Adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, FX’s limited series “Shogun” for Disney immerses audiences in the complex and turbulent world of Japan’s Sengoku era (1467-1615). This ancient drama vividly depicts the struggles of strength. and cultural clashes between feudal Japan and the Western world through John Blackthorne, an English navigator. Shipwrecked on the Japanese coast, Blackthorne finds himself deeply embroiled in the murderous political intrigues of the local samurai lords.
The series, which recently wrapped up its ten-episode run, has been celebrated as one of the most productive series of 2024, praised for its flawless acting and meticulous attention to detail. Although it was shot entirely in Vancouver, Canada, the set design and authenticity is remarkable, thanks to a talented team of set designers and visual effects specialists who collaborated with Japanese historians and experts to ensure cultural and ancient accuracy.
Although the story is ancient fiction, its characters are based on characters from genuine life in early 17th-century Japan, where Christian missionaries, European explorers, fearsome warlords, and samurai explained an exciting time. Take a look at the authentic events and places in Japan that encouraged the history of the “Shogun” – places you can still stop at today.
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The story begins with English navigator John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) in disrepair as his shipment and crew become stranded on the shore of a small Japanese fishing village. The character of Blackthorne is based on the story of William Adams, a navigator who was the first Englishman to succeed in Japan.
In the new series adaptation of “Shogun” and in James Clavell’s original novel, the town where Blackthorne washes is a place called Ajiro in Izu Province. Adams, also known as the real Miura Anjin (as he is known in Japan), however, landed in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, a domain known at the time as Bungo.
The small fishing village of Ajiro was an ideal setting for the Clavell story, as it was perfectly situated halfway between Edo-Tokyo and Osaka. However, if you need to see the genuine location of the samurai depicted in the first episode of the series, you deserve to plan to Oita Prefecture.
Records suggest that Adams first landed on Kuroshima, a small island off the coast of Usuki. The city celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of its ship, the Liefde, every year and presents a model ship at Usuki City Hall. .
Usuki Castle, built in 1562 and very important to the city’s history, has witnessed many power struggles and wars in the years since. Despite the changes of hands between clans and warlords, some remnants of the castle still exist. As discussed in Clavell’s novel and in the adaptation of the “Shogun” series, the complex had a strong Christian influence for a time, with records from the Portuguese missionary Luis Frois relating that many Christian services were built near the castle and even a chapel within the castle itself. .
Near the western moat of the castle is the historic Nioza Road, where you can still admire superbly preserved buildings that housed samurai more than 400 years ago.
Shortly after arriving in Japan, Adams was sent to Osaka on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu (Ieyasu was the style of Hiroyuki Sanada’s character, Toranaga, in “Shogun”). Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most notable landmarks, has a rich history strongly linked to the country’s tumultuous era of unification in the late 16th century. Construction of the castle began in 1583 under the direction of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the wonderful unifiers of Japan. In 1599, a year after Hideyoshi’s death, Osaka Castle was not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of Toyotomi strength, with immense stone walls and a five-story main tower. The era of 1599 to 1602 was for Osaka Castle, as the castle passed from the hands of the extended Toyotomi family to become a focal point in the power struggle that followed Hideyoshi’s death. Hideyoshi’s heir, Toyotomi Hideyori, was still a child and regents were appointed to rule in his place, causing political instability. This era is marked by intrigue and plots among Japan’s tough daimyos, particularly Tokugawa Ieyasu, who would eventually identify the shogunate to him after defeating the Toyotomi forces.
Once the seat of power in Japan, Azuchi Castle was an impressive castle built in the Warring States era by warlord Oda Nobunaga, who was the first samurai to unify Japan and is the style of the character of Kuroda in “Shogun”. In the story, it later becomes the apartment of Akechi Jinsai and his circle of relatives after swearing allegiance to Kuroda. The castle is described not only as an army fortress, but also as a sumptuous house where Kuroda and Akechi’s daughters, Ruri and Mariko, grow up. They spend their days participating in educational activities and martial arts education in the castle’s splendid gardens. In both the “Shogun” and real life, Azuchi Castle was strategically located on top of a mountain overlooking a lake, available only to horseback samurai, symbolizing its immense strength. The design itself was a spectacle, with a striking tower adorned with black lacquer and colorful ornaments, golden paintings and golden pillars. This architectural marvel is a testament to the strength and aesthetic sensitivity of its time, making it a vital cultural and political landmark in Japanese history.
Very few remains of the original castle in its place, perched on a hill overlooking Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, yet you can admire a replica of the stay at Ise Sengoku Village, a samurai theme park near Ise.
In the fictional depiction of “Shogun”, Osaka serves as the main trading hub with the presence of the iconic Portuguese Black Ship, a departure from genuine history as the European industry with Japan at the time was centered on Nagasaki and not Osaka.
Historically, the Portuguese black ship sailed annually from Macau to Nagasaki, chosen for its bay and proximity to China, much closer than Osaka. In reality, the city of Osaka was located inland along the Yodo River, which required giant ships bound for the sea. anchor in Denpo, near the mouth of the river. The goods were then transferred to smaller ships that sailed around the city. This configuration reflected the demanding logistical situations of the time, as Japan did not have modern ports with docks. Small ships were used to send goods and passengers ashore from giant ships anchored offshore.
Edo, first and foremost a small fishing village, was dramatically remodeled under the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was assigned the region because of his rivalry with the Taiko amid the power struggles in Japan. Tasked with building a new castle after failing to defeat the Taiko, Ieyasu transformed Edo from a swampy region to a booming city (which later became modern-day Tokyo).
Within a decade, its prospect as a major urban and advertising center became apparent. The city grew rapidly, with active construction, developing farmland, and a thriving area to buy groceries. Unlike the opulent castles of Azuchi or Osaka, Edo Castle was austere and functional, reflecting Ieyasu’s emphasis on strategic expansion rather than lavish décor. This utilitarian technique extended to the city’s infrastructure, prioritizing economic and defensive capabilities.
Travel off the beaten path to those story-telling villages, Edo-era villages with geisha (not Kyoto!), and beachfront retreats.
In addition to its culture and traditions, Japan also offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Here’s your bucket list in Japan.