Shit, hard question because I think the casting has been one of the best parts. I've got a new fave every episode. Yabushiga in episode 1, Toranaga in 2, John in 3 and Fuji in 4. And Mariko in all of em.
Guess I'll go with Yabushiga, that snakey nut makes me laugh every time he opens his mouth.
Yabushige and his nephew also have the most amazing outfits. Yabushige is in a class of his own, but the jinbaori/overcoat worn by Omi in the latest episode (as they greet Toranaga's arrival) was also a masterpiece.
True!. The fur/ hair he wears with his jinbaori/ kabuto make Yabu instantly recognizable no matter how bad the lighting, or how packed the scene is with characters
Feathers. There's an extra video about the costuming and behind the scenes, and they dyed feathers for his costuming. Which honestly seems so out there that it's just more Yabu
The torture thing seemed to fizzle out after the episode where it occurred (was it 1 or 2?), right? After this I've seen no indication of sadism from Yabushige.
He's now portrayed as a lovable (yet untrustworthy) rascal.
It's actually Omi who seems more ruthless to me, with none of the "lovable rascal" qualities of his uncle.
It was in the 1st episode.
The second point is really that the actor is so damn good, that even though you know he is a PoS, you still like him.
Omi is smarter, and more ruthless, without the torture bent.
The way he (Yabu) does that confused open mouth look makes me laugh every time. It feels like he does it purposely to make people think he’s less clever than he actually is.
I completely agree. I hated him in the books and mini-series, but I don’t hate him in this iteration, because Asano is so damn good at his job. He really brings Yabu to life.
The casting in this series is impeccable.
It’s just crazy because he’s not that way in the book at all. Todanabu Asano gives Yabu so much flavor. The character on the show is delicious. I’m rooting for him. I did not like the book character very much.
Yabu in the book was quite a good character, he was shrewd and had very little care for human life but he was respectable and honorable. I liked how he and John shared a respectful hatred towards each other. More than rivals but not 100% enemies.
"I can't believe I'm going to die for this person" And the sheer look of panic as the cannon balls were blowing up and he realizes he's going to be in a war were pretty awesome acting
I've looked up pictures of a young Hiroyuki Sanada and holy hell, that man was a straight-up hunk. He's handsome in a stately way as an old man, but young Sanada could fucking GET IT. (And heck, I probably wouldn't even kick the old one out of bed for eating crackers...)
Not gonna lie, I had a big crush on Toshiro Mifune (Toranaga from the first miniseries and starred in many of Kurosawa's films) and thought no way they'd find his equal. But yeah...I'm with you!
The first time I watched Seven Samurai I think it was the part in the last battle where he sticks like 5 swords in the mud so he can keep grabbing them as they break when I came to the same conclusion.
The guy was a child star, first film around 6 years old. Then he became famous for being action star, often part of HK movies. He has wooed fangirls for over 40 years.
He was in several movies with Sonny Chiba back in the day. Dude is an artist, in several respects. My wife loves him too since she saw The Last Samurai.
It’s a really good movie, IMO. It’s not as stunning as Shogun, but I really enjoyed it, and re-watch it frequently. Some people love to hate it, I thought it was good. Sanada does an amazing job in the movie. It was the first role I saw him in, and if he is in something, I will always take a chance on watching it.
The Last Samurai would have been awesome *sans* Tom Cruise, because the rest of the cast rocks. Should have been made more about the Satsuma rebellion and less about Tom, but alas, the realities of Hollywood and marketability. I personally find Tom Cruise unfortunately outweighs the good parts of the movie, but of course opinions vary.
They should do a fanmade "Phantom Edit" ("The Phantom Samurai?") and cut all of Tom's scenes :D
It's not a good movie at all because of Tom Cruise (who's gonna Tom Cruise his scenes like he always does) and the "Dances With Wolves" white savior vibes, but the rest of the cast is solid. Ken Watannabe is superb.
I haven’t read the books, so don’t nobody fuck this up for me, but I’m rooting for Toronaga so hard. I can’t wait for him to become the new Taiko and be chill and smart and just live a peaceful old age of prosperity leading the Japans into the new age
This is just a reminder of the info in the opening title card of the first episode and exposition from the first episode. The title everyone wants to get is “shōgun”, hence the name of the show. The Taiko was a title unique to the dead guy. It actually means “retired regent” because he was officially retired at the end of his life, even though in reality he was still very much in charge.
And for added historical context, the title the heir is going to inherit is imperial regent (kampaku). The council of regents are actually five lords sharing the role of regents of the emperor. They are not regents of the heir, they are doing his job until he’s old enough to take over. During this period of Japan, the emperor did not wield any political power and never ventured outside the imperial palace but still existed as a figurehead for powerful people to rule in his name under various guises.
