Exploring Portugal-Japan Relations: Unraveling the History of Shogun's Black Ships

In episode 3 of Shōgun, be aware that there are spoilers ahead. The show references Shōgun’s Black Ship, a significant moment in the history of Portugal-Japan relations just before the Edo period began. Many characters and events in James Clavell's Shōgun novel are inspired by real historical figures, which is why most of the FX Shōgun cast has real-life counterparts. For instance, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is based on Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo in 1603. The Shōgun series is set in 1600, approximately 60 years after the Portuguese first arrived in Japan.

Black Ships In Japanese History Explained

After deciding not to allow the Black Ship to leave the harbor in episode 2, Lord Toranaga had to make a deal with the European merchants as part of his plan to return to Edo. Captain Ferreira, holding the Captain-Major patent, was in charge of the Black Ship. His task was to travel from Japan to Macao and back, following a profitable commercial route for the Portuguese during the time of Shōgun. This made it crucial for him to meet his deadline.

The Black Ship in Shogun episode 3 - Black Ships In Japanese History Explained

In the 16th century, any Portuguese ship that arrived in Japan for trade was known as a "Black ship." It all began in 1543 when António Mota, Francisco Zeimoto, and António Peixoto landed on Tanegashima, making them the first Europeans to visit Japan. They brought firearms, which quickly became popular in trade. Eventually, Japan started making its own firearms based on the ones bought from the Portuguese. Despite this, regular trade between Portugal and Japan continued, leading to the establishment of the port of Nagasaki.

Lord Toranaga discovered that a Portuguese base in Macao was employing Ronin and bringing more weapons into the region. As a result, he decided to prevent the Black Ship from leaving Japan.

With the assistance of Oda Nobunaga, a daimyo who later converted to Catholicism and took on the name Dom Bartolomeu, Nagasaki became the main hub for Portugal's activities in Japan. Initially, the relationship between Portugal and Japan was mutually beneficial. However, the presence of the slave trade in the region caused unease. In 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the historical figure behind Shōgun's Taikō, attempted to expel all Jesuits from Japan and reclaim control of Nagasaki. Nevertheless, many Japanese had already embraced Catholicism, and severing certain commercial ties proved to be challenging.

The Black Ship mentioned in Shōgun was a yearly vessel that sailed from Japan to Macao on behalf of the Portuguese crown. It was massive, weighing between 1200 to 1500 tons, and could transport enough goods to sustain Japan for a whole year. Despite not being a warship, the characters in Shōgun recognized it as larger and more formidable than any other ship they had encountered. Its distinctive black hull, coated with a tar mixture, earned it the nickname "black ship". In the 19th century, American ships were also referred to as "black ships".

Why Black Ships Were So Important To Trading During The Sengoku Period

Portugal's Black Ship in Shogun episode 3 - Why Black Ships Were So Important To Trading During The Sengoku Period

In the second half of the 16th century, Portuguese ships were the sole link between Japan and the West, proving to be very profitable for Portugal. These ships also served as intermediaries in the trade between Japan and China, as China had halted trade with Japan due to pirate attacks. This meant that the Portuguese ships were the only way for Japan to obtain Chinese goods such as silk and porcelain. Much of this trade was centered around Portugal's base in Macao, which was mentioned in Shōgun.

During this time, Japanese samurai, who were technically Ronin, and slaves could be found in Portuguese Macao. In Shōgun episode 2, Lord Toranaga discovers that the Portuguese base in Macao was employing Ronin and bringing more weapons into the region. This discovery prompts Toranaga to prevent the Black Ship from leaving Japan. However, in Shōgun episode 3, Toranaga is forced to negotiate with the Portuguese priests and merchants in order to safely escape Osaka. In exchange for his assistance, Captain Ferriera's Black Ship is allowed to depart Japan for Macao.

What Happened To Black Ships During The Tokugawa Shogunate

Toranaga looking at the Black Ship in Shogun - What Happened To Black Ships During The Tokugawa Shogunate

In 1614, a few years after Tokugawa Ieyasu established his shogunate, all Jesuits were expelled from Japan as part of a larger decision to remove foreign influence and close off Japan from the rest of the world in what is known as Sakoku. The Tokugawa shogunate implemented isolationist policies that had a more immediate impact compared to previous attempts by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century to expel Portuguese priests.

A few years later in 1639, all Portuguese merchants were also expelled from Japan, leading to the black ships no longer being able to conduct business there. The Tokugawa shogunate, also known as the Edo shogunate, officially began after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1603.

The Dutch were the only Europeans who continued trading with Japan during the Sakoku period, thanks to the efforts of Protestant William Addams. Addams, an Englishman, developed a close relationship with Tokugawa Ieyasu and became a well-known foreign samurai.

In the novel "Shōgun," the character John Blackthorne is based on William Addams, highlighting his alliance with Toranaga that mirrors the real-life relationship between Addams and Ieyasu. Despite making deals with the Portuguese, Toranaga is unhappy with their influence in the region, which shapes his political decisions in the long run.

(Source: FX)

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Editor's P/S:

This article delves into the intriguing history of "Black Ships" in Japan, shedding light on their significance in trade during the Sengoku Period. The arrival of Portuguese ships in the 16th century marked a pivotal moment in Japan's relations with the West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technology. The article highlights the role of these ships in introducing firearms to Japan and the subsequent impact on the country's military prowess.

However, the article also explores the complex political dynamics surrounding the presence of European merchants. While initially beneficial, the growing influence of the Portuguese led to concerns about foreign interference and the spread of Christianity. The Tokugawa shogunate's decision to expel Jesuits and Portuguese merchants in the early 17th century underscores the delicate balance between trade and national security that Japan faced during this period. The article provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that Japan encountered as it navigated its relationship with the outside world.