Shogun Episode 9: The Meaning Of Mariko's Poem & Her Reunion With Ochiba Explained By Star & Creator

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Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shōgun episode 9.

Summary Co-creator Rachel Kondo and star Anna Sawai highlight the importance of complicated dynamic between Mariko and Ochiba in Shōgun episode 9 and the show more generally.

Using poetry, Mariko foreshadows her own sacrifice by stressing that death is what makes life beautiful and gives it meaning.

There is historical basis in Mariko's poem, as it was left behind by the character's real-life inspiration, Hosokawa Gracia.

Shōgun co-creator Rachel Kondo and Mariko actor Anna Sawai explain the meaning of Mariko's poem, touching on the character's relationship with Ochiba. Co-created by Justin Marks, the acclaimed FX historical drama, which adapts the 1975 novel by James Clavell, is now nearing its conclusion. Episode 9, "Crimson Sky," sees Mariko and Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) head to Osaka Castle where she reunites with childhood friend Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido) before ultimately sacrificing herself in the service of Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada).

In a recent episode of FX's Shōgun: The Official Podcast, via FX Networks, Kondo and Sawai break down the lines of poetry that Mariko delivers to Ochiba not long before her death in Shōgun episode 9.

The co-creator and star explain the deeper meaning behind Mariko's poem, which is actually connected to Lady Mariko's real-life inspiration, Hosokawa Gracia, as well as the complicated dynamic between Mariko and Ochiba. Check out their comments below:

Rachel Kondo: “I think the relationship between Ochiba and Mariko is basically the entire underpinning of not only this episode but, strangely, for the whole story. It’s all going back to this girlhood friendship they had. "One of the scenes that is my favorite is the one between Mariko and Ochiba as they kind of parse out each other’s intentions they’re playing to the past. And ultimately, I think it’s one friend saying, ‘I want you to stay alive,’ and it’s another friend saying, ‘I want you to understand,’ and then it ends on that gorgeous line of poetry that is so Mariko.”

Anna Sawai: “It’s an actual poem that Hosokawa Gracia had also recited or left… It basically means, ‘Flowers are only flowers because they fall.’ And I think it’s just so beautiful because Mariko knows what’s going to happen right after this. Death is awaiting, but that is what makes life so beautiful, is that’s it’s not lasting forever. There’s always going to be an end… “I think it’s so sad because they have such a strong bond, but they’re not able to be truthful to their relationship because of society and because of the men, and being put in this position. It’s so bittersweet the scenes that they do have, but I think till the end they just care about each other. They want each other to kind of wake up.”

More to come...

Source: FX Networks