Book Review: Shogun

 As I've embarked on a summer of Japan one of the cornerstones of that phase has been the novel Shogun by James Clavell. The book is a two part behemoth with a total of 1312 pages (This falls into War and Peace status). There were certainly times I was not following every miniscule detail, but I got the main gist of the story. It is set once again in Feudal Japan, similar to my AC Shadows, video game, at the end of the 1500s and start of the 1600s (the dawn of the Edo Period). The story is a historical fiction pertaining to the real English navigator William Adams who crash landed in Japan in 1600 and served as their counselor for the rest of his life. In the backdrop of this story is the influence of Catholic Portugal and the warring daimyos which lead to the foundation of the Tokugawa Shogunate (the golden era of Japan known as the Edo Period). 

The setting alone was very fascinating for me, a true historical emersion into feudal Japan which I knew very little of. For starters I just recently discovered from this book that Japan was not discovered until the late 1500s by Portugal. Also of equal interest was the early influence the Catholic Church had after this arrival, but were then later expelled by the local Shinto and Buddhist faiths. I'd say this book was everything I was after in regards to better understanding Feudal Japan and it's overall culture. The TV show was also top quality, with great film production, even though it differed on a few key points from the book. One thing I was disappointed however was the rather abrupt ending which I'll get more into in the review. 

The Plot Synopsis

John Blackthorne is an English pilot of the Dutch ship known as Erasmus which is lost at sea for some time and eventually crashes on the coast of Izu Harbor, Japan. He and his crew are taken prisoners by the local Japanese daimyo Yabu, who intends to keep the ship for himself. Blackthorne is defiant and puts up a fight against his captors who later refer to him as a barbarian. News of the mysterious ships quickly reaches Yabu's liege lord Toranaga who summons him to bring the barbarian before him to Osaka. Once again Blackthorne displays his strong character of resistance, fighting with the Portuguese translators. Toranaga observes this fighting between the European foreigners and discovers there are two warring sects of the Christian faith between the Catholics and the Protestants. 

Toranaga realizes he can learn much from Blackthorne, especially his navigational skills, however decides to imprison him in order to appease the other regent council members (especially Lord Ishido his greatest rival). While in prison Blackthorne learns much of the language and customs of Japan from a Spanish friar. Toranaga once again summons Blackthorne, however this time he places a Japanese translator Mariko, as he begins to distrust the Catholic Portugese translators. Blackthorne explains the Catholic's church intent to colonize Japan the same way it did with the Americas of the New World. Toranaga gives Blackthorne the new Japanese name of "Anjin-san" as a sign of respect. 

Sensing a new threat with Blackthorne's arrival, the enemy regents, supported by the Catholic Portuguese send assassin's to kill Blackthorne however fail. Toranaga decides to then leave Osaka with Blackthorne, whom he now considers a great asset in his fight against the enemy regents. Toranaga grants him the privilege of hatamoto samurai with his own residence, wife, and even courtesans. Mariko continues to grow close to Blackthorne, as she translates for him and teaches him of Japense customs beginning to fall in love with him. However Blackthorne still desires to wage war against the Portuguese Catholics and return to his home in England. He even threatens to commit seppuki, which further demonstrate his fierce resolve to the Japanese daimyos. 

After some time Blackthorne does begin to learn the language and also trains the samurai army in the use of cannon warfare. During this time a great earthquake hits the town of Anjiro, by which Blackthorne saves Toranaga and thus strengthens their trust. However despite his newly acquired skilled navigator, Toranaga still has the odds stacked against him by the regent lords of Osaka led by Ishido. Toranaga is visited by his brother Zataki who informs him he has joined sides with Ishido, and the only option left for Toranaga is to give himself up and commit seppuku. While his war-counsel of Hiromatsu, Yabu, Buntaro, Naga, and Omi seek war, Toranaga instead plans to surrender. He sends Mariko to Osaka as his messenger to lord Ishido.

While visiting Lord Ishido in Osaka, Mariko declares Toranaga will surrender but first she must be allowed to leave with several other noblewomen. Ishido denies this request, which then leads to Mariko's rash act of public defiance in leaving the castle gates. Ishido's guards do not let her pass and she then publicly declares she will commit seppuku for being unable to fulfill her lord Toranaga's command. Knowing that the other regents and nobles do not wish to see Mariko die, Ishido grants her freedom to leave before she can commit seppuku. However that night the castle is assaulted by a group of ninjas (coordinated by Ishido and Yabu's betrayal). Mariko retreats to a storeroom with Blackthorne, where she sacrifices herself when the door is exploded. 

