The Enigma of Mizu: Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Blue Eye Samurai

Article Overview

The protagonist of Blue Eye Samurai, Mizu, is not modeled after an actual individual. However, her character takes inspiration from the experiences of William Adams, a real Englishman in 17th century Japan.

Inspired by their own daughter's captivating blue eyes, a woman's personal encounters in Hollywood, the iconic archetype of Clint Eastwood, and the film Lady Snowblood, the creators of Blue Eye Samurai ingeniously blended these diverse influences to infuse the show with its distinctive and contemporary aura.

Through the captivating journey of Mizu, the adult animated series boldly delves into themes of vengeance and challenges traditional patriarchal frameworks. Its ambition is to revolutionize the samurai genre, delivering a narrative that is simultaneously brutal and daring, diverging from the conventions of traditional samurai movies.

The protagonist of Netflix's Blue Eye Samurai, Mizu, captures viewers' attention with her mixed heritage and impressive katana skills set in Japan's Edo period. This may lead audiences to wonder if she was a historical figure and if the show is based on real events. While the legacies of many warriors have been lost to time, there are documented accounts of numerous samurai who made significant sacrifices. While audiences have typically been drawn to samurai films for their violent and action-packed scenes, Blue Eye Samurai sets out to disrupt the genre with a story that is both provocative and intense.

This adult animated series follows Mizu, a half-Japanese, half-white female samurai who disguises herself as a man. Her mission is to seek revenge on the Irish man who fathered her years ago. The show's premise is fresh and its storytelling original, as Mizu navigates through patriarchal structures and encounters a diverse range of individuals who consciously or unconsciously aid her in discovering her true self. Blue Eye Samurai is undeniably captivating and thought-provoking, but it leaves viewers pondering whether Mizu is a fictional creation or if she was inspired by a historical figure.

Blue Eye Samurai's Mizu Was Not Based On A Real Person (But There Was A Famous Blue-Eyed Samurai)

Blue Eye Samurai's Mizu is a captivating character, however, it is important to clarify that she is not based on a real person. Nevertheless, during the 17th century, there was an Englishman named William Adams who led a life quite similar to Mizu's. Adams, a skilled navigator, embarked on an expedition that led him to Japan. Remarkably, he became the first Englishman to reach Japan, and his contribution to the country went beyond exploration.

Adams, after acquiring fluency in Japanese, became a trusted advisor to shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu. He quickly became deeply involved in the political landscape of Japan. His dedication to fostering positive relations between Japan and Western nations earned him great respect from Ieyasu. In recognition of his loyalty and efforts, Ieyasu presented Adams with two swords, symbolizing the authority of a samurai.

Although Adams was granted permission to return to England, he chose to remain in Japan, having grown fond of the Japanese way of life. Since then, he has been recognized as one of the most influential Westerners in Japan, leaving a lasting impact on the country's history (via Japan Experience).

All episodes of Blue Eye Samurai are currently available to stream on Netflix.

Blue Eye Samurai's Other Inspirations For Mizu Explained

During an interview with Tudum, Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, the creators of Blue Eye Samurai, characterized the show as a fusion of an Edo-period revenge tale like Kill Bill and the identity exploration depicted in Yentl. This description suggested that the series would showcase both intense violence and contemplative moments. Additionally, in the same interview, the creators attributed their daughter's striking blue eyes as the primary inspiration behind Mizu. Furthermore, Jane Wu, the supervising director, shared with Tudum that her personal experiences as a woman navigating the male-dominated landscape of Hollywood also served as a significant influence.

The protagonist and themes of Blue Eye Samurai draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including Clint Eastwood's iconic persona and the influential 1973 film Lady Snowblood. Despite these seemingly disparate influences, they all contribute to the show's refreshingly unique look and feel. While the character Mizu in Blue Eye Samurai is not based on a real person, the sources of inspiration are grounded in reality and greatly contribute to the creation of this distinctive animated series.

Editor's P/S

Blue Eye Samurai's Mizu is a captivating character, and it's no surprise that she was inspired by a real person. William Adams, a 17th-century Englishman, led a life that was quite similar to Mizu's. Adams was a skilled navigator who embarked on an expedition that led him to Japan. He became the first Englishman to reach Japan and made significant contributions to the country. Adams became a trusted advisor to shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and was instrumental in fostering positive relations between Japan and Western nations. In recognition of his loyalty and efforts, Ieyasu presented Adams with two swords, symbolizing the authority of a samurai. Although Adams was granted permission to return to England, he chose to remain in Japan, having grown fond of the Japanese way of life.

Mizu is a complex and well-developed character. She is a skilled fighter, but she is also a woman who is trying to find her place in a patriarchal society. She is a half-Japanese, half-white woman who is trying to find her identity. Blue Eye Samurai is a thought-provoking series that explores themes of identity, revenge, and violence. It is a must-watch for fans of anime and samurai films.