Ejima and Ikushima Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Ejima and Ikushima?

This period film is inspired by one of the most notorious scandals to have taken place in Edo-period Japan. The heroine, Ejima, was a lady of the Ooku, the harem of Edo Castle in which the Shogun’s mother, wife and concubines resided, forbidden from contact with any other man except in the presence of the Shogun. The institution played a key role in the Byzantine world of Japanese court politics during the Edo era. In 1714, Lady Ejima was sent to pay her respects at a Buddhist temple in the city, and chose to pay an unauthorised visit to the kabuki theatre – a violation of protocol that was to have tragic consequences.

Hideo Ōba's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Chikage Awashima (絵島)'s journey. The heroine, Ejima, was a lady of the Ooku, the harem of Edo Castle in which the Shogun’s mother, wife and concubines resided, forbidden from contact with any other man except in the presence of the Shogun.

How Does Chikage Awashima (絵島)'s Story End?

• Chikage Awashima: Chikage Awashima's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Ichikawa Danjūrō XI (生島新五郎): Ichikawa Danjūrō XI's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Mitsuko Kusabue (宇津): Mitsuko Kusabue's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Ejima and Ikushima Mean?

The ending of Ejima and Ikushima brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Chikage Awashima's story may not satisfy all audiences.