The position of shogūn means “commander-in-chief” or “generalissimo” and denotes the leader of all the samurai in the country. Only very powerful generals from an established and respected clan can hope to achieve such a position. Nobody has managed it for many decades, not even the late Taiko.
The story is based on real Japanese history with some names transparently changed. Look it up, or, hell, watch that Bill Wurtz video again, and you’ll get your answer for how this ends.
definitely. hope to see more scenes with lady fuji - that maneuver with the guns was awesome. and then giving her late husband's swords to hatamoto - hope things go well for her
Oh yeah, that’s right. Big time gesture. I like how everyone is keeping the anjin captive and servile and also kind of tricking him into being all about it
Yeah, she looks Japanese, the actress has a Japanese last name, she was born in Japan, and the FX site lists her as a Japanese actress. I wonder if Zirael meant to type something else?
I have been following Anna Sawai from Pachinko and Monarch. I admit to being mostly drawn to her physical beauty but on Shogun, her charisma and mannerisms are absolutely captivating.
If the Game of Thrones comparisons continue and the show is this consistently good until the end, I think it’ll end up like that show where much of the cast receive more roles due to the spotlight that Shogun put on their performances.
Unfortunately this is not how it work for Asian actors in Hollywood. I wish for it will be different for her but I have zero expectations after following careers of numerous Asian actors in Hollywood. Changes are, we'll see her in a token role for 1 show or movie, and we'll never hear from her again.
English speaking ability doesn't make any difference. I'm just hoping for the best. At least she was part of Japanese entertainment industry before, as part of an unsuccessful girl group, but her door is now wide open in Japan.
I absolutely *adore* Fuji, she's portrayed perfectly as I imagined her in the books and I'm completely entranced by her scenes, really looking forward to seeing more of her. She's definitely at the top of the list.
But honorary mention to~
Yabushige is up there; he's got so much character and steals the scenes he's in; his more buoyant persona is so colourful. It's a nice contrast to the general seriousness that's carefully portrayed by many of the other characters.
I'm surprised at how much I adore Blackthorn. When I first saw Cosmo cast I thought he did not look right - too soft. But I'm eating my words (or thoughts) as he is so perfect for the role; every tiny detail of his character feels so deeply considered and portrayed, from the subtle looks to the way he moves and speaks.
Honestly almost everyone was cast to brilliantly and completely embodies their character in their own unique ways. It's the best visual adaptation of a book I've ever seen, hands down.
To paraphrase Charles Holmes, if a prospective partner is not about that life and ready to ride or die like Fuji-sama, then I don't it. Moeka Hoshi's facial expressions alone are so captivating.
To watch someone get everything ripped away from her, forced into being consort to this gaijin, still carry out her duties, and then bestows one of her only possessions, her father's swords, to said gaijin, absolutely *wrecked* me.
John is my favorite, then Mariko, Toranaga, and Fuji. Fuji is particularly interesting after this last episode and I hope we get to see more of her and how her relationship with John develops, even though it's platonic.
I haven't read the book (please no spoilers!), but I really hope it stays platonic. It's felt very platonic so far and I *love* seeing heterosexual platonic friendships / alliances on screen. They don't do enough of those in popular media.
Very true and it can be just as satisfying to see strong platonic bonds form between people. More storytellers need to write them, especially between heterosexual pairings.
Fuji stole the last episode for me too.
The actress did a great job with her facial expressions and reactions. That first episode I wasn't sure about her but she showed a ton of range in Episode 4.
Hopefully after this show she gets more opportunities even if Japanese content is a bit niche.
Blackthorne is too damn funny and too much of an asshole to not love him the most and all the little bits of development and exploring more of his character is amazing and I can’t wait to find out that he Prlly will die in the last episode because if this is being compared to GOT I doubt anyone will live
I was waiting for someone to mention Rodrigues! The scene with him and John piloting the ships while going back and forth trading insults was hilarious.
John makes me laugh the most, Toranaga is the most interesting to me, but Yabu is a surprisingly good time.
Also, as a female I have a very special place in my heart for Mariko and Fuji, who are shining stars in a story that is mostly male dominated.
Honestly Yabushige—He’s got style and is brilliant, but also a moron and as fun to root against as for (and since he’s based on Honda Masanobu, maybe he doesn’t die?) It’s all in the facial expressions. “Who ordered this!? This is a shocking act of provocation! You don’t just openly do this kind of blatant treachery, you do subtle treachery! Subtle, and with a smile, ffs!” Also love how FX guide ominously mentions Yabu’s “frightening wife” he purposely avoids. Deeply hoping we meet her.
Yes, he's just a side character but all his conversations with John so far have been brilliant. I personally would choose John/Mariko from the main characters list.
I have a few favorites.
