Usami Fuji just became one of John Blackthorne’s most important allies on Shogun.

This article contains spoilers forShogunepisode 4.

As depicted in FXsShogun, Japans Sengoku period in the 15th and 16th centuries was a pretty rough time.

“SHOGUN” – “The Eightfold Fence” – Episode 4 (Airs March 12) Pictured: Moeka Hoshi as Usami Fuji.

Perhaps noShoguncharacter represents that better than poor Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi).

By the end ofShoguns second episode, all Fuji has left of her family is a box of ashes.

Why then, was this latest assignment nearly too much of an indignity to bear?

What is the role of a consort in Sengoku era Japan anyway?

The latest episode ofFXs superb companion podcast forShogunexplains the concept quite well.

Blackthorne, to become a hatamoto, he has to become part of a samurai family.

In a way, when he marries Fuji, hes adopted into Fujis family.

Now he has the credentials to become hatamoto.

William Adams [the real life inspiration for John Blackthorne], he was married to a Japanese wife.

He had two children with her.

We only know about her that she also came from a samurai family.

Toranaga arranging the marriage between Fuji and Blackthorne is quite accurate too.

They were no church bells, rings, or vows necessary.

Now the title of hatamoto has some more legitimacy for this white barbarian.

That context gives us a better understanding of why Fuji was so upset with this assignment.

Being a strangers servant was bad enough, being a strangers wife is another thing entirely.

Thankfully both Blackthorne and Fuji-sama appear to be growing into their roles nicely.

The first four episodes of Shogun are available to stream on Hulu now.

Episodes premiere Tuesdays on Hulu and Tuesday nights at 10 p.m.