Here’s the Shogun Episode 4 ending explained featuring spoilers and a recap of what happened. Dive into our breakdown and learn about what’s next, and what John Blackthorne was eating in the episode.
What Happened at the end of Shogun Episode 4?
Shogun episode 4 ended with Yoshii Nagakado killing Nebara Josen and other messengers of Lord Ishido with cannons.
While Lord Toranaga was away, Hatamoto aka John Blackthorne taught Yabushige and Toranaga’s army men to use cannons with precise aim. But as they were about to test the range of the cannons, Lord Ishido’s messenger Josen arrived at the scene to ask Yabushige to surrender.
The latter explained that he played no part in Toranaga’s escape from Osaka and wasn’t even aware of his presence. He insisted that he was still on Ishido’s side and convinced the messengers to stay for one night to see a glimpse of the power that he could offer to Ishido.
But playing a double agent, he also explained to Toranaga’s son Yoshii Nagakado that a display of the cannons would scare Ishido and the other Council Regents. Following that, Yabushige’s nephew Omi spoke with Yoshii Nagakado. He wanted to take his uncle’s place and become the leader of his town. So, he provoked Yoshii into making a hasty move as the latter was already unconvinced of revealing the power of their cannons in front of Josen.
The next morning, Yoshii ordered Toranaga’s men to kill Nebara Josen and the other messengers with the cannons. Witnessing this lady Mariko and others understood that since Yoshii made the first move, a war that Toranaga was trying to delay was now inevitable. The next episode will showcase Toranaga’s reaction to his son’s actions and the consequences that will unfold because of Josen’s demise.
What is Natto, John Blackthorne’s Japanese food?
John Blackthorne was seen eating Natto in episode 4, which is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented whole soybeans.
As Lady Mariko was about to try Natto, Hatamoto also asked to taste it. She said he didn’t have to as Natto’s taste needs to be acquired and isn’t enjoyed by everyone. But he still insisted on sharing the dish. As it seemed sticky in texture, he called it similar to cheese. But among the Japanese, it is a protein-rich dish that is usually enjoyed during breakfast. It is served on top of a rice bowl, with a raw egg. The different sauces that could go along with it are karashi mustard, soy, or tare.
The fermented soybeans are described as having a savory, nutty, and almost umami-like flavor. Besides accompanying it with rice, it is also consumed with miso soup, added to a salad or pasta, or even rolled up into Maki rolls in present-day Japan.
For more updates, learn what book Shogun is based on. Also, find out where it was filmed.