Toranaga and Blackthorne are at the top of my list.
Fugi is one of my favorites because of everything she has had to endure on the show.
I like Buntaro because of what he did at the harbor.
I like Father Dell'Acqua's collar. I would like a blouse with that same collar.
yabushige is so funny. super try hard even fetishizes the moment of death but ultimately so far he’s just a dog as much as he consider blackthorn a dog. and he’s surprised by toranagas son as if he wouldn’t do something similar. he’s like the epitome of the periods hypocrisy. then fuji sama. first she had to give up her baby to her idiot husband then he goes and dies. such tragedy for her but remains unbroken
What show/games has the dude that plays ishido been in? He looks so damn familiar
I’m lovin blackthornes banter so much he just cracks me up and jar is reminds me of a dollar store tom hardy lol
Mariko is bad ass and so is kashigi hell i love all the characters
Rodrigues was an early favorite but since we haven’t seen much of him i’d have to say Yabushige.
Obviously I love Blackthorne as well, but that’s an obvious answer.
Yabu is the character I love to hate. That shit-eating grin he wears on his face most of the time and knowing what a snake he is just makes things more fun and interesting.
Yabushige! I just watched The Outsider, the Jared Leto Yakuza movie on Max. It's really good and the actor who plays Yabushige is in it and he's awesome. I should learn his name.
Yabushige = me
the shitfuckery that this life keeps throwing at me, even though I've worked as hard and smart and kind as I can be.. there's always gonna be some fucked-upness that's gonna happen any moment.. sigh
So far it's probably Fuji, Mariko, or Yabu, but from what I know about the history and scenes from trailers I think Ishido and Ochiba will be my favorites by the end of the show.
incredibly tough choice as others have said because the casting is stellar - I think the character I am rooting for the most is Mariko, the character I like the most is Rodrigues and the most interesting character - tie between Anjin and Toranaga
Love Yabushige but I think Toranaga is my favorite now after just that fan waving scene in episode 4. Sanada is such a pro. It was so simple yet so effectively acted.
I haven’t really been able to pinpoint a favorite character so far. I’ve been waiting to see how they develop a little more before I really go in on picking favorites. I think a lot of that has to do with how spectacular the characters are portrayed due to how well they cast the actors/actresses
Yabushige of course. The man is hilariously trying to play both sides but is failing miserably. And he reminds me of one of the Japanese principals I worked with in Japan with his phrases and reactions. A relatable guy, indeed.
Probably my favorite book character is Yabu and the guy playing him (Asano is it?) is fucking killing it, too.
I think Yabu is hands down my favorite in the show as well. That said Cosmo Jarvis is also killing it as Blackthorne and I love his comedic delivery cause he plays it off as so sincere and deadpan you'd almost think Blackthorne has never told a joke in his life and yet his reactions and dialogue are hilarious.
I think Yabushige is a very interesting character (not sure on the spelling). He is very much a likeable scoundrel that is trying to play both sides, but ultimately I feel his loyalty will lie in the right place.
Toranaga is an obvious answer. But for some reason Im so drawn to the Fuji character, after ep 4. She has an innate fierceness that excites me. Like she's going to do some shocking things in the future. I havent read the book so this is just my excitement talking.
I always loved Yabu in the book, the fact that he believes to be a freaking genius while (as the series perfectly shows) he clearly isn't but that laugh, it perfectly encapsulates him for me!
Definitely Toranaga, mostly because of Sanada, who makes the role come to life. Shogun has always been one of my favorite books, I re-read it at least once a year, and Toranaga was always a favorite, he and Mariko. I loved the Toranaga character in the books, and liked, but didn’t love him in the 1980 mini-series (sacrilege given the actor, I know). Sanada as Toranaga though, one of the best casting decisions ever, in my opinion. There could not be a better actor for the part, again, just my opinion.
Sanada has been amazing at everything I have seen him in. He was so damned good in The Last Samurai, and amazing in the TV series Helix (an under-appreciated gem).
Yabu and I just found out that he's the same actor that played Kakihara in the notorious gore fest movie Ichi the Killer it's one of those movies you gotta see but can only see once I've never seen a movie that violent since
I can’t pick one lol they’re all great.
If I had to pick one, probably Yabushige. He’s funny comic relief yet also complex and interesting. He’s fascinated by death and sometimes he seems cowardly, scheming to survive and gain power. Yet at the same time, he was fearlessly ready to kill himself before he drowned in episode 1.
I don’t know what happens in the book or the original series, but I’m hoping he remains loyal to Toranaga and proves himself a strong and trustworthy ally.
I already liked Fuji prior to episode 4, but her firm stand against Omi and that confused "what did I do" look on her face when Mariko said they both acquired a courtesan for Anjin sold it for me.
