Lord Yoshii Toranaga (吉井 虎永) is a character in the FX limited series, Shōgun, who is portrayed by Hiroyuki Sanada.
A powerful bushō from a feared lineage, Toranaga is lord of the expansive Kanto region. He is isolated and outnumbered by his enemies in Osaka Castle when the story begins. But little does anyone realize that Toranaga is a brilliant strategist and a master of the long game.
Biography[]
Facing Impeachment[]
Lord Toranaga faces grave accusations from the Council of Regents, directed by Lord Ischido, about his political maneuvers and the increase in size of his fief. They even accuse him of taking Lady Ochiba, the heir’s mother, as a hostage. Toranaga insists his innocence and desire for peace but the Council decide to vote on his faith.
While Lord Toranaga awaits the vote, he sees his nephew, Taiko’s heir, and tells him about his past. Upon hearing news of a barbarian ship, Toranaga sends Hiromatsu to investigate. He decides to approach Lady Mariko to ask her to translate between him and the foreigner who speaks Portuguese.
In a flashback, Toranaga visited Taiko on his deathbed and promised to keep the peace and protect his heir.
In present, Toranaga decides to keep Blackthorne around in order to sow division amongst the Council of Regents before they vote on his impeachment since the Christian lords do not want Blackthorne there. Toranaga has a meeting with Blackthorne and invites him to stay in his private quarters. Later that evening, there is an attack that Toranaga means was intended for him. Blackthorne helped fight off the attacker to protect him.
Confronting Enemies[]
Toranaga summons Yabushige to his quarters. He tells him about the attack from the night prior and asks him what he knows about the society of the Amida. Yabushige explains that he only knows what everyone knows - that they are assassins sworn by the most sacred oaths of the Buddha Amida. Toranaga asks what he might pay for his head, implying that Yabushige was behind the attack. Instead of sending Yabushige to be killed, he asks him what he wants, which is the Suraga Province to expand his fief. Toranaga tells him he shall have it.
Departing for Ajiro[]
Toranaga sends a group, including John, Mariko, and Yabushige, to Ajiro. He secretly joins their convoy when no one is looking (disguised in Kiri-no-kata's carriage). They manage to leave Osaka Castle but the group get attacked by ambushers with flaming arrows. Mariko opens the door to Toranaga’s carriage mid-battle and his men are surprised to see him there. Many men get killed. Toranaga believes they are there for the Anjin. Ultimately, Toranaga, John, Yabushige, Fuji, and Mariko escape and reach the harbor. John recognizes the crew there and they see the Black Ship. They board row boats to head to the ship.
Toranaga negotiates with Captain Ferreira to secure passage, offering a share in silk trade profits and permission to construct a church in Edo. After much debate, the Portuguese agree - however they have a stipulation that the Anjin remain behind. Toranaga insists he is his guest but reluctantly agrees. The boats depart, successfully bypassing Lord Kiyama's men who continue to try to block them as they attempt to leave. John catches up and boards the boat again, against the Portuguese's wishes, impressing Toranaga.
Meanwhile, at Toranaga's request, Hiromatsu goes to see Ishido in Osaka to deliver the news of Toranaga's resignation as a Regent. Ishido threatens Toranaga with impeachment, insisting the piece of paper changes nothing. Hiromatsu informs him that Taiko required five regents for any vote and that he is afraid to inform Ishido he only has four now. Toranaga has the upper hand now.
Back at sea, after the battle ended, Toranaga approaches and thanks John for his bravery. He shows John that he has John's journals (a gift from the priests) and explains that they will need to be translated, which will take a long time. In the meantime, he intends to prepare for war and asks John to train a regiment in foreign tactics using weapons from the ship. In exchange, he asks for the return of his men and his ship. John is given the title of "Hatamoto", a great honor, and John thanks him.
Arrival in Ajiro[]
Lord Omi prepares the people of Ajiro for Lord Toranaga's arrival. They cheer upon his arrival. There, Lord Toranaga tells Yabushige he resigned from the Council of Regents. Yabushige seems very concerned by this. Toranaga addresses the people of Ajiro, asking for loyalty.
