Love Under the Crucifix

A Christian daimyō who remains steadfast in his faith even as it creates a rift with his social duties. He is principled, introspective, and driven by a quiet honor that sustains his resolve amid mounting pressure. His unwavering beliefs propel the lovers’ struggle and shape their shared fate.

Daughter of a famed tea master, she is torn between love and family obligation. Ogin navigates a rigid society with quiet courage, choosing between personal happiness and the expectations placed upon her. Her choices expose the peril faced by women in this era.

A merchant from the Mozuya family who embodies the commercial and political pressures around Ogin. His ambitions reveal a pragmatic, sometimes unscrupulous approach to relationships and power. He represents the intersection of wealth, influence, and personal desire.

A formidable daimyo whose authority and strategic mind shape the era’s politics. He uses coercion and manipulation to advance his agenda, embodying the capricious and dangerous power of the period.

A strategic military commander who seeks to prevent Ukon’s rehabilitation and uses Ogin as a political instrument. His calculations reflect the era’s brutal political games and the cold logic of power.

The renowned tea master who supports Ogin and Ukon, using tea culture as a quiet space of grace amid turmoil. He plans to aid Ogin’s escape, balancing personal honor with activist help, and contemplates drastic steps to protect those he loves.

Wife of Sen no Rikyu, a maternal figure within the tea world who embodies sacrifice and resilience in dangerous times. Her presence highlights the personal cost of political conflict on families and homes.

A contemporary advisor figure whose role intersects with court intrigues and religious tensions. He embodies the era’s moral ambiguities and the delicate balance of loyalty and principle.