SHOGUN: Ishido REAL STORY Explained

I review, breakdown and explain Shogun Episode 5 on FX. I discuss the character Lord Ishido and reveal the real story behind him and how he was inspired by Mitsunari Ishida. I react to the other inspiration and true story in history which is The Battle of Sekigahara, John Blackthorne who was inspired by William Adams and also Yoshii Toranaga who was inspired by Ieyasu Tokugawa. I also give my theories and predictions on episode 6.
00:00 Intro
00:54 Lord Ishido Character Breakdown And History
08:35 Outro
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Music: Emmit Fenn - Allegro
#Shogun #ShogunEpisode5 #ShogunFX #ShogunEpisode5Review #IshidoShogun

[@BrainPilot]

Which character would you like to see get a focus in the next video? Let me know in the comments below!

[@nont18411]

Yabushige, Omi, Martin, Rodrigues, Ochiba, Yaechiyo

[@deem7478]

Lord Ōhno AKA Ōtani.

[@Bwkjam]

This dudes frustrated face after Toranaga outmaneuvers him is a whole mood.

[@SocialAlexNYC]

For me that was the only reason to like Yoshii Toranaga. Otherwise he was unlikeable. Though it seems the series' directors as well as the actor added the unlikeability to quasi-reflect history

[@nont18411]

3:53 You had it the other way around Ishida Mitsunari actually led the “Western Army” because his capital was in Osaka. While Tokugawa Ieyasu led the “Eastern Army” because his capital was in Edo/Tokyo.

[@ronintsukebin9163]

I was going to write the same so thanks.

[@farikalsayid5654]

Yup. Quite annoying even youtubers/“content creators” make large and obvious mistakes.

[@elenayoo3391]

It is so important as the words Kanto 関東 (East of Sekigahara) region and Kansai 関西(West of Sekigahara) region come from the fact!

[@nont18411]

Ishida Mitsunari is the closest to the real life version of Ned Stark. Just look at his loyalty to the Taiko and how he died. He was depicted as a villain during the Edo period because Edo/Tokyo was founded by the Tokugawa family so of course, they wouldn’t say anything good about him in their propaganda. Plus, he’s an antagonist (I deliberately used the word “antagonist”, not a “villain”) in Shogun because our main guy Blackthorne is on the side of Toranaga so Ishido is an enemy by default. The public opinion of many Japanese people these days, however, see him as a tragic hero who fought for the cause to the bitter end, just like his contemporary who was also the sworn enemy to Tokugawa Ieyasu, a samurai named Sanada Yukimura. The reputation of these two got improved significantly after the Tokugawa shogunate was overthrown during the Meiji restoration.

[@SavageDragon999]

17th century Japan is the timeline where the Lannisters won.

[@wrenchguy2937]

Really good point tbh

[@deem7478]

Like Richard III's treatment by the Tudors.

[@farikalsayid5654]

Ishida was fighting to protect his interests, as were his allied regents. They were against Tokugawa because he was more powerful than any of them alone, and they feared him. By protecting the Toyotomi heir, they gained publicity as “doing the right thing” in continuing the lineage of their deceased leader. But in doing that, they also get to keep their lands and title secure. Let’s not try to make them look like honorable men…because they weren’t. Ishida conspired to get a large coalition to form against Tokugawa because he saw Tokugawa as the biggest threat to him, nothing less. And if Ishida could convince stupid daimyo of the “big bad Tokugawa” boogeyman, it would serve him just fine. I’m glad that Tokugawa won eventually. He put an end to the final vestiges of daimyo infighting and corruption of the Sengoku Jidai period, finally giving Japan unity AND peace. Fuck Ishida and the western-allied armies.

[@nont18411]

@@farikalsayid5654 I understand that he’s not that heroic and as much as I root for him, I can’t deny that the Tokugawa had all the contingency plans for the conflicts and really knew how to run a peaceful country.

[@oohlala444]

Just a quick correction at 3:57 you got the leaders of the Eastern and Western armies flipped. Tokugawa headed the Eastern Army and Ishida headed the Western Army.