Preparing for War[]
Lord Toranaga brings back an army of men and Buntaro, who was believed to be dead. He instructs Buntaro to live in John's house with his wife Mariko. Toranaga then confronts his son Nagakado, questing his decision to murder Jozen and accusing him of accidentally doing Yabushige’s bidding.
Yabushige gets Toranaga up to date about the training. Toranaga asks about Jozen’s request for him during his visit and Yabushige assures Toranaga that his loyalty is with him. Toranaga accuses him of playing both sides and manipulating his son, but Yabushige insists it wasn’t him and admits maybe it was his nephew Omi. Toranaga says they must prepare for war now that Jozen is dead. He assumes Ishido will attack them so he starts to make preparations. He tells Yabushige to let Omi know he is giving him command of the Anjin’s artillery.
Later, Toranaga goes to see Muraji and tells him to find another spy for Yabushige to find and that he will remain his spy there.
Later on, the ground starts to shake violently and men start to fall down the mountain. Toranaga gets buried but John and Nagakado run to rescue him and dig him out. Toranaga’s swords get buried as well so John offers Fuji’s family swords to replace them. Lord Toranaga laughs and thanks him. Later, Toranaga addresses the village to pay tribute to the thousands of lives lost from the earthquake. He commends the Anjin who saved his life a second time. He awards him a fief, a salary, and names him Chief Admiral of the Kanto and general in charge of the cannon regiment.
Hiromatsu escapes from Osaka to give Lord Toranaga the news that the Council of Regents is voting in a new member, which means a certain death and impeachment for Lord Toranaga. They discuss a potential plan, “Crimson Sky”, about overthrowing the Council of Regents and making Lord Toranaga the shogun - the sole ruler. Lord Toranaga shuts it down initially, however later after finding out that Sugiyama was killed - Toranaga says "Crimson Sky it will be".
Flashback to Childhood[]
In a flashback to Toranaga’s first battle 46 years ago, a man runs through the battlefield screaming “the war is over!” and that Lord Toranaga has won. Mizoguchi formally surrenders and complements Toranaga on his win. Mizoguchi commits seppuku and Toranaga delivers the final blow. Later, it was revealed that it took nine blows before he fully took Mizoguchi's head, much to his embarrassment.
Meeting with his Brother[]
Lord Toranaga and his followers wait for the arrival of his brother Saeki. Toranaga introduces him to the Anjin. Later, he hires Kiku to be with his brother for a week. Saeki eats dinner with Toranaga, Nagakado, Buntaro, the Anjin, and others - telling stories of a young Toranaga in battle and as a hostage. He remarks how great it would be to become the Lord of Izu and admits he received another offer already. All of a sudden, men come running declaring that Saeki’s men have blocked off every road out of Izu. A man delivers papers and Hiromatsu reads them aloud - the Council of Regents request Lord Toranaga’s presence in Osaka to answer for his treachery. They ask he deliver his response to Saeki. Lord Toranaga realizes Ishido filled his seat in the Council of Regents. Lord Toranaga tells Saeki he will consider this and answer by sunset tomorrow.
Lord Toranaga has his will written, leaving his lands to his grandchildren when they come of age. He also writes that Gin should have a section of land in Edo to use as she wishes. Later, Lord Toranaga tells Saeki he will go to Osaka to answer to the Council of Regents. He admits Crimson Sky was a mistake and his men are shocked. John jumps up in disagreement and walks away. Saeki informs him that he will escort him to Osaka the next day.
Mourning his Son[]
Lord Toranaga and his defeated group of men depart Ajiro and head for Edo. There, Lord Toranaga will be allowed 49 days to mourn his son before he gets delivered to Osaka. A funeral is held but Lord Toranaga does not attend because he’s sick from the journey.
Making Plans[]
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 Toranaga’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. Omi calls out to stop this but Lord Toranaga says his decision is made. Hiromatsu tells him then this is farewell and asks Buntaro to bring his sword and second him. Buntaro asks to follow him into death but Hiromatsu tells him he must live. Hiromatsu commits seppuku and Buntaro cuts his head off while Lord Toranaga watches. The men watch in horror and shock.
