Understanding John Blackthorne's Resistance to the Flux in Shogun

John Blackthorne, a key main character in Shōgun, has a fear of "the flux" which leads him to refuse frequent bathing. In the new FX historical epic series streaming on Hulu, Blackthorne, an English ship captain, finds himself washed up on the shores of southern Japan after a storm. His crew, sick and starving, are taken to Osaka, the most important city in feudal Japan during the early 17th century setting of the show.

Blackthorne, portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis, is separated from his crew and presented before Lord Yoshii Toranaga, played by Hiroyuki Sanada. Toranaga recognizes Blackthorne's intelligence and resourcefulness, seeing him as more valuable as an aide than a prisoner. Meanwhile, Toranaga faces opposition from the other four members of the Council of Regents, who fear his Minowara lineage may lead him to claim the throne of Japan as the rightful heir.

John Blackthorne's Dysentery Concerns Explain Why He Won't Bathe In Shogun

John Blackthorne standing in front of Lord Toranaga in Shogun episode 2 - John Blackthorne's Dysentery Concerns Explain Why He Won't Bathe In Shogun

Blackthorne, invited to stay at Yoshii Toranaga's home as an esteemed guest in Shōgun episode 2, initially declines the offer of a bath. He finds it puzzling that he was being encouraged to bathe more frequently than his usual routine of bathing only twice a week. Blackthorne, who had bathed the day before, was wary of contracting "the flux", an archaic term for dysentery, as it seemed he was accustomed to bathing in potentially contaminated water.

Despite Blackthorne's concerns, he fails to recognize that the water offered for bathing in Japan was actually cleaner than what he was accustomed to. This cultural difference served as a stark reminder of his foreignness in Japan. The fear of contracting the flux, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, was a legitimate one for Blackthorne as he had likely witnessed people succumb to this deadly illness. In the year 1600, the flux was often viewed as a death sentence due to the limited medical advancements of the time.

Dysentery Was A Major Concern By Shogun's Timeline

Blackthorne on the ground in the pouring rain in Shogun - Dysentery Was A Major Concern By Shogun's Timeline

The flux or dysentery was a major concern for the English people, dating back to King John several centuries ago, when they were still in England. It was a common and deadly disease that could easily be contracted, sometimes as simply as by taking too many baths. The water provided to Blackthorne at Yoshii Toranaga's was undoubtedly the purest in all of Japan. Given Blackthorne's limited knowledge of Japanese culture and the uncertain situation he found himself in during his time in Shōgun, it is understandable why he would be worried.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the intriguing character of John Blackthorne in the historical epic series "Shōgun" and his unusual fear of bathing due to concerns about dysentery. Blackthorne's apprehension highlights the stark cultural differences between England and Japan in the early 17th century. While bathing was a common practice in Japan, Blackthorne's experience with contaminated water in England had instilled in him a deep-rooted fear of contracting the fatal illness.

The article's exploration of Blackthorne's dysentery concerns serves as a poignant reminder of the medical challenges and cultural disparities that shaped the lives of individuals during this era. It underscores the importance of understanding the context in which historical events unfold and how seemingly minor details, such as bathing habits, can reveal profound insights into the human experience.