[@farikalsayid5654]

Yup. Cringe. If you’re going to speak about something…check your work in the editing phase before uploading.

[@timbell6870]

This one of the great shows to come along in a long time and i don't pretend to know anything about Japanese history from that period but getting a education these days and find it fascinating. i saw the 1980 Shogun and it was good for what was available but this beautifully shot and acted version is captivating and mind blowing. Never had the time to read the book back in the day but i do now and i will. Great job as always on your take on this and other shows as always BrainPiliot. Bring on the Battle of Sekigahara !!

[@farikalsayid5654]

Read the book. Watch the 1980s series, and watch the current series. Then review what really happened in history: you’ll enjoy every word of it.

[@timbell6870]

@@farikalsayid5654 Did see 1980 series (i'm old) but yes indeed i must read the book. thanks, Farikalsayid. can't wait!👍✌

[@Daneelro]

Indeed the implication in the series so far that the ultimate winner was the most loyal to the previous ruler is diametrically opposed to the historical reality. The real-life Tokugawa Ieyasu was a villain and usurper who won & thus got to be viewed kindly by history books written for him & his descendants. But there were a lot more disloyal villains in the real story. The Taiko, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was another schemer who built his own power instead of supporting the successor of his prior liege, Oda Nobunaga. Who was a POS in his own right who turned his back on the shogun he installed, Ashikaga Yoshiaki. All of the shoguns and would-be shoguns (including those before the Sengoku era) were de-facto usurpers of the Emperor, who was reduced to a ceremonial and religious role and was effectively held hostage.

[@robdogj]

Another good movie that depicts Ishida Mitsunari is The Floating Castle

[@hansnoor9637]

The funniest thing is that one second Ishido is glad that the remaining councillors are united in impeaching Toranaga, then less than 10 seconds later, the councillors are throwing banter at each other about who should replace Toranaga, and thus split again. What a bunch of kids.

[@tommy_vercetti5]

Idk but im in love with the person playing fuji sama😍

[@chrisdjernaes9658]

Excellent review and background information. Really brings the characters and story to life with a better understanding of Asian Feudalism. Brilliant 🍻

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks!

[@user-wm4pu6qm7w]

Actually, the episode of the Last Supper is a fable created later, but this expresses his personality well. Mitsunari arrested after the defeat demanded water from the soldier of the enemy. But it is said that I say, "I do not eat the persimmon which I dried because poisonous" and refused it when the soldiers hold out the persimmon which they dried as a substitute for in what did not have drinking water. The soldiers who heard it laughed. Mitsunari who "did not need to mind health because I was executed tomorrow" answered in this way. "The person with the big mission never gave it up till the last" He was surely the bureaucrat who did not work of the flexibility. But, as well as it, he continued obeying an order after the death of Hideyoshi Taiko. Therefore I did not let oneself do that I easily gave it up even if caught. It is a symbolic episode to be able to see both sides of the pride as the samurai when this fable is stubbornness of Mitsunari.

[@m33p0]

Sekigahara, here we come!

[@BrainPilot]

It's gonna be epic!

[@nont18411]

“Wretched Kobayakawa Hideaki. Within three years, my curse shall be upon you!”

[@farikalsayid5654]

@@nont18411I loved how many western commanders switched during the battle: they knew that Tokugawa was the better of the two to follow.

[@deem7478]

Waiting for when Yoshitsugu Ōtani will have a real plot significance. He was a real supporter of Ishida Matsunari.

[@noname-dk7ri]

I believe Japan has had three major civil wars in its history: the GOT one in 1274, which is not included because it was an external war; the Genpei War in 1180; Sekigahara in 1600; and the Meiji Restoration 150 years ago in 1868

[@earthling123]

Mind sharing whats the 1274 one?

[@nont18411]

@@earthling123 Mongol invasion

[@earthling123]

@@nont18411 ooh. That one.

