Shogun: What Surprised Me Most About the Series
Shogun
This show was based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, first published in 1975. The book contributed to a Western fascination with Japanese culture and history during that period. It is the first book in Clavell's Asian Saga series and is set in early 17th-century Japan. The narrative is loosely based on the adventures of an actual historical figure, William Adams, an English sailor who arrived in Japan in 1600 and became one of the very few Westerners to achieve the rank of samurai.
The story revolves around a fictional English navigator named John Blackthorne, whose ship washes ashore in Japan. Blackthorne quickly finds himself entangled in the complex political webs of feudal Japan, navigating between ambitious warlords, samurai, and the intricacies of loyalty and betrayal. One of the primary figures in the novel is Lord Toranaga, a character based on the historical shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ultimately succeeded in unifying Japan after a prolonged period of civil war.
"ShÅgun" explores themes of cultural conflict and adaptation, power struggles, and the clash of civilizations. It's known for its deep dive into Japanese customs and the political structure of the time, presenting a rich tapestry of intrigue, diplomacy, and strategy. The book's detailed descriptions and well-developed characters draw readers into a compelling narrative that mirrors the complexities of real historical events while creating an engaging and immersive story.
What Surprised Me About the Show:
Although adapted for Western and more international audiences, the show remains deeply Japanese, enriched with customs, traditions, and historical references. For example, the concept of extreme sacrifice (including the loss of families and close allies) and forbearance (both personally and collectively) until the right moment in order to achieve greatness reflects values quite different from those familiar to us. Therefore, it is somewhat surprising that the show has resonated with so many viewers and achieved such significant success on FX/Disney+, especially among Western audiences. I believe that platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify have made it easier than ever to gain exposure to content from cultures vastly different from our own. The success of the Korean series 'Squid Game' a couple of years ago was equally unexpected, suggesting that viewers are increasingly open to stories and media from diverse cultures.
This is a remarkable achievement of the internet age, helping to bring cultures and people closer together. In a time characterized by high nationalistic and anti-globalization sentiments, it is more important than ever to understand other cultures and realize that, despite different traditions and cultural norms, many human emotions and struggles are universal. Cultural boundaries and expectations may vary, but it is fascinating to see how people behave and make choices in different contexts. I am delighted that the show has been such a success and hope to see more content that broadens our views of the world.
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