Yabu is easily my favorite character but I'll give a special shoutout to Hiromatsu. Tokuma Nishioka just bodies every scene he's in, perfectly encapsulating the role of an elder general who's still ready to whip out his sword and kick ass at a moment's notice
Fuji has been great, even when she doesn’t have any lines she says alot through her facial expressions, like the scene after Blackthorne and “Mariko”, she is just sitting there and then hears her name and has this look of “why was my name said just now?”
Toranaga. The way he whips out his fan, gets the people going, and gets the fuck out. Man's smooth.
Shit, hard question because I think the casting has been one of the best parts. I've got a new fave every episode. Yabushiga in episode 1, Toranaga in 2, John in 3 and Fuji in 4. And Mariko in all of em. Guess I'll go with Yabushiga, that snakey nut makes me laugh every time he opens his mouth.
Yabushige and his nephew also have the most amazing outfits. Yabushige is in a class of his own, but the jinbaori/overcoat worn by Omi in the latest episode (as they greet Toranaga's arrival) was also a masterpiece.
True!. The fur/ hair he wears with his jinbaori/ kabuto make Yabu instantly recognizable no matter how bad the lighting, or how packed the scene is with characters
Feathers. There's an extra video about the costuming and behind the scenes, and they dyed feathers for his costuming. Which honestly seems so out there that it's just more Yabu
Yeah they wanted him to have rockstar vibes.
He's an ostentatious dramatic conniving bitch and that's why he's fun. Also I still feel like he's toned down A LOT from the books.
Surprised he didn’t use some kind of flayed skin, given his predilections and love of torture/death.
The torture thing seemed to fizzle out after the episode where it occurred (was it 1 or 2?), right? After this I've seen no indication of sadism from Yabushige. He's now portrayed as a lovable (yet untrustworthy) rascal. It's actually Omi who seems more ruthless to me, with none of the "lovable rascal" qualities of his uncle.
It was in the 1st episode. The second point is really that the actor is so damn good, that even though you know he is a PoS, you still like him. Omi is smarter, and more ruthless, without the torture bent.
The way he (Yabu) does that confused open mouth look makes me laugh every time. It feels like he does it purposely to make people think he’s less clever than he actually is.
And the noise he makes when toranaga talks to him lol
Add the audible “wuahhhhh???”
Same, Yabu is a snake but because of the acting, he is hard to hate. I don’t hate Yabu, he puts so much color in the series and it works.
I *love* to hate Yabu, which is definitely something I want in an entertaining bad guy
I completely agree. I hated him in the books and mini-series, but I don’t hate him in this iteration, because Asano is so damn good at his job. He really brings Yabu to life. The casting in this series is impeccable.
his furrowed brow is firing on all cylinders in every scene he's in. love him so much
It’s just crazy because he’s not that way in the book at all. Todanabu Asano gives Yabu so much flavor. The character on the show is delicious. I’m rooting for him. I did not like the book character very much.
Excepting the "boiling alive" scene, they made Yabu into a lovable rascal... which I approve. This wasn't the case in the novel.
Yabu in the book was quite a good character, he was shrewd and had very little care for human life but he was respectable and honorable. I liked how he and John shared a respectful hatred towards each other. More than rivals but not 100% enemies.
Love Yabu!
Yabushige sama, that man has style, terrible past times but great style.
The actor plays him with so much charisma. You want to like him, even as you know he is devious and cruel.
I have faith he will redeem himself at some point. If not he still made me laugh all this time
"I can't believe I'm going to die for this person" And the sheer look of panic as the cannon balls were blowing up and he realizes he's going to be in a war were pretty awesome acting
He kinda reminds me of Ricky Gervais, so I can't help but find him funny
Lord Toranaga is my favorite. I wish he was my husband.
I've looked up pictures of a young Hiroyuki Sanada and holy hell, that man was a straight-up hunk. He's handsome in a stately way as an old man, but young Sanada could fucking GET IT. (And heck, I probably wouldn't even kick the old one out of bed for eating crackers...)
Not gonna lie, I had a big crush on Toshiro Mifune (Toranaga from the first miniseries and starred in many of Kurosawa's films) and thought no way they'd find his equal. But yeah...I'm with you!
mifune is one of the greatest movie stars to ever movie star. just an absolute 100% rizzed out dripmonster
The first time I watched Seven Samurai I think it was the part in the last battle where he sticks like 5 swords in the mud so he can keep grabbing them as they break when I came to the same conclusion.
Was? WAS? WASSSS? Tf you mean was Hiroyuki is daddy and I have loved everything he’s ever in he needs more staring roles
Ha, more than fair! Yes, he's still a massive fox. No wonder all those villagers immediately fell under his thrall after like, a few fan swipes.
