How Are Women Portrayed in the “Shōgun” Series? A Look at History and Culture

Mariko and Ochiba, Glimmers of Strength

The drama “SHOGUN” is currently a hot topic.
While its profound human drama and breathtaking visuals are often discussed, let’s shift our focus this time to two women who enrich this story: Mariko and Ochiba no Kata.

Set in Japan’s Warring States period, amidst swirling ambitions and schemes of men, how do these women live, what do they think, and what do they choose?
We will delve into the inner conflicts, hidden strengths, and the struggle to live earnestly despite being tossed about by the era — perspectives of women often buried in male-centric historical narratives, delivered from a uniquely female viewpoint.

• For a deeper look into “SHOGUN”, please see this article.

Bearing Samurai Pride: Mariko Resisting Fate

Source: Disney+

With a dignified presence, intellect, refinement, and above all, samurai pride in her heart, Mariko lives her life.
She is married to Buntaro, a vassal of Toranaga, through a political arrangement, but a deep chasm exists between husband and wife.

Mariko’s appeal lies in her inner strength.
Her encounter with Blackthorne, a foreigner, and the faint stirrings of love for him.
Her wavering between duty to her husband and forbidden love for Blackthorne will surely resonate with many women.

• Fate to Live for Family vs. Personal Desires
  As a samurai’s daughter, Mariko accepts living for her family as her destiny.
  However, meeting Blackthorne awakens emotions she has never felt before.
  “If only there was a different life…” Such thoughts may have crossed her mind.
• Bonds Beyond Language and Cultural Barriers
  How do Mariko and Blackthorne, who differ in language and culture, manage to connect at heart?
  The delicate emotional exchanges between them captivate us. People can connect heart to heart, transcending differences in language and culture.
  They are like a ray of hope, making us believe in this.
• Noble Self-Sacrifice, Even Prepared for “Death”
  As the story progresses, Mariko faces numerous hardships.
  Yet, she never abandons her pride. Her strong will, even prepared for “death” at times, gives us courage.

Mariko’s way of life offers many insights to women living in the modern era.
She teaches us the importance of upholding one’s values and living with pride, even in difficult situations.

Souece: Disney+

On the other hand, Ochiba no Kata is the concubine of the late Taiko, a brilliant strategist scheming to seize power by enthroning her son, Yaemon.
Her beauty, intelligence, and ruthlessness manipulate the men around her.

Ochiba no Kata is a woman who lives for ambition and passion, in contrast to Mariko.
Her charm lies in her calculated beauty and coldness, stopping at nothing to achieve her goals.

• Maternal Love to Protect Her Son and Political Ambition
  Ochiba no Kata’s driving principle is to protect her son and make him the supreme ruler.
  Her strong maternal love sometimes doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice those around her.
  Her inner world, where maternal love and political ambition are intricately intertwined, presents a complex human drama.
• Severity to Survive in a Male-Dominated Society, Using Beauty as a Weapon
  Ochiba no Kata uses beauty and intellect as weapons to seize power in a male-dominated society.
  Her ambition may be a manifestation of the severity required for women to survive in that era.
  We feel a sensation at the intellect and strategy hidden behind her beauty.
• Love Affairs as Tools for Power?
  It is hinted that Ochiba no Kata had a love affair with Toranaga in the past. But even love affairs, for her, are they merely tools to gain power? Where are the boundaries between affection and exploitation?
  Ochiba no Kata’s actions raise a heavy question for us.

Ochiba no Kata’s way of life teaches us the danger of power as a sweet poison and the ambiguity of ambition.
Does the severity of doing anything for one’s goals truly bring truth?
Her audacious way of life prompts deep reflection within us.

Mariko and Ochiba no Kata.
Though seemingly opposite, both women demonstrate their unique strengths to survive the tumultuous era.

• “Stillness” of Strength, Mariko
  Mariko’s strength — protecting her inner pride, suppressing emotions, and embracing self-sacrifice — can be called “stillness” of strength.
  It is a refined strength that resonates with traditional Japanese beauty.
• “Motion” of Strength, Ochiba no Kata
  Ochiba no Kata’s strength — openly displaying ambition, scheming, and striving to seize power — is the “motion” of strength.
  It might be seen as a strength filled with self-assertion that resonates with modern women.

The lives of these two women teach us that “strength” has diversity.
And, they encourage us that women, in any era, can live powerfully in their own way.

Enjoying “SHOGUN” from a Female Perspective

“SHOGUN” can be perceived as a male-dominated historical drama, but focusing on the psychological experiences and lives of the female characters allows us to discover different depths.

• Femininity Breathing in Costumes and Demeanor
  The beauty of Mariko and Ochiba no Kata’s kimonos, and their refined demeanor, are pleasing to the eye.
  Enjoying the visual side from a uniquely female perspective is also recommended.
• Heart-fluttering Romance and Empathy for Human Relationships
  Of course, the romance between Mariko and Blackthorne, but also pay attention to the relationships between female characters.
  You can savor the human drama with a uniquely female sensitivity.
• Learning the Historical Backdrop and Deepening Knowledge
  Understanding the historical background of the Warring States period allows for a deeper comprehension of the female characters’ principles of action and conflicts.
  Starting to learn Japanese history prompted by the drama is also wonderful.

“SHOGUN” is not just for men.
It is a multifaceted work full of charm that women can fully enjoy.
By all means, please explore the world of “SHOGUN” deeply, from your own perspective.

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