We already know that Shōgun is based on real people in Japan's history. But what about Yuka Kouri's Shōgun character, Kiku? Who is she in the series and is she based on a real person? Here's what we know.
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for Shōgun, so proceed with caution.
Who is Kiku in Shōgun?
In Shōgun, Kiku is a courtesan in Izu known for her youth and beauty. She is a popular courtesan whom every man desires.
In fact, she earned the attention of Kashigi Omi (played by Hiroto Kanai), who was in love with her.
While Omi eventually became a great leader in the novel, this did not happen until his distractions were removed. Unfortunately, one of his distractions was Kiku.
Lord Yoshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) knows this and decides to buy Kiku's contract from her madam, Goyoko. With her new freedom, Toranaga gives her to John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis).
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Is Kiku from Shōgun Based on a Real Person?
Since the Shõgun novel is based on real historical people, we can't help but wonder whether Kiku was also based on one.
But as explained by FX, Kiku is a fictional character created specifically for the novel. Still, her character was based on the many Sengoku period courtesan groups that were pretty common during that time.
Although they were courtesans, most provided entertainment through music and dancing. This led to the onset of geishas, who came about from the courtesan world.
While they provided entertainment to their viewers, they did not perform the activities of prostitutes. Courtesans were all women, including their leaders.
When the Sengoku period ended, these courtesan houses became official venues. Men started to "own" these businesses.
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Meet Yuka Kouri from Shōgun
Yuka Kouri's Shōgun role is Kiku, the courtesan. The Japanese actress and model has appeared in several films, music videos, and TV shows.
Her famous movies and shows include September 1923, Laid-Back Camp, and Aibou: Tokyo Detective Duo.
She was also in the movies Ai Nanoni, A Loving Husband, and Strobe Edge. Her TV shows include Ishiko and Haneo: You're Suing Me?, Cold Case 2, Love of Sage, Lost ID, and many more.
Outside of her Japanese films and TV shows, her largest roles were in Max's Tokyo Vice and Apple TV+'s Invasion.
She is an in-demand actress who has sponsorship deals with as many as 12 companies.
You can follow the actress' Instagram account here.
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