The death of Mariko was a tragedy for all of Osaka, and quickly turned the noble regents against Ishido, which was something he did not intend. This was ultimately a masterplan by Toranaga, knowing he could not defeat Ishido by sheer force and would need this act to help divide the regent lords. Furthermore Yabu was discovered for his treachery and ordered by Toranaga to commit seppuku. Upon his return from Osaka, Blackthorne discovers his ship the Erasmus has been sunk. Toranaga later reveals that a deal was made with the Catholics that Blackthorne's life could be spared if this ship was destroyed. Due to the sacrifice of Mariko and the loss of his ship, Blackthrone develops a new purpose to join Toranaga's fight and rebuild a new ship. The book ends with a brief paragraph on Toranaga's easy defeat of Ishido.

The Review

As I mentioned above this was a very long book, loaded with detail and many characters. I got the general flow of the story but could probably gain more from a 2nd read-thru. I can say that I learned quite a lot from the historical setting which is exactly what I was after. However there's parts of the story I was somewhat dissatisfied with. The first being this unfulfilled love and sacrifice of Mariko, who never really was able to obtain happiness. She was like a prisoner all along, shamed by her father's disgrace she was a prisoner to her lord Toranaga and her husband Buntaro. A devout Catholic she believed in a concept of an Eightfold Fence, a strict duty to Japan, which only allowed her brief moments of happiness with Blackthrone. She was in my opinion the book's true hero and most interesting character and I think she deserved a better ending.

I was also dissatisfied with the abrupt ending and think there could have been a sequel. The whole book is building to this war between Toranaga and Ishido, and the reader never really gets to see it unfold. Rather it's a game of tactical chess, with complex political and diplomatic schemes, Toranaga being the mastermind of it all. With as much detail as there was in the book, Clavell could have certainly dove further into a proper Japanese samurai battle. While we know that Toranaga had already won the battle before it began, why not spell this out in more detail. It would have been great to hear Ishido's final realization and dialogue that his alliance had broken and he was defeated. I also feel Blackthrone's animosity towards Mariko's husband Buntaro was also unresolved especially after her death.   

Aside from these two major anti-climatic points, the book still provided some great historical insight with powerful themes. I would say there was definitely a Japanese concept at work throughout the book, pertaining to their beliefs of honor, duty, karma, and destiny. What's especially interesting in this book, is the culture clash that occurs, where we get to see Japan's unique customs from the perspective of a westerner, Blackthrone (this being ideal for western readers). For me the most eye-opening aspect I learned from this book, was this extreme servitude by both Japanese men and women, who would quickly embrace death in the name of honor. 

The Characters

John Blackthorne (Anjin): He is a portrayal of English navigator William Adams the first Englishman to reach Japan. The character of Blackthrone is quite fierce and strong-minded who seeks to complete his mission by defeating the Portuguese Black Ship most of the book. He does eventually lose site of his own ambitions and begins to embrace the Japanese culture, by falling for Mariko and befriending Toranaga. His transition into the Japanese way is a key element of the book.  

Toranaga: He is the chief daimyo of the book portraying Tokugawa Ieyasu who would later establish the glorious Tokugawa Shogunate. Toranaga is depicted as a very wise and observant man, often calculating his opponents and his next move. His curiosity and willingness to learn of Blackthrone is what helps him gain the upper advantage on his rivals.

Mariko: She is one of the most interesting characters in the story. Her father was a traitor and her family was killed, yet she was spared by her husband Buntaro. She converted to Christianity seeking a new path to salvation and became fluent in various languages such as Latin and Portuguese. It is thru this skill of translation that she becomes a vital tool for Lord Toranaga. Her story is further enhanced when she falls for Blackthorne and reveals the elements of Japanese culture to him. She is ultimately a somber character who restrains her emotions it total stoicism, a concept she refers to as the eightfold path. She sees her sacrifice as the ultimate path to restore her family's honor, and achieve her fate.

