Shogun Episode 6: Taiko vs. Shogun Explained
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Episode 6 of Shogun dove deeper into the backstories of several characters with a series of new flashbacks, exploring the past relationships between Mariko and Ochiba as well as their fathers – if you need a refresher, check out our Shogun Episode 6 Recap.
A continuous source of confusion for viewers of the show less familiar with Japanese history has been the difference between Taiko and Shogun, which are both used to describe rulers. But why does everyone seem to be so afraid of someone becoming Shogun, when they’re perfectly fine with the Taiko?
Episode 6 once again contained various references to both titles, so it’s time we explained the meanings and their differences.
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What is the Meaning of Taiko?
A Taiko is a large drum, which was often used in a military context to motivate troops and relay orders – in Shogun, we’re given an example of this on the Japanese ships, on which the drums provide a tact for the rowers. What we’re talking about is a bit of a different word, though: Taikō. Don’t get them confused.
Taikō, historically, was used as a title for a retired regent – and was most prominently sported by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who managed to succeed Oda Nobunaga as ruler of Japan after the latter had been forced to commit seppuku by a rebelling vassal called Akechi Mitsuhide.
If any of those names or events ring a bell, then you’re spot on: Shogun is based on exactly that historical period and all of the show’s characters are roughly based on a real figure.
Oda Nobunaga’s equivalent on the show is the tyrant Kuroda, whose daughter Ochiba is. Akechi Mitsuhide’s equivalent is Akechi Jinsai, the father of Mariko. Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s counterpart is called Nakamura Hidetoshi in the show, but is mostly spoken of simply as Taikō.
Though any Taikō certainly was an influential figure, the title still carried an aura of humbleness and of being a servant. It was more associated with governing than anything else. Furthermore, in terms of employing it as the title of an active ruler, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a rare exception in doing so.
What is the Meaning of Shogun?
A Shogun – or Shōgun, to be precise once again – in a big contrast to Taikō is a military title and has been around since the 600s CE. It gained more importance later, essentially being the title of the realm’s supreme commander and military dictator, who could call all the shots. Remember: Even during the show’s time, Japan had an emperor – but for much of history, these were mere puppets with figures like the Taikō or the Shōgun being the real power in the land.
Practically, there isn’t much difference between Taikō and Shōgun – both rule the country instead of the emperor through dominant military force. However, Shōgun has much more of a history as the title of a ruler, whereas Taikō was only really used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in this way. In that sense, the title of Shōgun is a lot more awe-inspiring and powerful.
Yoshii Toranaga from the show is based on real historical figure Tokugawa Ieyasu. In the series, there have been several mentions of Toranaga’s Minawara bloodline – this is important because in the show’s version of history, the Minawara were once the ruling clan of Japan and ruled over the country as Shōguns. Again, this is a historical reference: Tokugawa Ieyasu had connections to the Minamoto clan, who reigned as Shōguns roughly between 1100 and 1300 CE. Since the Shōgun title was generally inherited, this gives Toranaga a strong claim to it and is why people connect him to it all the time.
As for why Toranaga doesn’t want the title? Well, it’s probably the same reason why he didn’t want to become sole regent for the Taikō’s son in the first place – it gives everyone a reason to unite against him. Perhaps he’ll change his mind once the number of enemies has been culled.
