A few months ago, I watched “Shogun” on Hotstar. Many years ago, after a recommendation from a friend, I had watched an older version which was available then on YouTube. “Shogun” is based on the book by James Clavell, published in 1975. It is about the events in 1600 and based on the events that led by Tokugawa Ieyasu coming to power and founding the Shogunate which lasted till the Meiji Restoration in 1868. In the book (and TV/OTT series), the main character is Lord Yoshi Toranaga. The web series is exceptionally made, and brings to life the Japan of the 16th century. It is about the period’s traditions, rituals, and politics. The acting by the main characters is exceptional.
The story follows John Blackthorne, an English navigator who becomes shipwrecked in Japan. Blackthorne’s arrival disrupts the existing power dynamics, drawing him into the complex and dangerous world of samurai and feudal lords. As he learns about Japanese culture and politics, he becomes an advisor to Lord Toranaga, who seeks to become Shogun, the supreme military ruler. The novel explores themes of cultural clash, loyalty, and power, vividly depicting the tumultuous period of Japanese history known as the Sengoku era.
When Bhavana, Abhishek and I had had visited Tokyo some years ago, we made a day trip to Kanazawa on the other coast of Japan. We wanted to do a bullet train ride, and picked a far enough place that would also let us see the countryside. In Kanazawa, we see the castle and the Ninja ‘temple’. I was reminded of that trip as I watched Shogun.
One disappointment (but then it’s not there in detail in the book idea) was the limited time given the Battle of Sekigahara, which was a turning point in Japanese history. Fought on October 21, 1600, it was a decisive conflict that marked the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate, establishing Tokugawa Ieyasu’s dominance over Japan. This battle ended centuries of civil war and set the stage for over 250 years of peace and stability under Tokugawa rule. It was a turning point that unified Japan and centralized power, transforming the political landscape significantly. (In the Indian context, it bears some similarity to the Third Battle of Panipat, fought on January 14, 1761, which marked the end of the Maratha Empire’s expansion and the beginning of British dominance in India. Both battles were crucial in shaping their respective nations’ futures by determining the central powers that would rule for decades. The outcomes led to significant shifts in political, social, and military structures, influencing the course of history in Japan and India.)
So, watch Shogun. For me, the star is Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko. She is, as explained by Wikipedia, “an intelligent highborn woman with strong loyalty to Toranaga. She is a Catholic convert who serves as a translator between Toranaga and Blackthorne.” In one episode, Sawai beautifully explains the “Eightfold Fence,” a metaphorical concept from Japanese culture. It represents the layered complexities and strategic barriers within the political and social landscape of feudal Japan. This concept symbolises the intricate layers of defence and strategy employed by characters, especially women, to protect themselves and their interests, creating a sanctuary for themselves.
