It looks like Shogun episode 6 killed off a major player. Of course, given the latest twist of Toda Buntaro's return, fans might wonder if Lord Sugiyama could also be alive in Shogun's later episodes.
Below, we discuss the circumstances of Sugiyama's death, who killed him, and what the future might hold.
Warning: This article discusses spoilers for Shogun up to episode 6 and for James Clavel's book of the same name.
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Is Lord Sugiyama Alive in Shogun?
While Buntaro made a surprise survival, this would be highly unlikely for Lord Sugiyama as his arc in James Clavel's historical novel ends similarly to his arc in episode 6.
Buntaro's case was an exceptional one, but, in a series full of death and political struggle, the trick is unlikely to be repeated, so it's safe to conclude that Sugiyama didn't survive.
Sugiyama Josui is the eldest of the five regents and he shows a philosophical and intellectual approach to leadership.
As the shogunate's political struggle intensifies, Sugiyama is Toranaga's last supporter.
With the series approaching its climax, Sugiyama's death marks a point of no return.
Who Killed Sugiyama in Shogun?
In Shogun episode 6, Lord Ishido, another one of the five regents, has Sugiyama and his entire family slaughtered.
This is true to the historical novel of the same name on which the show is based.
In the book, Sugiyama resigns from the council realizing that he is in danger.
Ishido's Ronin find him and assassinate him all the same.
Sugiyama's moderate approach to ruling explains why Ishido, who perceives Toranaga as dangerous for the realm, decides to remove his fellow regent's last supporter.
Following that, we would expect Ishido to move openly against Toranaga.
Who Plays Lord Sugiyama in Shogun?
In the 2024 Shogun series, Lord Sugiyama is portrayed by Toshi Toda.
The actor has been active in Film and TV since the 80s, and you might have previously seen him in movies such as Pearl Harbor (2001), Godzilla (1998), Just Married (2003), and many more.
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