'Shōgun' Season 2: 5 characters we hope will play a bigger role when FX's show returns
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: FX's 'Shōgun' stands out as one of the finest series of 2024, thanks to its compelling storyline and magnificent representation of 17th-century Japan.
The narrative focuses on John Blackthrone (Cosmo Jarvis), an Englishman who finds himself in medieval Japan.
Unaware of the land's rich culture and customs, the Englishman initially struggles and faces skepticism. However, he gradually warms up to them, largely due to his association with Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), who appoints him as his hatamoto to win supreme authority over the Osaka palace.
The series debuted on February 27, 2024, and just finished its first season, leaving many fans wondering about the second season. Unfortunately, there is no official news on the series' future, although this does not rule out the potential of a follow-up season to the blockbuster historical drama.
However, the cliffhanger conclusion hints at prospective characters who might take center stage in Season 2. So, let's take a look at the five characters we think will take center stage if the historical series returns with a new season.
Kashigi Omi
Kashigi Omi (Hiroto Kanai) is a competent samurai and the nephew of the crafty Kashigi Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano), who has enormous potential for a larger role in a possible season two.
As proven in season one, Omi has a crafty mind that is similar to Toranaga's; he might be a formidable force for Toranaga, as evidenced by his instigating and influencing abilities on Yoshii Nagakado (Yuki Kura).
Furthermore, he was skeptical about Blackthorne at the start of the series, but as demonstrated in the last episode of the show, both are gradually and steadily warming up to one another. Furthermore, he demonstrated his loyalty to Toranaga by staying with him even when he was ready to surrender.
The following season might shed more light on Omi, as he uses his cunning to assist Toranaga in unifying Japan.
Ochiba-no-kata
The heir's mother, Nakamura Yaechiyo (Sen Mars), Ochiba-no-kata (Fumi Nikaido), debuted in episode six of the show, but her character has become well-known among viewers due to her cunning demeanor.
At first, Ochiba is portrayed as cruel and ambitious, seeking vengeance on Toranaga, who plots to murder her father, Lord Kuroda Nobuhisa (Eijiro Ozaki), a former daimyo.
She was always plotting with Ishido, but her vulnerable side is also shown when she is concerned about Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), and she eventually chooses to join forces with his adversary, Toranaga, after Mariko is brutally murdered.
Season two of the series will shed more light on the feisty lady, as the ramifications of her betrayal of Ishido will become clear. She will also stop at nothing to defend her son's rights, despite her relationship with Toranaga.
Usami Fuji
The first season of the historical drama centers on Usami Fuji's (Moeka Hoshi) struggles to move on from the horrific deaths of her husband and child at the hands of Ishido's men. Later, she was tasked with serving as Blackthrone's consort.
Both were initially suspicious of one another but soon became excellent friends and were seen supporting one another.
In the series season finale, it was revealed that Fuji had chosen to pursue a spiritual path and become a nun, which Blackthorne accepted.
In other words, Fuji is a gentle but stern lady who appreciates the importance of doing her duty to her Lord.
There's a lot of room for development for Fuji's character in season two of the show. It would be interesting to see her develop a close friendship with Blackthrone while still fulfilling her duties as a nun.
Toda Buntaro
Mariko's spouse and a formidable samurai working for Toranaga, Toda Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe), is an intriguing character who may play an integral role in a future season.
In the first season, he was seen battling bravely for Toranaga and was thought to be dead until he reappeared, startling everyone.
He also has a sense of honor and respect for his culture, which he believes Blackthrone insults and Blackthorne's proximity to his wife Mariko makes him dislike the Englishman even more.
In the season finale, after Mariko's death, he is shown warming up to Blackthorne and assisting him in retrieving the ship from the water, a gesture that indicates that he has embraced Blackthorne as one of his own.
Season two of the series might dive more into Buntaro and Blackthorne's friendship as they both open up to each other about their cultures and learn from one another. Buntaro's possible storyline in season two extends beyond merely action and swordplay, which might allow him to flourish.
Tonomoto Akinao / Muraji
Muraji (Yasunari Takeshima) is a Christian fisherman from Ajiro who is loyal to Toranaga and goes covertly to spy on Yabushige.
In the finale episode, Muraji confesses his true identity to Blackthrone, introducing himself as Tonomoto Akinao, a skilled samurai who works for Toranaga.
Owing to his proficiency in the English language, the guy was able to interpret the exchange between Blackthorne and Toranaga, suggesting that he would play a significant part in the future season.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that although Muraji seemed to be an orderly fisherman in the village, he remained faithful to Toranaga and notified him of any suspicious activity in the area.
Toranaga had already lost his trusty confidant Toda Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka); Muraji may take up that role in the future since, like Hiromatsu, he is a skilled samurai with the greatest level of dedication and regard for Toranaga.
It would be interesting to see Muraji take center stage in the sequel, walking beside Toranaga when the cunning Lord sets out on a journey to reunite Japan.
'Shōgun' trailer