Later, Toranaga reflects with Mariko telling her Osaka has to believe his defeat is real. He asks her if she’s ready to do her part and she tells him she’s ready.
Challenging Ishido[]
Toranaga sends Mariko on his behalf to retrieve Shizu-no-kata and Kiri-no-kata and bring them back to Edo. He gets word that Mariko has died from an attack. He knows his plan is working.
When his men return to Izu, Yabushige is brought to kneel before Lord Toranaga, where Toranaga reveals that he knows the part he played in Mariko’s death. He sentences Yabushige to commit seppuku by sunset the next day and agrees to be his second.
Lord Toranaga meets with Kiri-no-kata and Lady Shizu, who present his new son to him. They also deliver a letter, secretly delivered from Ochiba-no-kata.
John goes to meet with Toranaga. Muraji helps translate for Toranaga. Muraji reveals he is a samurai and a spy for Lord Toranaga. John asks for no more blood to be spilled in Ajiro in vengeance for his destroyed ship, explaining that Mariko arranged this in exchange for his life. Toranaga tells him he will still seek out those disloyal to him. John tries to give up his life in exchange for the protection of the village. He admits he came to Japan to use him and the Japanese. He intends to commit seppuku in protest of the callous treatment of the village but Lord Toranaga stops him from plunging the sword into his heart. Lord Toranaga tells him to rebuild his ship and to build him a fleet.
Yabushige sits with Lord Toranaga, who admits that he was the one who burned the ship. Toranaga reveals that Crimson Sky is complete and what his true intentions behind sending Mariko were. Mariko got to Ochiba, who grew tired of her relationship with Ishido, and Ochiba-no-kata pledged to Lord Toranaga that she would not send the heir’s army to support Ishido in war. He believes the Council will not support Ishido after that. He implies that he wants to become a shōgun after all. Yabushige then commits seppuku and Lord Toranaga seconds him, cutting his head off. In the end, Toranaga observes John salvaging the wreckage of the Erasmus before looking to the horizon.
Personality[]
Lord Toranaga is a brilliant strategist and a fierce leader. He is steps ahead of others when strategizing and planning for the future. He is also fearless when it comes to facing death or impeachment.
Appearances[]
Historical Background[]
Yoshii Toranaga is based on the historical figure Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川 家康, 1543-1616), the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate (徳川幕府 Tokugawa bakufu) headquartered in Edo (later known as Tokyo). Born Matsudaira Takechiyo (松平 竹千代), Ieyasu played a big role in ending the tumultuous Sengoku period, when Japan was plagued by civil wars among warlords. As a child, he was sent as a political hostage to the Imagawa clan, where he received a good education. Leading the Matsudaira clan after his father's death, Ieyasu allied with the prominent warlord Oda Nobunaga (whom Lord Kuroda is based upon) in 1567. Shortly thereafter, he adopted the name Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Over the next fifteen years, Ieyasu expanded his influence and reputation through military campaigns alongside Nobunaga. After Nobunaga's assassination in 1582, Ieyasu aligned with Nobunaga's successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi (whom Lord Taikō is based upon), who later made him one of the Five Elders (五大老 Go-Tairō) to serve as regents for Hideyoshi's young heir Hideyori (whom Nakamura is based upon), although in reality it was a political arrangement to keep Ieyasu contained. After Hideyoshi's death in 1598, the Council soon fractured as Ieyasu clashed with other regents due to him engaging in political marriages to expand his influence, which only intensified after the only regent powerful enough to counter Ieyasu, Maeda Toshiie, died in 1599. Political tension soon escalated into military confrontations, and at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Ieyasu's Eastern Army decisively defeated the anti-Tokugawa Western Army led by Ishida Mitsunari (whom Ishido Kazunari is based upon), Mōri Terumoto and Ukita Hideie, establishing supremacy in Japan. In 1603, Emperor Go-Yōzei granted Ieyasu the title of Great Shogun (征夷大将軍, sei-i taishōgun) for his political dominance, marking the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate,[1] which ruled as the de facto regime of Japan until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.