga himself, which he does.
Trying to Leave Osaka[]
After her arrival in Osaka, Mariko meets with Kiri no Kata and Lady Shizu, passing on a letter from Lord Toranaga to Kiri. Kiri says “Let’s hope this works” before putting it in her pocket. Later, Kiri goes with Mariko and Shizu to try and leave the castle gates but they get stopped and can't leave. However, after Mariko threatens to commit suicide, Ishido finally grants them a last minute permit to leave.
However, that evening Shinobi break into the castle and attempt to capture them all despite permits to leave given. Kiri hides with the others but the Shinobi blow open the door in front of their hiding spot. After Mariko dies, Kiri no Kata is devastated and mourns her death.
Return to Izu[]
She is eventually given permission to return to Izu to reunite with Lord Toranaga. She delivers a letter from Ochiba no Kata pledging her and the heir's loyalty to him.
Personality[]
Kiri no Kata is a wise, loyal, and intelligent woman. She is very protective of her family.