Mariko

A poised and mysterious highborn woman, Toda Mariko is a skilled translator with a troubled past. Fiercely loyal and unwavering in her convictions. Mariko had a privileged upbringing in Azuchi Castle, where, like many samurai women of her day, she trained to fight with the naginata spear, her skill winning her many competitions. Mariko has spent a lifetime perfecting her calm facade, but all that is threatened when she meets the English naval pilot. He is an enemy of her faith, but his arrival opens up new opportunities — and perhaps new feelings — for her. As Mariko adjusts to her new responsibilities in Toranaga's inner circle, not only does she discover a skill for strategy, but she may finally have the opportunity to achieve her lifelong goal and restore her purpose.