Exploring the Era of Shoguns: Rule of Japan's Leaders, Influence of Portuguese Missionaries, and Global Trade

FX’s Shōgun provides a culturally sensitive portrayal of late 16th-century Japan, drawing from James Clavell’s bestselling novel. While the series can be seen as a remake of the 1980 adaptation, it surpasses its predecessor in its depiction of characters and settings. Shōgun introduces a diverse cast of characters, including the English navigator John Blackthorne, while also exploring the perspectives of other individuals based on real-life figures.

Shōgun takes place in the year 1600.

The aftermath of the Sengoku period

Lord Toranaga from Shogun in front of a map of the region - The aftermath of the Sengoku period - Shōgun Takes Place In 1600

FX’s Shōgun is set at the end of the 16th century, following the Sengoku period, also known as the Warring States period, which spanned from 1477 to 1600. According to Retelling the History of the Sengoku Period and the Era Name System: The Year in Japan, during this time, the power of the shoguns, who had replaced the Emperor as the true rulers of Japan, began to diminish. Instead, local lords, particularly the heads of the most powerful families, started to wield significant influence in their respective regions, ultimately establishing themselves as the de facto rulers over the shoguns.

The Sengoku period was marked by numerous conflicts, resulting in approximately a century of instability and turmoil that characterized one of the most violent periods in Japanese history. The daimyo, leaders of the powerful families, gradually supplanted the shoguns as the ultimate authority. Nevertheless, the less centralized governance structure led to frequent clashes between clans. Although samurai played a crucial role in these battles, they were not the sole combatants in the Sengoku wars. Peasants were also conscripted as foot soldiers, known as ashigaru, thereby expanding the scope of these conflicts.

In Shōgun, the impact of the Sengoku period continues to be significant despite the stability established by the Taikō. Lord Toranaga, when asked if he desired to be the sole regent like a new shogun following the Taikō's passing, asserts that the era of true shoguns had ended long ago. This statement underscores that, at the start of FX's Shōgun, authority primarily rests with the local lords. After the Taikō's demise, four out of the five Regents grew concerned that Toranaga was consolidating too much influence, prompting the other lords to be on guard.

Shōgun’s Council Of Regents Is Based On The Council Of Elders From 1598

They ruled after Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s death

Shogun 5 Regent Lords Explained FIXED - They ruled after Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s death - Shōgun’s Council Of Regents Is Based On The Council Of Elders From 1598

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Shōgun episode 2 begins with the final moments of Nakamura Hidetoshi, the Taikō, who is on the brink of death and has designated his five-year-old son as his successor. This necessitates the establishment of a regent government, leading to the formation of the Council of Regents. Toranaga, Ishido, Kiyama, Ohno, and Sugiyama comprise Shōgun's Council of Regent Lords, with the latter three having converted to Christianity following the arrival of Portuguese Jesuits in Japan. The Taikō's passing and the subsequent Council of Regents are inspired by the true story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The Sengoku era was characterized not only by numerous local conflicts but also by the initial interactions between Japan and Europe.

During the late 16th century, Japan's Relationship With Europe was complex and influenced by various factors.

The Portuguese arrived in Japan in 1543

Custom image of Father Alvito, John Blackthorne, and Rodrigues in Shogun - The Portuguese arrived in Japan in 1543 - Japan’s Relationship With Europe In The Late 16th Century Explained

The Sengoku era was characterized not only by numerous local wars but also by the initial encounter between Japan and Europe, particularly Portugal. In 1543, António Mota, Francisco Zeimoto, and António Peixoto landed on Tanegashima, marking the beginning of Portuguese presence in Japan. Despite the language barrier and possession of firearms, the Portuguese quickly established a direct line of communication with the Japanese through trade. This allowed goods from Europe and China, the latter having discontinued trade relations with Japan, to be transported to the islands via Portuguese ships.

The Jesuit Order was established in 1540, predating the arrival of the first Portuguese ship in Japan by three years.

Firearms played a crucial role in the commercial relationship between Portugal and Japan. The port of Nagasaki, featured in the first two episodes of Shōgun, was founded by the Portuguese in collaboration with Ōmura Sumitada in 1571. Although Japan was not colonized by Portugal like many other parts of the world, the islands were still exploited. Japanese individuals, particularly women, were subjected to being bought and sold as slaves, with many being transported to Europe through the Portuguese Slave Trade in Early Modern Japan: Merchants, Jesuits, and Japanese, Chinese, and Korean Slaves.

Christianity In Japan In The Late 16th Century & How It Ties Into Shōgun’s Story

Many Japanese were converted to Catholicism

A closeup of Mariko in Shogun - Many Japanese were converted to Catholicism - Christianity In Japan In The Late 16th Century & How It Ties Into Shōgun’s Story

Portugal not only established economic influence in Japan in the late 16th century but also introduced Christianity to the Japanese. Despite Buddhism and Shintoism being the dominant practices at that time, the arrival of Portuguese Jesuits resulted in a significant number of Japanese converts. Many Japanese lords embraced Christianity to gain access to Portuguese navigators, goods, and trade routes. However, these Christian lords faced opposition from more traditional lords despite having the economic support of the Portuguese.

Portugal’s Base In Macau & Its Role In Japan’s Trading

In Shōgun episode 2, Ishido exposes the regents' true motivations regarding Christianity, accusing them of only seeking close ties with Portuguese priests for their power in maritime trading. Despite this, many Japanese peasants also converted to Christianity. William Adams, the inspiration for Shōgun's John Blackthorne, introduced a different form of Christianity to the Japanese. His arrival not only led to the conversion of many Japanese but also facilitated new trade routes between Japan and Protestant countries in Europe.

Portugal was the middleman between Japan and China

Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko in Shogun in front of a custom background with a map - Portugal was the middleman between Japan and China - Portugal’s Base In Macau & Its Role In Japan’s Trading

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Portugal held a significant role as the sole European nation engaged in trade with Japan, controlling all trading activities between Japan and the West. Moreover, Portugal served as the intermediary in the trade between Japan and China, facilitating access to Chinese goods such as silk for Japan. This crucial trade route was exemplified in the operations taking place in Macau, a key location featured in Shōgun episode 2.

Lord Toranaga was unaware of a Portuguese base in Macau, much less that it employed Japanese samurai who were now ronin. The scene in Shōgun episode 2, where John draws a map of the world and briefs Toranaga on Portugal's other operations and the existence of non-Catholic Christian countries, highlights the significant impact of William Adams' arrival in Japan.

Toranaga's real-life counterpart eventually severed Japan's relationships with most of the world, including Portugal, but allowed the Dutch, introduced to them by Adams, to continue operating in Nagasaki.

STREAM ON HULU

Shōgun releases new episodes Tuesdays on FX and Hulu.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context surrounding FX's "Shōgun," effectively setting the stage for the series. It delves into the aftermath of the Sengoku period, the Council of Regents, Japan's relationship with Europe, and the role of Christianity in late 16th-century Japan. The inclusion of historical events and references to real-life figures adds depth to the portrayal of the show, making it a compelling combination of entertainment and historical education.

Overall, the article serves as a valuable companion piece to the series, enhancing the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the show's historical setting. It effectively highlights the complexities and nuances of late 16th-century Japan, offering insights into the political, social, and cultural landscapes that shaped the events depicted in "Shōgun."