[@nont18411]

Actually, there were so many major civil wars throughout Japanese history - Former Nine Years and Later Three Years War in 1051 - 1062 and 1083 - 1089 - Genpei War (that established the first Shogun government) in 1180 - 1185 - Jokyu War in 1221 - Genko War in 1331 - 1333 - Sengoku Jidai in 1467 - 1615 (Sekigahara is a climactic battle of this one) - Boshin War in 1868 - 1869 - Satsuma Rebellion (The Last Samurai) in 1877

[@farikalsayid5654]

The entire Sengoku Jidai period was a series of connected, violent civil wars…Japan was at war with itself for many reasons. The Meiji Restoration was the last “correction” to be made for Japan’s benefit, as it ended the samurai influence on Japanese society, helping it to finally rid itself of its anchoring past/obstacles and aiding to modernize Japan as a whole. Many of the samurai clans still exist today…many either leading major Japanese corporations or aligned with them as umbrella companies and investors. Lol, in some ways…the “samurai” still run things.

[@Tancred2494]

The book only mentions the battle. Do you reckon they'll show it in full?

[@farikalsayid5654]

I hope so.

[@jxhxhkzhjz8032]

Really excited to see more of Ishido he is very calculating and intimidating. And one more thing that I don't understand about people making comparison between Fuji and Mariko and Fuji is good but I don't know why people are hyping her way too much just seeing now in episode 5 she doesn't do that much anything, I like her some scenes especially when she hold the gun oh that was cool but to me people may be hyping her just because she is cute and calling her waifu ( I really hate this word ) that's why and I have no problem people liking Fuji I also like her too but the fact that some people are calling her waifu and best girl even we have seen nothing of her as a character ( hope we see more in the future ) besides being with Blackthorn and some people neglecting Mariko and saying that she is not good as Fuji and not treating both of them equally that's my real problem and considering the fact that in this episode we get to know more about Mariko's past and the mystery surrounding the character and she is growing and very much complicated but people are not putting the attention to that but they are putting their attention to Fuji and people just only see her just because of her cuteness and not her character but I am excited to see what is going to happen next with both of the female characters and lady Ochiba to I am excited to her especially.

[@farikalsayid5654]

lol Ishida is foolhearty. Tokugawa is his better. Mariko is okay…but Fuji is not liked for her cuteness, she’s liked for her duty and dedication…despite all that has happened to her. We like her because she’s the definition of a dutiful Japanese woman from a high-born lineage. Her looks have nothing to do with it. Lady Ochiba just looks psycho, since the first episodes…with her constant RBF and constant side-eyeing everyone. In this last episode, she crazy with her smiling face as she spoke to Lord Ishida. 😂 Fuji-sama is relatable…Mariko and Ochiba are both wooden as far as their portrayals. That’s my take on them so far.

[@ZoEntertainment]

So Mariko gonna die? Ned Stark all over again. I'm so ready to cry and my therapist gonna enjoy my money.

[@macv9563]

Kessen Ps2 what a fun educational game

[@scribe3]

If, someone else, beside Toranaga son, had killed those men, Toranaga would have had them killed

[@jeffreyjackson5229]

Perhaps it's me, but does Lady Ochiba realize that Ishido will likely kill her, her son, and that entire family if he wins?

[@voidapex]

most likely not. he gave everything for the last will of his beloved master hideyoshi and general the legitamicy of the ongoing unification of japan. tokugawa is the real villain who violently and forcefully claimed the highest rank shogun defacto the dictator of old times for him and his descendants for next 200 years.

[@coopdam3721]

Doesn’t make sense

[@tjbanville]

No that is exactly the opposite of what Ishido/Ishida wants. As a low-born retainer of Hideyoshi, he can never aspire to be shogun, unlike Toranaga/Tokugawa. His presence on the council is a result of his loyalty to the Taiko, nothing else. Harming Ochiba or the Taiko would result in his immediate destruction

[@farikalsayid5654]

He could, but that would be seen as dishonorable. You have to understand…Ishida believes he’s fighting for the legal/true power, the Toyotomi heir…as was assigned to him by his dying lord. To kill the heir and his mother would not only be a treasonous insult to his former lord/current lord, but also would put his land/titles/prestige in jeopardy. He’d lose too much if he executed the Toyotomi line.

