Shōgun

The most deft and renowned courtesan in Izu, Kiku is young, beautiful and most of all perceptive. 

The most deft and renowned courtesan in Izu, Kiku is young, beautiful and most of all perceptive. Able to read her clients with a practiced ease, she brings an elevated artistry to her work. A close apprentice of Gin, she sees the world for not what it is, but what it could be.&nbsp;

Kiku is a fictional character, but her background is based on the existence of Sengoku period courtesan groups. During that time, autonomous courtesan groups developed, traveling along the roads and settling in the urban areas along these major roads. Entertainment through music and dance was an important aspect of their service. At the end of the Sengoku period, the courtesan houses were incorporated into official structures and men entered the businesses as "owners," but before that, these groups consisted entirely of women, including their leaders.&nbsp;

Every legend begins with a story.&nbsp;Explore the vision and artistry behind FX's Shōgun's groundbreaking series. Join host and staff writer Emily Yoshida as she sits down with the creators, cast, and crew that brought Sengoku Era Japan to life.

Kiku I FX's Shogun

Historical Background

Explore the Shōgun Podcast

Explore Additional Characters

Toranaga

Blackthorne

Mariko