Shogun “One Stick Of Time” Scene Explained: What It Means For Gin

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead for Shōgun episode 7.

The expression “a stick of time” is one of the major themes in Shōgun episode 7. Shōgun episode 7 is actually titled “A Stick of Time”, which refers to the scene with Toranaga and Gin, the owner of the Willow World brothel, that demonstrates the meaning of the phrase. After seven episodes of the 10-part series have been released, the critically acclaimed Hulu/FX series has maintained its status as one of the best television series of 2024. Shōgun episode 7 begins with a young Toranaga defeating a warlord named Mizoguchi before diving right back into the anticipation before Crimson Sky.

Shōgun episode 6 “Ladies of the Willow World” introduces the character of Gin, who initially negotiates with Mariko about the price for Blackthorne to hire the courtesan Lady Kiku for one night. Gin is a seemingly simple but very wise and tactful character in Shōgun, who uses her intuition and experience to impress Lord Toranaga during their brief “stick of time” meeting in episode 7. Gin is also somewhat untrustworthy since she irresponsibly insinuates to Kashigi Omi about Blackthorne’s interest in Mariko when he comes looking for her at Willow World, a place that advertises itself as completely private and confidential.

Shogun Episode 7’s “A Stick Of Time” Title Explained

A “stick of time” implies that time is running out for Toranaga

As portrayed in Shōgun episode 7, the phrase “a stick of time” is a poetic way of saying a “moment” or a short duration of time. At the beginning of the conversation between Toranaga and Gin, a small incense stick can be seen burning in the center of the room. The incense stick acts as a timer of their conversation and is seen as a respectful and thoughtful exchange of time with a predetermined endpoint. This way, they are able to get straight to the point about the matter they are discussing, and Toranaga, who is obviously extremely busy, won’t be wasting any time.

A “stick of time” is not a specific unit of measure, like a yardstick. It’s a figurative way of saying a short duration of time, or literally the amount of time it takes to burn an incense stick. Depending on the length of the intense stick, a “stick of time” could theoretically be anywhere from one hour to five minutes long. Generally speaking, a “stick of time” is just another way of saying a “moment”, which is known as a brief but indefinite chunk of time. It’s fitting as Shōgun episode 7’s title since Toranaga is essentially running out of time to prepare for an impending war.

What Gin Wanted From Lord Toranaga During Shogun’s “One Stick Of TIme Scene”

Gin hoped to set a higher standard for her line of work in Edo

Lord Toranaga allowed Gin to have her stick of time that was promised to her, despite everything else going on. Gin naturally wanted to discuss the matter of her courtesan business and the prospect of expanding it to Edo, where Toranaga has been implementing some serious foundational infrastructure. This demonstrates Gin’s wisdom about Toranaga’s affairs, interests, and resources and shows initiative in advancing her financial interests as well. Gin explains the vital significance of her business and how it supports Toranaga’s interests as well, considering he was able to gift both Blackthorne and Saeki with visits to Willow World.

Gin requests that two similar teahouses to Willow World, which are more elegant versions of traditional brothels, be established in Edo. Gin notes all that is sacrificed by the courtesans in their line of profession, asking Toranaga for safety and security by establishing a guild of courtesans in Edo. She is not only looking out for her business but the welfare of her employees as well, aiming to create an elevated form of the profession throughout Japan. Once the stick of time ends, Toranaga initially denies Gin’s request but is later impressed by her understanding of his rise to prominence and his cunning tactics.

Why Toranaga Put Gin’s Teahouse Request In His Will

Toranaga rewarded Gin’s apt intuition regarding his strategy and future

Toranaga saw great wisdom and a similarly strategic mind in Gin before their stick of time ran out. She deduced that Toranaga would not allow himself to “make such a careless mistake” as to leave himself wide open and defenseless. She anticipates that Toranaga has plenty of tricks up his sleeve and is only feigning an attitude of submission and disappointment. She also clearly believes in Toranaga because she understands what it’s like to be cultivated by hardship and become the best at what she does. For all these reasons, Toranaga rewards Gin’s wisdom and faith by putting her requests in his will in Shōgun.