Who plays Mariko in Shogun?

The role of Toda Mariko is played by Japanese actress Anna Sawa.

Shogun is a classic Japanese culture-influenced series made under the banner of FX series. The show is set in the early samurai and lordship era of Japan, where the lands were governed by lords through respect and fear. The Shogun is the supreme commander of all the united forces in the region of Japan. Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, this historical drama has a total of 10 episodes in its first season.

The show introduces the protagonist John Blackthone, who by a fateful shipwreck lands on his desired destination, the land of Japan, only to be confused as a barbarian who has entered the lands to attack. As the story unfolds, John meets various characters including Lord Toranaga, the ruler of the city of Kanto, and develops relationships with them.

Who plays Mariko in Shogun?

The role of Toda Mariko is played by Japanese actress Anna Sawa. The actress is known for performing in various movies and television shows. She started at the age of 11 where she worked in a television short film Annie, and was later seen in the movie Ninja Assassin, which marked her first big screen appearance. Anna is also known for appearing in various television shows like Our Love Song, Colors, Pachinko, and many more.

Anna Sawa received her big break with the series Shogun which was released in 2024. Anna’s role as Toda Mariko is one of the most complex characters in the whole series. Anna received huge critical praise and was honored with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, which made her the first Japanese actress to do so and the first actress of Asian descent to have won in this category.

Did Mariko die in the Shogun book?

Yes, the character of Toda Mariko or Lady Mariko is known to die in the book of Shogun. Toda Mariko, known as Lady Mariko is the loyal vassal of Lord Yoshii Toranaga, who rules the city of Kanto in Japan. Lady Mariko is the daughter of Akechi Jinsai who was recognized as a warlord charged with treason for killing the precious ruler of Japan, the great leader Kuroda Nobuhisa.

According to the details provided on the FX series official website, Lady Mariko has been inspired by Akechi Tama, better known as Hosokawa Gracia who was born in the year 1563. Akechi Tama was the daughter of warlord Akechi Mitsuhide and was the dutiful wife of Tadaoki (known as Toda Buntaro in the series).

How does Mariko die in Shogun?

During the final episode of Shogun titled “Crimson Sky,” we see the death of Lady Mariko. In this episode, we see Mariko starting to challenge the rule of Lord Isho while the group is captive in Osaka. Mariko claims proudly that she is the daughter of Akechi Jinsai and that she will be taking herself, Toranaga’s wives, and children from the castle back to their rightful place. As the story continues, we get to know that only Mariko is determined to leave while she asks others to wait back until she gets a clear path.

Her path out involved getting into a huge battle with Ishodo’s men who were ordered not to let her pass. Failing her promise of getting everyone out, Mariko decides to end her life by performing Seppuku. Before completing the ritual, Mirko was stopped by Ishido who finally allowed everyone to leave the next day. While this brought quite a joyous moment amongst John, Mariko, and the others in their group, as night came around, the moment became a complete horror sight as Yabushigii, on Ishido’s orders, lets a group of ninjas enter Mariko’s house to assassinate her.

During their escape, Mariko, John, and the others are trapped in a storehouse, where the ninjas set up explosives to enter the place and kill Mariko. As Mariko feels there is no way out, she stands in front of the door set with explosives to blow herself up. This is how Mariko’s character storyline comes to an end in the series.