Shōgun episode 10’s Toranaga twist changes the entire show in retrospect and makes it perfect for a rewatch where his actions make way more sense.

Shōgun’s perfect finale and major Lord Toranaga twist will make many viewers want to rewatch the show to pick up the clues they might have missed. Despite the lack of action, Shōgun episode 10 was a perfect conclusion for the limited series. From major players like Lord Toranaga and John Blackthorne to supporting names like Yabushige and Fuji, Shōgun’s finale gave every character an impactful ending. Toranaga won the Battle of Sekigahara before it even started, Yabushige committed seppuku after learning the truth about his lord, and John Blackthorne’s ship was destroyed.

The overwhelmingly positive reception to Shōgun’s finale indicates that skipping the battle and focusing on the characters instead was the right decision. James Clavell’s Shōgun novel also did not end with major battles, instead revealing how and why Toranaga had been manipulating everything and everyone. The Anjin will never leave Japan, the Heir’s influence will be limited compared to that of Toranaga, and Japan will have its first shōgun in years instead of a council of Regents. Lord Toranaga’s many victories in the Shōgun finale were not a coincidence – everything happened according to his plan.

Shōgun Episode 10’s Toranaga Twist Changes The Show In Retrospect

Toranaga’s actions gain a new meaning after episode 10

Shōgun’s finale reveals that Lord Toranaga was plotting to become shōgun the whole time, changing the entire show in retrospect. For those not familiar with the true story of Tokugawa Ieyasu or the events of James Clavell’s Shōgun novel, it was easy to assume that Toranaga was somewhat of a benevolent protagonist whom audiences were supposed to root for. While every character in shows like Shōgun or Succession has their own agenda, the FX epic made it seem like Toranaga did not seek power and only wanted to avoid bloodshed in a potential war.

For example, when asked to put Crimson Sky in motion, Toranaga refused and said he would not lead his men to their deaths. Additionally, Toranaga said more than once that he did not want to cause a war that would divide the country. Lastly, Lord Toranaga made everyone around him believe that he did not seek to become shōgun. Multiple characters brought up this scenario, yet Toranaga was always quick to disregard it. Toranaga even refused the role of sole regent when it was offered to him by the Taikō on his deathbed.

Lord Toranaga had dreamt of a united Japan with no wars for years, with his plan going back as far as the assassination of Ochiba-no-kata’s father.

However, the events of Shōgun episode 10 made it clear that Toranaga was lying to those around him and the audience the entire time. He did seek to become shōgun and envisioned a new era of peace for Japan that would start in Edo, as explained by Toranaga to Yabushige during Shōgun’s final seppuku scene. From confiscating the Anjin’s ship to sending Lady Mariko to Osaka to do what no men could, every major event in Shōgun was part of Toranaga’s plan to take down the Regents and become Japan’s first true shōgun in years.

Lord Toranaga’s True Goal In Shōgun Explained

Toranaga wanted to lead Japan into a new era

Lord Toranaga had dreamt of a united Japan with no wars for years, with his plan going back as far as the assassination of Ochiba-no-kata’s father. When offered the chance to rule as the sole regent, Toranaga refused it because that would have made him an easy target. All other Regents would have united against Toranaga and the Heir, leading to a civil war that would have likely ended with the death of the Lord of Kanto. Instead, Toranaga preferred to plot for a long time and slowly positioned himself as the most powerful daimyo in the country.

Character
Actor
Real-Life Inspiration

Yoshii Toranaga
Hiroyuki Sanada
Tokugawa Ieyasu

John Blackthorne
Cosmo Jarvis
William Adams

Toda Mariko
Anna Sawai
Hosokawa Gracia

Kashigi Yabushige
Tadanobu Asano
Honda Masanobu

Kashigi Omi
Hiroto Kanai
Honda Masazumi

Ishido Kazunari
Takehiro Hira
Ishida Mitsunari

Ochiba-no-kata
Fumi Nikaido
Yodo-dono

Still, as powerful as Toranaga had become, he could not take on the Council of Regents. Ishido and the Christian lords had not only the numbers but also the support of the Portuguese, who by then were controlling Japan’s trade with China and Europe. A united Council of Regents was something Toranaga could not defeat, which is why he needed to implode the council from within. Lady Mariko’s death was the true Crimson Sky Toranaga was planning – a direct attack against Ishido that would disrupt his power. As a result, Ishido was sidelined by the Regents, and Ochiba-no-kata changed sides.

Every Clue Lord Toranaga Was Secretly Plotting To Become Shōgun

Toranaga’s plan started long before Shōgun episode 1

The biggest clue Lord Toranaga was planning to become shōgun actually came from when he refused the Taikō’s offer to be the sole regent. Even though the Taikō was trusting the future of the country and the life of his son to Toranaga, the Lord of Kanto preferred not to take on that responsibility because it would make him an easy target. The circumstances of Akechi Jinsai’s death also suggest Toranaga had been plotting to become shōgun for a long time. Mariko’s father surprised everyone when he rebelled against Kuroda, a powerful daimyo whose influence was only growing stronger.

The death of Kuroda set in motion the events that would lead to Toranaga becoming the most powerful daimyo after the passing of the Taikō. Mariko never truly understood why her father did what he did, but she trusted Toranaga and continued to serve him to honor her father’s memory. Interestingly, Ochiba-no-kata believed that Toranaga was the one behind Akechi Jinsai’s actions, which appears to have been the case given what was revealed in Shōgun episode 10. James Clavell’s novel makes it more clear that Toranaga was indeed behind Akechi Jinsai’s betrayal.

Shōgun Season 2 Not Happening Makes A Rewatch Even Better

Shōgun told a complete story in 10 episodes

Shōgun season 2 cannot happen considering the series already covered the novel in its entirety. Even though there are other stories in James Clavell’s Asian Saga books, those would essentially be entirely different shows if adapted to the screen. Shōgun was arguably the best mini-series of the last few years and will likely perform incredibly well during the award seasons. Although not seeing more of those characters is bittersweet, Shōgun told a complete story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This sense of finality will make any Shōgun rewatch even better.

Knowing that Lord Toranaga was seeking to become shōgun makes a rewatch of the show quite interesting. Viewers should now be able to pick up a lot of clues that went unnoticed the first time, such as how Omi’s actions always ended up benefiting Toranaga instead of Yabushige. By quoting Yabushige’s “Why tell a dead man the future?” from Shōgun episode 1, Toranaga all but confirmed Omi was one of his many spies. Blackthorne thought he was the one feeding his lord lies when, in reality, the Anjin was one of many pawns in Toranaga’s plan.