The third episode of Shōgun is now available and we dig deeper into the politics of the series. In this episode, we see the Council of Regents discussing the future of Toranaga. So was Toranaga impeached in Shōgun? Here's what we know.
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for Shōgun episode 3, so proceed with caution.
Who Are the Shōgun Council of Regents?
Back in episode 2, we saw the Taiko (played by Yukijiro Hotaru) on his deathbed reminiscing on the past with Lord Yoshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada).
As things get serious, the Taiko presents him with an opportunity to become the sole Regent until his son is grown and can take over the position. When this happens, Toranaga will be able to share the title with Yaechiyo if he swears to protect him.
Although this was a tempting offer, Toranaga declined. He explained that if he were to accept the role, the other lords would kill him and target Yaechiyo next.
Instead, Toranaga proposed establishing a Five-Regent council, who would share the power until Yaechiyo turned 16.
Seemingly pleased with this suggestion, the Taiko formed the Council of Regents. The group was composed of Toranaga, Ishido Kazunari (played by Takehiro Hira), Kiyama ukon Sadanaga (played by Hiromoto Ida), Ohno Harunobu (played by Takeshi Kurokawa), and Sugiyama (played by Toshi Toda).
Out of the five Regents, Toranaga is considered the most powerful member simply because of his Minowara bloodline. This is a fact that is known even to Toranaga.
In one of his conversations with the Daiyoin (played by Ako), he is told that the Regents do not fear his name. Instead, they fear his bloodline.
The Daiyoin tells Toranaga that he needs to become the shōgun needed by Japan. In doing so, this is the only way Toranaga can save himself and Yaechiyo from the other lords.
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Was Toranaga Impeached in Shōgun?
Despite Toranaga's power and the obvious mistrust that the Regents have with one another, the four men seemed to have one common goal: to remove Toranaga from his role as a Regent.
In Shōgun, they wanted Toranaga impeached because he was seen as an obstacle to their power. They claimed to impeach Toranaga to defend the rightful heir, Yaechiyo.
But in order to impeach Toranaga, the Council needs to vote as one. Toranaga has seen this strategy and has a plan of his own: to use John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) and create a division between Ishido and the other Christian lords.
As the Council meets to vote on Toranaga's impeachment, they discuss Blackthorne's fate. Before voting, the lords demand that Blackthorne be executed.
Toranaga decides to resign from the Council of Regents. As a result, the other Regents were unable to make a vote, therefore preventing his impeachment.
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