[@Meierce]

I appreciate the spoiler warning ❤

[@Qrt99]

Will we get a war before the series ends?

[@tazkannon7403]

No, in the novel the climactic battle of Sekigahara is probably a paragraph at most.

[@Hiro-hv1sr]

Got it the other way around. Eastern army is Tokugawa and western army is Ishida.

[@gregorybrown6719]

That's the history. In the novel Shogun, it's implied that the Heir is not Nakamura's child. Toronaga. Knew or suspect this. Lady Ochiba knew that he knew or suspected this. It makes for a spicier narrative, but poor history

[@treenalee2551]

When is that implied?

[@gregorybrown6719]

@treenalee2551 I don't have access to the book, so I can't site the chapter. However, the Taiko's legal wife is dying, and she begs Ochiba to find common ground with Toronaga and to be wary of Mariko. She warns, " Do not allow Akechi Jansei's daughter to take vengeance on them all for what Nakamura did to her father." Ochiba then flashed back to a fall she took while out hunting . She was separated from the rest of the group, and out of nowhere, this peasant appeared. She's immediately struck by how much he looks like the Taiko, and before you know it they're fucking like characters outta Thomas Hardy novel. Then, just as suddenly it's over. Ochiba, disgusted by the peasant, and probably herself forcefully rebuffed him, and he runs off. Just as she'd just about convinced herself it was all a dream or hallucination caused by the fall, she noticed Toronaga astride his horse. Nothing is ever spoken, and everything. That's what that look between the two of them as the Taiko was dying was all about.

[@aurora4867]

Ishida was a jealous type, he always spread rumors and lies about Ieyasu because couldn't accept his power and reputation. Ieyasu became Hideyori's mentor after the death of Maeda, Ishida started spreading rumors that Ieyasu is poisoning Hideyori's mind. after the tensions and assassination attempt on Ieyasu he decided to leave Hideyori to grow up without his influence and understand he was his loyal subject, however Date Masamune sent a letter to Ieyasu and told him his enemies will poison Hideyori's mind and turn him against you which he was right. Hideyori became a young man and Ishida and queen mother started motivating Hideyori to stand against Ieyasu because they believed to be a threat however at first he stood against his mother and knew Ieyasu was loyal. (Date Masamune became a loyal friend and in debt to Ieyasu due to the event Ieyasu prevented Hideyoshi from executing Masamune)

[@vayne-he9yi]

Was he wrong though? Ieyasu was always going to make a move to usurp the heir.

[@farikalsayid5654]

@@vayne-he9yiit’s not a matter of wrong or right…but more of who would rule better: a young but impressionable Toyotomi or a wise and calculating Tokugawa? The western armies wanted to continue the status quo…Tokugawa wanted real peace and a cessation to the corrupt infighting of power-hungry daimyo. Tokugawa needed to win, for the benefit of Japan…and thank Amaterasu, he did. The Edo period, run by the Tokugawa shogunate, was the most peaceful time in Japanese history. I believe that if Toyotomi had won…he would have been weak eventually and other daimyo would have continued the Sengoku period, fighting each other for power. Tokugawa ended all of that.

[@aurora4867]

@vayne-he9yi Hideyoshi wanted Ieyasu rule in the name of Hideyori, but he knew other daimyo wouldn't accept and start a war anyway. Before death, Hideyoshi told several people, "Who thought Ieyasu to be loyal". He said that because in that era, treason was everywhere.

[@vayne-he9yi]

@@farikalsayid5654 Sure, you're probably right that in the long term Ieyasu winning was best for Japan. But that has nothing to do with my point, all I'm saying is in the moment Ishida wasn't exactly wrong. It's a nuanced conflict, both sides can simultaneously feel like their side is the noble cause while wanting to maintain or increase their power.

[@guillermoelenes7252]

Idiots who confuse real life with GOT should be banned from making comments.