Yoshii Nagakado (吉井 長門) is a character in the FX limited series, Shōgun, who is portrayed by Yuki Kura.
The bold, brash son of Toranaga, Nagakado has a blinding adoration for his father and a strong desire to prove himself. Often acting before he thinks, Nagakado has more heart than common sense.
Biography[]
Going to Osaka[]
Yoshii Nagakado rides with his father, Lord Toronaga, to Osaka at the request of Lord Ishido. On the way, he hands a beautiful bird to his father who admires the bird’s ability to conceal herself. They ride to Osaka Castle and visit with the Council of Regents.
After the attack on his father and the barbarian, Toronaga summons Yabushige. Nagakado stays by his side. When Yabushige arrives, he hands over his sword to Yoshii Nagakado before entering.
Leaving for Ajiro[]
Nagakado accompanies John, Mariko, Buntaro, Yabushige, and others to go to Ajiro on his father's orders. On the way there they get attacked and ambushed. Toronaga appears (having disguised himself in the convoy) and fights with them. Nagakado, Toronaga, and a few others manage to make it to the harbor and escape by boat. Toronaga warns Nagakado not to trust anyone- friends and enemies alike.
Face Off with Jozen[]
The samurais and men, including Jozen and Yabushige, gather on the field where the men are training. Nagakado comes out and accuses Jozen of intolerable behavior, offensive to his father. He has canons pointed at Jozen’s men and his men begin firing. Yabushige begs him to stop, confused about what is happening. Nagakado brings down the final blow on Jozen, killing him.
Facing the Consequences[]
Lord Toronaga is furious with Nagakado for killing Jozen - less because of the act itself and more because Toronaga believes Nagakado was egged on and fell into a trap set by Yabushige and Omi. Nagakado admits this might be possible.
Later, after his uncle Saeki arrives, he jokes with his nephew, telling him stories of his father. However, his true intentions are revealed after he delivers a message to Toronaga about turning himself in and to Nagakado about committing seppuku for murdering Jozen. Nagakado is shocked.
Nagakado seems itching for a battle but his father tells him to stand down and agrees to surrender. Nagakado decides to create a ploy of his own and attempt to murder his uncle while he is in the room with Kiku. He corners his uncle and lunges to kill Saeki but slips and cracks his head open. Saeki lives and Nagakado dies.
Nagakado's ashes get laid in Edo, where his funeral is held.
Personality[]
Nagakado is bold, brash, and eager to prove himself.
Appearances[]
Notes and Trivia[]
While there is no specific intended model for the character as a son of Toranaga; One of his historical counterpart's many sons is recorded to have died on March 21, 1600 (exactly seven months before the Battle of Sekigahara). Creative liberties are definitely taken here, especially in the ending for "A Stick of Time", as Ieyasu was known to have often berated his sons for being too clumsy.