Yabu: He is a the chief lord serving under Toranaga, with a sly humorous and scheming character. He is the first to discover Blackthorne and intends to use him for his own personal ambitions. His loyalty to Toranaga is questioned throughout the story, and ultimately breaks when he helps Ishido, which leads to his seppuku at the end.

Hiromatsu: He is the elder lord and most devoted general for Toranaga who confronts Yabu when the Dutch ship is discovered. He sides with Toranaga most the story, until the end when he commits seppuku in protest of Toranaga's decision not to fight.

Omi: He is a younger samurai lord, and nephew to Yabu, who serves Toranaga. He is deeply in love with the beautiful courtesan Kiku. 

Buntaro: He is a courageous samurai lord of Toranaga, and husband to Mariko. He is also a somber figure sharing in the remorse of his wife. He was believed to have been killed early in the story, but later returns and grows animosity towards Blackthrone due to his strong relation with his wife. Even after the death of his wife, his relationship is somewhat unresolved with Blackthrone. 

Ishido: He is Toranaga's chief rival in the council of regents, and seeks to establish himself as Shogun. 

Kiku: She is the most beautiful courtesan of Japan who is a consort to Omi, Toranaga, and Blackthrone. She is later arranged to be Blackthrone's husband at the end of the book. 

Lady Ochiba: She is the heir of the fallen Taiko, who holds significant influence over the regent lords. She is a friend of Mariko, and later decides to pull her alliance with Ishido due to Mariko's death.    

Naga-sun: He is the son of Toranaga, eager and willing to prove himself but perhaps not as strong as his father. 

Rodrigues: He is a skillful Portuguese navigator who befriends Blackthrone, despite their animosity towards one another. They share a rather humorous relationship, a mutual hate yet respect for the other.    

The TV Series

It was actually thanks to the Hulu TV series, that I decided to read this epic novel. I remember seeing the advertisements over a year ago, and could tell it was a top quality historical production. I knew AC Shadows was being released a year later, so I decided to hold from watching the show until I began playing the game. The two were a perfect pair for one another both pertaining to the historical setting of feudal Japan. I of course made sure to start the TV show as I was reaching the backend of the book.  However after a couple episodes in I was surprised to discover that the full book would be recounted in this first season and not the additional seasons to follow. So I had to really delay the final 5 episodes so I could finish Part 2 of the book.

I will say that the TV show definitely helped me better understand the story, but I also picked up on major differences from the book. Obviously the TV show was quite expedited and quickly skimmed over Blackthrone's early capture and culture clash with the local Japanese. It also skimmed over his feud with the Portuguese, primarily the captain Rodrigues. The TV show also skims thru the courtesan aspect of Kiku and the "Willow World". Another major difference were the deaths of Naga and Hiromatsu which did not occur in the book. I also noticed Blackthrone's attempted seppuku came midway thru the book and not at the end as depicted in the show. Also worth mentioning Yabu's second at his seppuku was his nephew Omi, and not Toranaga as depicted in the TV show.    

However despite it's differences from the original book, I would say the TV show definitely enhanced the story with it's dramatic flare. The show had a thematic quality to it, a grand-scale epic production on par with Game of Thrones. I wasn't too crazy about the lead actor portraying Blackthrone and his somewhat goofy demeanor, however I did enjoy the portrayals of Toranaga and Mariko. The setting, wardrobe, landscape, and music are quite captivating and really set this historical scene. For me what really gave the show an artistic quality was the use of poetry thru-out. The final poem at the end, really did move me, by Mariko and Ochiba;

While the snow remains, veiled in the haze of a cold evening, a leafless branch... 

Flowers are only flowers because they fall. 

Thankfully, the wind.

For me this poem captures the essence of Japanese culture, which is primarily focused on honor, duty, sacrifice, and fate. It's no doubt a somber poem that hints at Mariko's grim state by which nothing beautiful in this world can last for long. Furthermore she sees herself as this falling flower needing to achieve this sacrifice to fulfill her fate. However Ochiba adds a touch of hope in that final line, that states this beauty can live on even after the fall, which hints at Mariko's legacy after her death. Poetry such as this is relevant throughout the book, but especially more meaningful in the TV show. Also the ending dialogue between Yabu and Toranaga was equally powerful and poetic which made everything very clear at the end. It was a great show and I look forward to the seasons to follow that will expand on Toranaga's new shogunate.     

