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'Shōgun' on FX: Here's why Toda Mariko forbids John Blackthorne from trying natto

The show explores the story of an Englishman who unintentionally plays a significant role in the ascent to power in feudal Japan

LAS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: FX's latest series, 'Shōgun', is generating buzz for all the right reasons, with its fascinating narrative of feudal Japan.

The show centers on the journey of an Englishman named John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who becomes a pawn in the power battle between five daimyo.

In previous episodes, it was revealed that the pilot is still struggling to adapt to the norms of medieval Japan, despite having earned the title of Hatamoto.

Thrown into an entirely foreign society and resentful of his six-month stay in the nation, Blackthorne adamantly refuses to accept Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi) as his concubine.

John Blackthorne asks Toda Mariko to feed him natto

For the uninitiated, the man's hostility to Japanese culture was evident throughout the last episode.

However, he began to appreciate the culture gradually, as evidenced by his request to Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) to serve him the unusual dish natto.

In the final ten minutes of the show, the man is depicted sitting at the dinner table with Fuji and Mariko when he notices Mariko munching on an unusual dish that wasn't offered to him.

He promptly asks her to feed him the food. Mariko cautions him that the dish might not suit his taste.

Despite her concerns, he insists that she feed him. Initially, Blackthorne appears apprehensive about the food due to its slimy appearance, yet he quickly develops a fondness for it.

Why was Toda Mariko reluctant to let John Blackthorne eat the natto? 

The reason Mariko hesitates to allow Blackthorne to eat the food remains unclear, as depicted in the episode where she expresses hesitation and even suggests that the dish might not be to his liking.

Mariko's hesitation could be attributed to the fact that natto is an acquired taste and not generally enjoyed by everyone. She was likely aware of its flavor and thought Blackthorne might not enjoy it.

Furthermore, in Japanese culture, extending food is a gesture of hospitality that involves a few subtle manners. Perhaps Mariko felt it would be inappropriate to serve a meal that Balckthorne was unfamiliar with.

What does John Blackthorne's eating Natto signify? 

Blackthorne's decision to eat the traditional meal demonstrates his willingness to understand Japanese culture.

Throughout the episode, he is apprehensive of Japanese culture, yet eating a traditional meal with an acquired taste gives the impression that the man is prepared to venture outside of his comfort zone and adapt to a new culture.

Also, his willingness to taste the natto opens the road for future trust with Mariko and Fuji, transforming him from a foreign prisoner to someone attempting to integrate and grow.

The series premiered with its first two episodes on February 27, 2024, on Hulu and FX. The subsequent episodes are scheduled to be released weekly.