Shogun Episode 8 Finally Revealed The Real Leader In Osaka (& It’s Not Ishido)

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Shōgun episode 8.

Shōgun episode 8 revealed who really harnesses all the power in Osaka. As Toranaga prepares for the impending Crimson Sky attack on Osaka following the events of Shōgun episode 8 titled “The Abyss of Life”, his greatest opponents appear to be Lord Ishido and Ochiba-no-kata, the Mother of the Heir. With just one more episode left of the acclaimed miniseries following Shōgun episode 9 “Crimson Sky”, the celebrated show will air its final episode on April 23, 2024, in what is poised to be an explosive and captivating season finale that will heavily rely on Lady Mariko’s efforts in Osaka.

The last two episodes of Shōgun have seen Toranaga take major losses in the form of his mentor Hiromatsu and his son Nagakado. Known for being ruthlessly cunning, even when it involves the death of his loved one, Toranaga appears to be stopping at nothing to ensure the legacy of his future shogunate. His greatest foes, Lord Ishido and Ochiba-no-kata believe they have Toranaga right where they want him, but the shocking sacrifice of Hiromatsu demonstrates the great depths of Toranaga’s master plan. While he appears to be at his weakest moment by the end of Shōgun episode 8, Toranaga may finally have created his perfect opportunity for victory.

Shogun Episode 8 Proved Lady Ochiba-no-kata Is In Control, Not Lord Ishido

Lord Ishido still serves the Mother of the Heir

Despite Lord Ishido’s exhausting efforts to insert himself as the true threat to Lord Toranaga’s reign, he truly holds no rank against Ochiba-no-kata. As the Mother of the Heir, Lady Ochiba is entirely invested in protecting her young son from the corrupt motives of the Council of Regents. Lord Ishido and Lady Ochiba have found a common enemy in Lord Toranaga, who has been outcast from the Council of Regents, which was established by the Taiko in order to collectively rule until the Hier comes of age. Toranaga initially seems to serve Lady Ochiba’s wishes, but she is no longer convinced.

Lord Ishido had initiated the rivalry against Lord Toranaga and had originally driven him out of Osaka in earlier episodes of Shōgun. Toranaga, who is a descendant of the legendary Minowara clan, had then settled in Yabushige’s fishing village of Anjiro while collecting more resources in Edo, a village he was quickly developing into a major city. While Toranaga has set up a clear course of action to deflect Ishido’s advances, it is really Ochiba-no-kata who wields all the power over Ishido and the Council of Regents since she is the one who holds the true designation to rule.

Why Lady Ochiba Initially Refused Lord Ishido’s Marriage Proposal

She appears to come around by the end of the episode

Following the death of Lady Daiyoin, Lady Ochiba seemingly takes her advice to put an end to the games that Lord Ishido and the Council of Regents have been playing with Toranaga. Isihdo makes a rather bold suggestion that he and Lady Ochiba get married in order to solidify their stance against Toranaga, an action that would certainly benefit Ishido more than it would Lady Ochiba. It appears, however, that Lady Ochiba is willing to consider Ishido’s proposal by the end of the episode, hinting that she may see some type of benefit in strengthening their bond.

Lady Ochiba was initially taken aback by Lord Ishido’s proposal, so much so that she could not conjure an answer or even look at him. Realizing he may have overstepped a boundary, Ishido asks her to please consider his offer before hurrying off. After Ochiba-no-kata’s conversation with Lady Daiyon moments before her death, she seems determined to wipe out the concerns of Lord Ishido and the Council of Regents once and for all. While it’s not entirely clear whether Lady Ochiba accepted Ishido’s marriage proposal by the end of the episode, she is certainly making it seem like she is still on his side.

Lady Daiyoin’s Comments About Lord Ishido Before Her Death Explained

She sees right through Ishido’s fraudulence

Lady Daiyon told Ochiba-no-kata that Ishido was “a nothing and was born from nothing“, reminding the Mother of the Heir of her ancestral rank that came from providing the Taiko with his only son. Lady Ochiba became a legendary figure in Japan after becoming the only consort out of hundreds to give the Taiko a son. While Ishido is taking advantage of his proximity to power with the absence of Toranaga in Osaka, Lady Daiyon reminds Ochiba before her death that his attempts at prominence are fraudulent, which should inspire Ochiba’s next move in Shōgun episode 9.