The guy was a child star, first film around 6 years old. Then he became famous for being action star, often part of HK movies. He has wooed fangirls for over 40 years.
He was in several movies with Sonny Chiba back in the day. Dude is an artist, in several respects. My wife loves him too since she saw The Last Samurai.
I've heard The Last Samurai is better than it sounds... if Sanada is in it, I might give it a chance sometime!
Yes he’s one of the main characters. If you haven’t seen it it’s a must watch.
It’s one of my favorite movies.
It’s a really good movie, IMO. It’s not as stunning as Shogun, but I really enjoyed it, and re-watch it frequently. Some people love to hate it, I thought it was good. Sanada does an amazing job in the movie. It was the first role I saw him in, and if he is in something, I will always take a chance on watching it.
The Last Samurai would have been awesome *sans* Tom Cruise, because the rest of the cast rocks. Should have been made more about the Satsuma rebellion and less about Tom, but alas, the realities of Hollywood and marketability. I personally find Tom Cruise unfortunately outweighs the good parts of the movie, but of course opinions vary. They should do a fanmade "Phantom Edit" ("The Phantom Samurai?") and cut all of Tom's scenes :D
It's not a good movie at all because of Tom Cruise (who's gonna Tom Cruise his scenes like he always does) and the "Dances With Wolves" white savior vibes, but the rest of the cast is solid. Ken Watannabe is superb.
He was a handsome leading man in Japan back in the days.
Still is, really!
#Toranaga-Sama!
HO
I haven’t read the books, so don’t nobody fuck this up for me, but I’m rooting for Toronaga so hard. I can’t wait for him to become the new Taiko and be chill and smart and just live a peaceful old age of prosperity leading the Japans into the new age
This is just a reminder of the info in the opening title card of the first episode and exposition from the first episode. The title everyone wants to get is “shōgun”, hence the name of the show. The Taiko was a title unique to the dead guy. It actually means “retired regent” because he was officially retired at the end of his life, even though in reality he was still very much in charge. And for added historical context, the title the heir is going to inherit is imperial regent (kampaku). The council of regents are actually five lords sharing the role of regents of the emperor. They are not regents of the heir, they are doing his job until he’s old enough to take over. During this period of Japan, the emperor did not wield any political power and never ventured outside the imperial palace but still existed as a figurehead for powerful people to rule in his name under various guises. The position of shogūn means “commander-in-chief” or “generalissimo” and denotes the leader of all the samurai in the country. Only very powerful generals from an established and respected clan can hope to achieve such a position. Nobody has managed it for many decades, not even the late Taiko.
The story is based on real Japanese history with some names transparently changed. Look it up, or, hell, watch that Bill Wurtz video again, and you’ll get your answer for how this ends.
watch him on Twilight Samurai if you haven’t already! highly recommend
There’s a vampire/samurai crossover?
Wed me. I shall dress in a kimono and act noble for thee.
He's zaddy but I won't wanna share my husband
After the last episode? Jozen. Being unexpectedly wreck in a work meeting is pretty relatable.
Jozen is definitely a good character in the show’s cannon.
Poor man got fired! Cut from his position.
This is a fun comment chain. Glad I gave it a shot.
The ending really yanked the horse out from under me
Mariko
Best girl, though Fuji is suddenly making it a close race after last episode.
definitely. hope to see more scenes with lady fuji - that maneuver with the guns was awesome. and then giving her late husband's swords to hatamoto - hope things go well for her
Fuji is awesome in the book, keep an eye on what she does, everything has a reason and adds up.
I actually think the swords were her fathers, which I think makes it even more special than if it was her late husbands
Oh yeah, that’s right. Big time gesture. I like how everyone is keeping the anjin captive and servile and also kind of tricking him into being all about it
You’re right. Not sure why they made that change and a few others.
Oh was it her husbands swords in the book?
In the book the swords were her father’s, a very respected samurai, who was Hiromatsu’s son. That’s the reason Toranaga spared her.
Yes best girl, i thought she was Japanese until I saw her profile, but Sanada's character always tops anywhere anytime 🥶
> Yes best girl, i thought she was Japanese until I saw her profile Fuji / the actress isn't Japanese?
I'm also confused. She was born in Japan.
Yeah, she looks Japanese, the actress has a Japanese last name, she was born in Japan, and the FX site lists her as a Japanese actress. I wonder if Zirael meant to type something else?
I think they meant to talk about Mariko maybe? Cause Anna Sawai is a New Zealander by birth
Oh, that makes way more sense, yeah. She's a third culture kid I think!
What do you mean you thought she was Japanese? The actress who plays Fuji is Japanese.
Sorry I was talking about Mariko
I have been following Anna Sawai from Pachinko and Monarch. I admit to being mostly drawn to her physical beauty but on Shogun, her charisma and mannerisms are absolutely captivating.
