Toda Hirokatsu (戸田 広勝), also known as Buntaro (文太郎), is a character in the FX limited series, Shōgun, who is portrayed by Shinnosuke Abe.
A brooding, stoic samurai, Buntaro’s strength is matched only by his skill for war. He is ruthlessly loyal to his lord, Toranaga, and his father, Hiromatsu. He suffers a single weakness: his jealous possession of his wife, Mariko.
Biography[]
Facing a Near Death[]
In Osaka, upon learning that Lord Toranaga requested Lady Mariko's presence in a meeting with the Englishman John Blackthorne, Hirokatsu seems bothered. He questions why Toranaga would ask her to be there in the first place. He isn't very happy when she is called back a second time to help.
Later, he informs Mariko that they are to set out to Ajiro later. He accompanies Yabushige, Mariko, John, Kiri no Kata, and others to Ajiro. However, en route they get searched by Lord Ishido's men and later attacked by Lord Kisama's men. Buntaro fights as a fierce warrior. He realizes Toranaga was hiding in the convoy the whole time and fights to protect him. They all run to the harbor and Buntaro gets left behind as the others board a boat to escape. Buntaro realizes he will be left behind and he bows to Toranaga. He makes eye contact with Mariko, saying farewell with his eyes. The group leaves and Buntaro runs back into the group of ambushers, death seeming likely.
Return from the Dead[]
It turns out Buntaro is alive when he arrives to Ajiro with Toranaga. He claims a group of ronin helped him escape the ambush. Now back with his Lord and wife, Buntaro is instructed to stay in the home of John Blackthorne because Mariko's translation skills are still required. Buntaro is not happy about having to stay with the Anjin.
John welcomes Buntaro to his home and they have a tense exchange of words. They sit down to eat English rabbit stew, prepared by John, together but the Japanese are hesitant to try this stew. They eat Japanese food instead. Mariko continues to translate for them and attempts to squash the awkward tension by slightly mistranslating their words into nicer versions. The men drink together and John asks about his escape in Osaka. Buntaro picks up an arrow and shoots it past Mariko’s face, just missing her. John urges for her to get out of the way but she stands still. He insists that he thinks women should be treated better and Mariko translates for him. Buntaro tells Mariko to tell John about her family, which she does.
Upset, Mariko leaves without Buntaro's permission and this infuriates him. He beats her later that night, which enrages John. John rushes after Buntaro who sits and places his sword down, apologizing for disturbing his home, explaining it was because of the saké.[1]
Buntaro apologizes to Lord Toranaga for his behavior. Toranaga suggests he divorce Mariko but Buntaro says no, not after all this time. He says with him, she is ice, but with the barbarian, she is warmer. Toranaga orders him to isolate himself from her for seven days and he agrees.
Asking to Kill the Anjin[]
Buntaro watches Yabushige and the Anjin spar from afar. He approaches with his sword drawn, seemingly ready to kill John, however he refrains.
Later, Buntaro approaches Lord Toranaga and asks for permission to take the barbarian’s head before he dies, claiming he doesn’t like the way he looks at Mariko. Lord Toranaga asks Buntaro if he believes Mariko is encouraging it and if so he’d need to take her head and the Anjin’s but Buntaro does not accuse his wife. Toranaga tells him therefore he cannot accuse the Anjin.
Waiting in Edo[]
Buntaro goes with Toranaga and the other men to Edo to wait to surrender. Omi, Buntaro, Hiromatsu, Yabushige and others share stories of the late Nagakado and honor his life. The next day, they hold a funeral for him.
Later, Buntaro makes Mariko a tea. He tells her he thinks they’re going to die in Osaka and then reminisces about the beginning when they first got to know each other. He suggests they welcome death together that evening, intending to give her what she has always wanted. She tells him he still fails to understand her - that she wanted a life beyond his reach and does not want to die with him in this way. Buntaro looks defeated and starts crying after she leaves.
Buntaro goes to meet with Lord Toranaga and the other men. Lord Toranaga informs his men that Yabushige will deliver the list of men who surrender with them. He asks them to sign their names. However, many of Tomonaga’s men refuse to sign their names and wish to fight in Edo. Toranaga insists he has made his decision and now they must make theirs. Hiromatsu challenges him, insisting he will have to commit seppuku. Hiromatsu asks Buntaro to bring his sword and second him. Buntaro asks to follow him into death but Hiromatsu tells him he must live. Hiromatsu stabs himself and Buntaro cuts his head off while Lord Toranaga watches.
Return to Izu[]
Some days after the death of Mariko, Buntaro returns to Ajiro and aids John in salvaging the Erasmus.
Personality[]
Toda Hirokatsu is fiercely loyal but weakened by his deep jealousy.