Yabushige calls on a Japanese Buddhist deity upon learning his fate in the Shōgun finale, praying that he may still reach a favorable afterlife.

Yabushige references Fudo Myo-o in the Shōgun finale, a famous Buddhist deity. Although Shōgun ended without showing the war between Lord Ishido and Lord Toranaga, the critically acclaimed series concluded with the presumption that Toranaga had bested Ishido through a secret alliance with Ochiba-no-kata. Following Lady Mariko’s shocking death in Shōgun episode 9, Ochiba-no-kata no longer trusted Ishido and withdrew the Heir’s support of his campaign.

Despite being an untrustworthy person, Yabushige was one of the most entertaining characters in the series. He was bold enough to try and take matters into his own hands, leading to the death of Lady Mariko, and not bright enough to see Toranaga’s vision even though he was aware that Toranaga was always several steps ahead. His ultimate betrayal of Toranaga and Mariko led to his rightful death but also inadvertently helped Toranaga unfold his subtle version of his original Crimson Sky plan.

Fudo Myo-o Is A Diety In Japanese Buddhist Mythology

Yabushge said aloud to himself “May Fudō Myō’ō smile on tomorrow.”

Fudō Myō’ō is “a fierce protector of the Buddhist Law” who is a spiritual guide from the path of temptation to the path of enlightenment.

Moments after Yabushige confesses to Lord Toranaga for playing a part in Mariko’s death, Troanaga sentences Yabushige to death by committing seppuku. Yabushige begs Toranaga for a more vicious death in order to receive more of an honorable punishment, but Troanaga refuses his request. Yabushige also suggests that Blackthorne be the one to second him as he commits seppuku. Toranaga also refuses that request but agrees to second Yabuhige instead.

After Toranaga had made Yabushige’s seppuku official, Yabushge said aloud to himself “May Fudō Myō’ō smile on tomorrow.” In Japanese Buddhism, Fudō Myō’ō is one of the most well-known of the Kings of Brightness deities. According to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fudō Myō’ō is “a fierce protector of the Buddhist Law” who is a spiritual guide from the path of temptation to the path of enlightenment. “Fudō uses his sword to cut through ignorance and his lasso to reign in those who would block the path to enlightenment.” His name means “immovable.”

Why Yabushige Referenced The Japanese Diety After Learning Of His Seppuku Fate

In Japanese Buddhism, Fudō Myō’ō casts away evil spirits

Yabushige prays that Fudō Myō’ō will cast away the evil spirits that may condemn him and prevent him from reaching a favorable afterlife.

In Japanese Buddhism, Fudō Myō’ō casts away evil spirits, which is likely why Yabushige calls for his presence on the day of his death. Yabushige, while inherently corrupt, also feels guilty for his actions that led to Mariko’s death, thinking that the assassins he let into Osaka Castle only meant to capture her. This is why he begs Toranaga for a more brutal death that matches the wickedness of his crime. Regardless, Yabushige has been self-interested and two-faced throughout Shōgun, and prays that Fudō Myō’ō will cast away the evil spirits that may condemn him and prevent him from reaching a favorable afterlife.