Epic series ‘Shogun’ offers a new look at the famous story

Shogun is the ultimate rank that a mortal can achieve, says someone in one of the first episodes of the drama series of the same name. A ruler. At the beginning of Shogun It is still far from clear who has the power. The series is set in 17th century Japan while civil war is in the air. Lord Yoshi Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) must survive as his political enemies unite against him. England captain John Blackthorne may be able to help him with this.

A familiar story for readers of the 1975 book of the same name by James Clavell and for people who saw the 1980 miniseries. But this new film adaptation, by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks (Top Gun: Maverick), pays more attention to the Japanese perspective than the original series. For example, the first name in the credits is that of 63-year-old Japanese actor Sanada, who is not only the lead actor, but also worked as a producer on the series. It’s been a long road: Sanada, since a breakout role in The Last Samurai (2003) active in Hollywood, has been involved in the production of the new one for about eight years Shogun. Authentically representing Japanese culture was an important aspect, he says during a video call with NRC. “Each department of the production had a Japanese consultant who looked at certain aspects, from costumes to the movements.” Due to his experience in Japanese films and series, he was able to help with this himself.

The basics of the story remain the same: at the beginning of the series, English captain John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) is shipwrecked and arrives in Japan for the first time in his life. Toranaga sees him as a possible ally in the fight against his political rivals. “Toranaga is a mysterious strategist,” said Sanada. “He is based on a real leader from the 17th century, Tokugawa Ieyasu. He managed to stop the civil war and bring about a long period of peace.”

Different look

“It’s exciting,” says Anna Sawai about her feelings in the run-up to the launch of the series. Sawai plays Toda Mariko, the wife of a samurai and Blackthorne’s interpreter. “I’m very curious what people in Japan will think about it.” The approach differs from the 1980s version and the more limited view of Japan. At that time, people in America looked at the country differently. “Many people in the West did not know Japan well. It was an introduction for many,” says Sawai. “Nowadays, I think most viewers have a good image of the country. Now we can do it with more accuracy.”

Jarvis agrees. “An enormous amount of work has gone into historical authenticity, in many different ways and by many different experts. It was ensured that the Japanese side of history was properly represented. But it wasn’t just about looking closely at Japanese culture. For example, there was also a specialist who knew everything about the operation of cannons from that time. So every day was a learning experience for me.”

The relationship between Blackthorne and Toda Mariko is an important factor in the story. “I don’t think I met Cosmo until the set,” says Sawai. “That worked in our favor. We filmed the series chronologically, in the order of the story. And I think our bond started to develop as the characters’ relationship developed.”

Filming took place in Vancouver, Canada, with large sets. Toranaga: “We built a whole village there, with a castle and real ships. Working with the ships sometimes felt like a Disneyland attraction. I was happy to see those real, grand sets.”

The making itself was also a major undertaking. “The series was made by crews from the West and Japan, with great respect for each other,” he concludes. “We were able to learn from each other. That seems like a meaningful message for the world, especially now.”

https://youtu.be/HnPFj70C3ps?si=2_yBwWJHm3WmtJiB

Shogun can now be seen on Disney+ (a new episode every week).

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