Takehiro Hira, the actor behind the cunning Lord Ishido Kazunari in the hit series Shogun, has hinted that his character’s journey may be coming to a dramatic end in the upcoming second season. The actor suggested that Ishido will meet an “honorable death,” aligning the character’s fate with the real historical events that inspire the show.
The Fate of Ishido Kazunari
At a recent Los Angeles event for his film Rental Family, Takehiro Hira shared his thoughts on the future of his character. Despite having seen only one script for the new season, the actor expressed a clear sense of his character’s destiny.
“I can’t really talk about that, but you know, the older characters in Shogun loosely follow the actual historical figures. So my guy doesn’t really survive much after the big war, the battle. So my days are numbered,” Hira stated.
He further teased about the nature of his character’s departure, saying, > “I will probably have an honorable death. But I could come back as aโฆ” before stopping himself, leaving room for speculation on a potential return through flashbacks or other narrative devices.
Rooted in Historical Reality
Hira’s prediction is grounded in the historical foundation of the series. His character, Ishido Kazunari, is based on the real-life samurai commander Ishida Mitsunari. In Japanese history, Mitsunari was a key figure who was defeated and executed after the decisive Battle of Sekigahara in 1600.
The first season of Shogun concluded with political tensions at a peak, setting the stage for this major conflict. While the battle itself was not shown, the story has been building toward it, suggesting the new season will depict this pivotal historical moment.
What Season 2 Will Bring
FX has officially confirmed that production for Season 2 will begin in January 2026. The new season will be “set ten years after the events of the first season,” according to an official logline. This significant time jump will likely reshape the story and its characters.
Also Read:
The returning cast includes Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga and Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne. They will be joined by returning actors like Fumi Nikaidรด and several new cast members, including Asami Mizukawa and Masataka Kubota.
While Hira anticipates his character’s death, his cryptic comment about a potential return leaves the door open for surprises. The show’s creators have a history of weaving historical facts with creative storytelling, which could allow for appearances in flashbacks or dream sequences.
The acclaimed series, which won a record-breaking 18 Emmy Awards, is moving beyond the original 1975 novel by James Clavell. The upcoming seasons will continue as an original story, drawing from the broader tapestry of Japanese history to chart its new course.
Also Read: Stranger Things Villain Jamie Campbell Bower Read Final Script Alone Due to COVID
