Shogun
Shogun is a new show on Disney Plus set in 1600 Japan. It’s 90% Japanese and 10% English.
What do you think the story is about?
The show is called “Shogun” and some characters are Daimyo.
What’s the difference between these?
What is a Samurai?
What is Bushido?
It’s based on a popular book from 1975. There was a 1980 mini series that was also a hit. Many people believe these popularized Japanese history and culture in the West.
Do you think the new Shogun show is a hit overseas?
How about in Japan?
The writer, James Clavell, changed the characters names: Toranaga instead of Tokugawa, Ishido Kazunari instead of Ishida Mitsunari.
Why do you think he did this? Was it a good idea?
He said he wanted to create fictional relationships (romance, friendships) for the characters so decided to change their names.
"Shogun" based on the historical figure of William Adams, a Westerner who arrived in Japan during the Warring States period (戦国時代). Believed to be the first Englishman to reach the country, he landed just months before one of the most significant events of Japanese history: the Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い) that resulted in Tokugawa Ieyasu being named shogun and led to the foundation of modern Japan. Adams became an adviser to Tokugawa and was later awarded an honorary status as a samurai.