‘Shōgun’ – Enter Feudal Japan in Behind the Scenes Look of the Epic FX Series
Go behind the scenes of Shōgun‘s violent battles, political power struggles, and courtly intrigue.
The series takes place during Japan’s Edo period, a time of economic growth, celebration of arts and culture, and strict isolationist foreign policy. The story is based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name.
John Blackthorne wakes up in Nippon after his ship is lost at sea. Few Europeans know of the island nation, let alone have seen it firsthand. He must navigate a foreign people with customs and a language he does not understand. Blackthorne is faced with a culture that will challenge his notions of morality and freedom. The clash of the two causes conflict; both sides are tested. The Englishman finds himself torn between two worlds.
The two lead characters are based on real historical figures. John Blackthorne is loosely based on English navigator William Adams, who in Japan rose to become a samurai under Tokugawa Ieyasu (on whom Yoshii Toranaga is based).
Behind the Scenes
This BTS look reveals epic fight scenes, and introduces the main characters and the actors behind them. The creators promise that there is research, care, and respect behind the series’ creation. Let’s hope that all of this leads to something that is as good as its trailers.
Shōgun Cast & Details
Shōgun stars Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshi Toranaga. and Cosmo Jarvis as Pilot Major John Blackthorne. Plus, Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko, Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige, Hiroto Kanai as Kashigi Omi, Takehiro Hira as Ishido Kazunari, Moeka Hoshi as Usami Fuji, Tokuma Nishioka as Toda Hiromatsu, Shinnosuke Abe as Toda Hirokatsu (Buntaro), Yuki Kura as Yoshii Nagakado, and Fumi Nikaido as Ochiba No Kata (Lady Ochiba).
“When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne, comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants.
Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, Toda Mariko, a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.”
The series consists of ten episodes that will arrive weekly.
Shōgun debuts on Hulu and FX on February 27th.