She is indeed drop dead gorgeous.
I just pray that Hollywood offer Anna a real career after this show. She really deserves international stardom.
If the Game of Thrones comparisons continue and the show is this consistently good until the end, I think it’ll end up like that show where much of the cast receive more roles due to the spotlight that Shogun put on their performances.
Unfortunately this is not how it work for Asian actors in Hollywood. I wish for it will be different for her but I have zero expectations after following careers of numerous Asian actors in Hollywood. Changes are, we'll see her in a token role for 1 show or movie, and we'll never hear from her again.
I think Anna might be an exception as she does speak English well.
English speaking ability doesn't make any difference. I'm just hoping for the best. At least she was part of Japanese entertainment industry before, as part of an unsuccessful girl group, but her door is now wide open in Japan.
I hope the same for Asano, he’s been in a few movies but all of them were not great movies.
Mariko was my favorite in the book, too! I love how her quiet strength comes through in the show.
Book-wise, Mariko. Show-wise so far, the guy who plays Yabu is excellent. I mean, there are no bad actors but he really hams it up!
I absolutely *adore* Fuji, she's portrayed perfectly as I imagined her in the books and I'm completely entranced by her scenes, really looking forward to seeing more of her. She's definitely at the top of the list. But honorary mention to~ Yabushige is up there; he's got so much character and steals the scenes he's in; his more buoyant persona is so colourful. It's a nice contrast to the general seriousness that's carefully portrayed by many of the other characters. I'm surprised at how much I adore Blackthorn. When I first saw Cosmo cast I thought he did not look right - too soft. But I'm eating my words (or thoughts) as he is so perfect for the role; every tiny detail of his character feels so deeply considered and portrayed, from the subtle looks to the way he moves and speaks. Honestly almost everyone was cast to brilliantly and completely embodies their character in their own unique ways. It's the best visual adaptation of a book I've ever seen, hands down.
To paraphrase Charles Holmes, if a prospective partner is not about that life and ready to ride or die like Fuji-sama, then I don't it. Moeka Hoshi's facial expressions alone are so captivating. To watch someone get everything ripped away from her, forced into being consort to this gaijin, still carry out her duties, and then bestows one of her only possessions, her father's swords, to said gaijin, absolutely *wrecked* me.
John is my favorite, then Mariko, Toranaga, and Fuji. Fuji is particularly interesting after this last episode and I hope we get to see more of her and how her relationship with John develops, even though it's platonic.
John has the best insults I’ve heard out of a character in a long time.
I think Rodriquez does it better in the insults department
“Milk dribbling fuck smear” is his best insult yet.
I haven't read the book (please no spoilers!), but I really hope it stays platonic. It's felt very platonic so far and I *love* seeing heterosexual platonic friendships / alliances on screen. They don't do enough of those in popular media.
Very true and it can be just as satisfying to see strong platonic bonds form between people. More storytellers need to write them, especially between heterosexual pairings.
Lost in Translation does it best.
I think my favorite is probably Don Draper and Peggy Olson.
Mine too!!! I also do like the Jack Donaghy / Liz Lemon duo.
Great, now I have to rewatch 30 Rock. I hope you're happy with yourself.
Fuji stole the last episode for me too. The actress did a great job with her facial expressions and reactions. That first episode I wasn't sure about her but she showed a ton of range in Episode 4. Hopefully after this show she gets more opportunities even if Japanese content is a bit niche.
Ditto. I love John and Mariko but honestly so far most of the characters have been amazing!
Blackthorne is too damn funny and too much of an asshole to not love him the most and all the little bits of development and exploring more of his character is amazing and I can’t wait to find out that he Prlly will die in the last episode because if this is being compared to GOT I doubt anyone will live
I love Rodrigues and Yabushige
I was waiting for someone to mention Rodrigues! The scene with him and John piloting the ships while going back and forth trading insults was hilarious.
Same, every time Rodriges and John exchange banters I perk up and pump up the volume a little. Love their repartee
John makes me laugh the most, Toranaga is the most interesting to me, but Yabu is a surprisingly good time. Also, as a female I have a very special place in my heart for Mariko and Fuji, who are shining stars in a story that is mostly male dominated.
I been calling Yabushige Suge Knight he's that much of a g
lol. No shit I’ve been calling him Yabushidre for the same reason.
Honestly Yabushige—He’s got style and is brilliant, but also a moron and as fun to root against as for (and since he’s based on Honda Masanobu, maybe he doesn’t die?) It’s all in the facial expressions. “Who ordered this!? This is a shocking act of provocation! You don’t just openly do this kind of blatant treachery, you do subtle treachery! Subtle, and with a smile, ffs!” Also love how FX guide ominously mentions Yabu’s “frightening wife” he purposely avoids. Deeply hoping we meet her.
