With dwindling options left for his survival, Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) makes a crucial decision to leave Osaka. But why does Toranaga go to Edo in the third episode of Shōgun? What can you find in this part of Japan?
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for Shōgun episode 3, so proceed with caution.
Why Does Toranaga Go to Edo in Shōgun?
The first two episodes of Shōgun largely take place in the city of Osaka. In episode 3 titled Tomorrow is Tomorrow, we see the show's protagonist set sail for Edo with John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis), Toda Mariko (played by Anna Sawai), and others.
But before he boards the boat, we must explain why Toranaga went to Edo.
As he faced the Council of Regents, Toranaga was told that the lords were planning to impeach him for allegedly taking Lady Ochiba (played by Fumi Nikaido) hostage. Although he denies this, he is told to release her within seven days. After that, the Council's decision on his fate will be revealed.
Toranaga knows that Ishido Kazunari (played by Takehiro Hira) has plans of his own. And one of them is to strip Toranaga of his power. If the Council votes to impeach him, that only means Toranaga will be killed along with the rest of his clan.
Because of this, he has to protect everyone by escaping to Edo.
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How Did Toranaga Escape Osaka?
With Ishido keeping watch of his every move, it was very hard for Toranaga to escape Osaka.
Since he was kept as a prisoner, Lord Ishido prohibited Lady Kiri or any member of Toranaga's family from leaving the city. The only way they could do this was to inform Ishido first.
But the ever-strategic Toranaga manages to do this with the help of Lady Kiri (played by Yoriko Dōguchi), whom he made a last-minute switch with.
He also arranged an emergency deal cut with merchants from Portugal. Not to mention, he was able to get help from Yabushige (played by Tadanobu Asano), which was already a huge risk.
As they make their way to the ship, Toranaga and his men are almost caught twice. They had to engage in battle so they could protect the Lord of Kanto. When Toranaga was safely on the Portuguese's Black Ship, his decision to resign from the Council was made known.
On his way to Edo, Toranaga makes a stop at Ajiro to drop off his son and Yabushige. In this fishing village, Toranaga leaves behind his men so they can be safe. He also planned to prepare a new group of fighters under John Blackthorne's leadership, who is now called Hatamoto.
With his escape, we can only expect Toranaga to succeed in his plans, especially since his real-life character made a legacy for himself in Edo.
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