The earthquake nearly killed Lord Toranaga in the latest episode of Shōgun. Considering that he came close to being buried alive if it weren't for John Blackthorne, where does that leave Lady Usami Fuji? Is Lady Fuji Dead after Shōgun Episode 5's events? Here's what happened.
CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for Shōgun, so proceed with caution.
An Earthquake Nearly Killed Lord Toranaga in Shōgun Episode 5
Shōgun episode 5 titled Broken to the Fist not only explored the growing tension between John Blackthorne and Lady Mariko, but it also led to a competitive stance between him and Toda Buntaro.
While there have been a couple of other deaths featured before the end of the episode, we get to see a natural phenomenon disrupt the nature of life. A massive earthquake nearly killed Lord Toranaga in the process.
Though it's a good thing that Blackthorne, Lady Mariko, and the others were able to save their future King, this begs the question, just how many casualties and deaths happened right under their noses?
This earthquake was likely inspired by the 1605 Keichō earthquake which resulted in thousands of casualties.
The Shōgun series takes place in 1600, which may indicate that this references the 1605 calamity.
It is worth mentioning that the story went differently in James Clavell's novel. Blackthorne only gets promoted from Anjin to Hatamoto after saving Lord Toranaga's son during the earthquake.
In the series, on the other hand, Blackthorne was already a Hatamoto before episode 5's event.
The fifth episode also highlights that anyone can "live and die." In this sense, this led Blackthorne to think back about the people staying and tending to his home.
RELATED: Shōgun: Is Buntaro Afraid of Blackthorne? Why Mariko's Husband Refused Battle Explained
Is Lady Fuji Dead or Alive?
The first thing that John Blackthorne thinks of doing after rescuing Lord Toranaga from the rubble is to go back home and check whether Lady Usami Fuji and his helpers are still alive and breathing.
As expected, his house was wrecked, and even the rock that supposedly acted as a gravestone for Uejirou was displaced. However, did his consort, Lady Fuji, survive the earthquake?
Well, as Blackthorne took a closer look inside his home, he saw Lady Fuji lying on her stomach on the floor, likely with her legs damaged and suffering from shock as the others tried comforting her.
Lady Fuji remains alive and well. Despite this being John Blackthorne's first time experiencing an earthquake in Japan, he doesn't waste time in helping the others recover from the calamity.
READ NEXT: Shogun: Why Did Toda Buntaro Refuse to Eat John Blackthorne's Rabbit Stew in Episode 5?
Shōgun episode 6 titled Ladies of the Willow World premieres on Hulu on March 26.
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