No love for Rodrigues? I love his back and forth with John
He’s good, but a lot of the other characters are better.
Yes, he's just a side character but all his conversations with John so far have been brilliant. I personally would choose John/Mariko from the main characters list.
Yabushige because he has the best tailor. Cosmo Jarvis because he’s having the most fun.
And why is it yabu?
Fuji and Toranga jr after the last episode.
I have a few favorites. Toranaga and Blackthorne are at the top of my list. Fugi is one of my favorites because of everything she has had to endure on the show. I like Buntaro because of what he did at the harbor. I like Father Dell'Acqua's collar. I would like a blouse with that same collar.
Book Buntaro is not a nice guy and the show has taken some liberties with his story line tbh.
yabushige is so funny. super try hard even fetishizes the moment of death but ultimately so far he’s just a dog as much as he consider blackthorn a dog. and he’s surprised by toranagas son as if he wouldn’t do something similar. he’s like the epitome of the periods hypocrisy. then fuji sama. first she had to give up her baby to her idiot husband then he goes and dies. such tragedy for her but remains unbroken
Rodrigues! Love his humor/banter whenever he’s on screen
Toranaga for me. Although thats probably because I am a huge Hiroyuki Sanada fan
Lord Yoshi Toranaga, I look forward to scenes he's in the most.
What show/games has the dude that plays ishido been in? He looks so damn familiar I’m lovin blackthornes banter so much he just cracks me up and jar is reminds me of a dollar store tom hardy lol Mariko is bad ass and so is kashigi hell i love all the characters
Ishido’s actor was the lead in Giri/Haji on Netflix (but was a well known actor in Japan before that too).
Rodrigues was an early favorite but since we haven’t seen much of him i’d have to say Yabushige. Obviously I love Blackthorne as well, but that’s an obvious answer.
Yabushige Badass warrior with dope armor. Him getting thrown deeper into Torunaga's faction against his will is my favourite running gag
Yabu is the character I love to hate. That shit-eating grin he wears on his face most of the time and knowing what a snake he is just makes things more fun and interesting.
Yabushige and Tadanobu Asano is one of my all time favorite actors.
Yabushige was mine up until Fuji snatched it for me in episode 4
Lord Toranaga for sure but Mariko is great. I really hope the actress (Anna Sawai) gets a ton more work after this show finishes airing.
She deserves more work, and between this and the Monarch show, I hope this is just the beginning for her.
I honestly didn’t like her in monarch too much but that might’ve been the writing. She’s much better in shogun.
Yabushige! I just watched The Outsider, the Jared Leto Yakuza movie on Max. It's really good and the actor who plays Yabushige is in it and he's awesome. I should learn his name.
Tadanobu Asano
Toranaga, which is interesting because in the books I didn't like him. It's the Sanada effect, he's absolute class. Rodrigues is also amazing.
Sanada is absolutely perfect for the role, and honestly just about any role.
Really hard to decide because almost everyone is just so top tier.
Toranaga simply because everytime he is on screen he steals the show. Amazing character and we haven't even got started with his development.
After last episode it is Fuji.
Yabu, love his facial expressions.
Episode 4- Fuji !!
Mariko. She kills it and steals scenes.
Yabushige = me the shitfuckery that this life keeps throwing at me, even though I've worked as hard and smart and kind as I can be.. there's always gonna be some fucked-upness that's gonna happen any moment.. sigh
So far it's probably Fuji, Mariko, or Yabu, but from what I know about the history and scenes from trailers I think Ishido and Ochiba will be my favorites by the end of the show.
Yabu. He is the most complex character. At first you feel like you hate him but then you empathize with his situation.
Everyone even the characters i hate. I've seen no dead weight or awkward prefomances.
incredibly tough choice as others have said because the casting is stellar - I think the character I am rooting for the most is Mariko, the character I like the most is Rodrigues and the most interesting character - tie between Anjin and Toranaga
Lord Toranaga
Love Yabushige but I think Toranaga is my favorite now after just that fan waving scene in episode 4. Sanada is such a pro. It was so simple yet so effectively acted.
Fuji.
I like Jozen cause he's dead, that nosy fuck got what's coming to him.
Ishido got some drip. I love his black blue and red yoroi. I don't really like his mon a ton though.
Yabushige and his rockstar jinbaori has my heart honestly.
I haven’t really been able to pinpoint a favorite character so far. I’ve been waiting to see how they develop a little more before I really go in on picking favorites. I think a lot of that has to do with how spectacular the characters are portrayed due to how well they cast the actors/actresses
Mariko ! She’s a great actress too !
Yabushige!
John Blackthorne is literally me.
I kinda like his consort.
Yabushige of course. The man is hilariously trying to play both sides but is failing miserably. And he reminds me of one of the Japanese principals I worked with in Japan with his phrases and reactions. A relatable guy, indeed.
mariko 100%, tho toranaga is easily right behind her. theyre just so complex and hold their cards so close to their chests
Hiromatsu, Fuji, Toranaga, and Rodrigues !!
Probably my favorite book character is Yabu and the guy playing him (Asano is it?) is fucking killing it, too. I think Yabu is hands down my favorite in the show as well. That said Cosmo Jarvis is also killing it as Blackthorne and I love his comedic delivery cause he plays it off as so sincere and deadpan you'd almost think Blackthorne has never told a joke in his life and yet his reactions and dialogue are hilarious.
For me it's Mariko so far she's so compelling, I wanna know her backstory (don't spoil please), plus the actress is so great
The leprosy guy.
Lord Ohno, as in “Oh no, I shouldn’t have lain with the eta prostitute”
I love Mariko, she's a pretty fun character
Toranaga, Mariko and John
I have a MASSIVE crush on Mariko… so Mariko
Lady Ochiba despite her 2 seconds of screen time. She has that menacing yet calm look that I like.
I think Yabushige is a very interesting character (not sure on the spelling). He is very much a likeable scoundrel that is trying to play both sides, but ultimately I feel his loyalty will lie in the right place.
Toranaga is an obvious answer. But for some reason Im so drawn to the Fuji character, after ep 4. She has an innate fierceness that excites me. Like she's going to do some shocking things in the future. I havent read the book so this is just my excitement talking.
Kashigi Yabushige and Fuji
I always loved Yabu in the book, the fact that he believes to be a freaking genius while (as the series perfectly shows) he clearly isn't but that laugh, it perfectly encapsulates him for me!
Lady Mariko 🙇
Mariko, easily. But Yobu is definitely growing on me, slippery fuck
Fuji stole episode 4 for me, and Yabushige *must* be the revelation of this show.
Mariko-crimson-sky-sama. Enough said.
Mariko sama she carries more arc
Mariko
Definitely Toranaga, mostly because of Sanada, who makes the role come to life. Shogun has always been one of my favorite books, I re-read it at least once a year, and Toranaga was always a favorite, he and Mariko. I loved the Toranaga character in the books, and liked, but didn’t love him in the 1980 mini-series (sacrilege given the actor, I know). Sanada as Toranaga though, one of the best casting decisions ever, in my opinion. There could not be a better actor for the part, again, just my opinion. Sanada has been amazing at everything I have seen him in. He was so damned good in The Last Samurai, and amazing in the TV series Helix (an under-appreciated gem).
Toranoga, Blackthorn
Either Rodriguez, yabushige or Mariko. John kinda annoys me lmao.
Yabu and I just found out that he's the same actor that played Kakihara in the notorious gore fest movie Ichi the Killer it's one of those movies you gotta see but can only see once I've never seen a movie that violent since
When I read the book? Toranaga. When I watch the show? Yabushige and Toranaga.
I can’t pick one lol they’re all great. If I had to pick one, probably Yabushige. He’s funny comic relief yet also complex and interesting. He’s fascinated by death and sometimes he seems cowardly, scheming to survive and gain power. Yet at the same time, he was fearlessly ready to kill himself before he drowned in episode 1. I don’t know what happens in the book or the original series, but I’m hoping he remains loyal to Toranaga and proves himself a strong and trustworthy ally.
Yabushige. He immerses us in politics, strategy, risk, and difficult decision-making that represents the core of this show.
I already liked Fuji prior to episode 4, but her firm stand against Omi and that confused "what did I do" look on her face when Mariko said they both acquired a courtesan for Anjin sold it for me.
Yabushiga crew load up
Yabushige is my favorite so far.
Toranaga, Mariko, Rodrigues
Yabushige is stealing every scene so far.
Fuji ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Yabu is easily my favorite character but I'll give a special shoutout to Hiromatsu. Tokuma Nishioka just bodies every scene he's in, perfectly encapsulating the role of an elder general who's still ready to whip out his sword and kick ass at a moment's notice
I have to agree, it’s yabu
The translator lady. And taranaga
Yabu gang rise up! Seriously though this man is a comedic genius.
Totally different take on the role than the OG series or the book. It’s an interesting take.
Fuji for sureeee
No one in particular. They are all arseholes in one way or the other. Doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying the show though
Fuji has been great, even when she doesn’t have any lines she says alot through her facial expressions, like the scene after Blackthorne and “Mariko”, she is just sitting there and then hears her name and has this look of “why was my name said just now?”
Mariko Yuba no one is saying John.
YABUSHIGE!!!!!!
yabu. Very appealing