Cultural Study of Japan

This summer I've embarked into a deep dive on Japanese culture and history. The phase was long in anticipation due to the latest release of Assassin's Creed Shadows in May.  The game offers a vast open-world immersion into Feudal Japan, during the Civil Warring Period known as Sengoku). I've also paired this behemoth game with an equally massive 1100 page book, Shogun by James Clavell. The book is also set around the same time as AC Shadows (during the early 1600s). I'll later have full reviews on both the video game and the book. As well as the usual video game and books, I also accompany my phases with television shows (Shogun, Blue Samurai), movies (The Seven Samurai, The Last Samurai), Japanese food, tea, Japanese garden plants, and relaxing Japanese Zen music. So it's fair to say the summer of 2025 for me is a full-on Japanese summer. 

As I mentioned in my previous post on the historical study of Feudal Japan, I know very little about this country's history and culture. The first things that would often come to mind was the neon-light city of Tokyo, samurai warriors, sushi, and their maniacal army during WW2. Little did I know of this concept of Zen-Buddhism, Shintoism, or Bushido. Or how they were discovered by Portugal in the 1500s and resisted the conversion to Christianity. Or how Samurai were not just warriors, but also noble-men who considered the act of seppuku as an honorable death. These cultures of the far-east are so unique to me, because of their divergence from Christianity. I must say that I had no intention to ever visit Japan in my lifetime, but after this summer that has changed. It's culture is very rich with unique symbolism and identity. 

Japanese Geography and Landscape

Most national cultures get their identity from their land's geography and that is certainly the case for Japan. It is an island on the far east surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Japan puts great emphasis on their geography and considers nature to have a holy presence, a concept known as "shizen". The most iconic landmark is Mount Fuji, a stratovolcano that dominates the skyline. This mountain is one of three holy mountains the other two being Mount Tate and Mount Haku. The Three Views of Japan are also iconic scenic locations which include the tiny islands of Matsushima, the sandbar of Amanohashidate, and Itsukushima "Shrine Island" (renown for it's iconic Torri Gate that floats in the water). 

Another unique characteristic of Japan's landscape is their colorful trees. They have some of the most beautiful plants in the Sakura Trees (cherry blossoms), Japanese red Maples, the yellow Ginkgo tree, and purple Wisteria flowers. The climate goes thru a distinct four season period, similar to the Americas, which makes their foliage all the more beautiful. Japan celebrates the beauty of their nature in mini zen-gardens as a means of peaceful meditation and tranquility. These gardens often consist of minimal colors, with plants, rocks, waters, sand, lanterns, and a bridge. 

Japanese Religion

This Japanese emphasis on nature is a core component of their most popular religions. The most ancient being the practice of Shinto, which dates back to the Yayoi Period of 300 BC. This religion originated in Japan, as a celebration of nature rather than a specific monotheistic deity. However there are still supernatural spirits at work within the religion referred to as kami, that are considered forces of nature. There is really no official doctrine like the bible or ceremonial services, yet rather a peaceful state of mind. The religion is a concept that worships the power of nature, with the practice of prayer thru shrines and meditation. 

Another iconic religion practiced in Japan is Buddhism, which originated in India, and became prevalent in Japan by 600 AD. There are many similarities in Buddhism and Shinto particularly this peaceful state of mind to appreciate the natural environment. Few other concepts from Buddhism that especially took hold in Japan were the belief of karma and reincarnation. That every action in life will later have an equal reaction and that all souls will follow a path of rebirth until they achieve proper nirvana. The practice of Zen Buddhism and Confucianism also became popular during the Feudal Age with emphasis on meditation and human reason. Western religions such as Christianity and Islam had a minor presence in Japan but never realy took off. 

Japanese Visual Art

Japan has a unique style of the visual arts quite distinct from western art with it's iconic brushstrokes and minimalist landscapes. Calligraphy is one of their most iconic visual arts, an expressive and decorative form of handwriting. Their text is quite different from our alphabet which uses a form of Chinese symbols known as Kanji. Each of these symbols are quite unique illustrations that almost require a bit of artistry to write. Ink wash painting is an artform often associated with calligraphy. It uses black brushstrokes to demonstrate a surreal natural essence. This is an iconic form of eastern Asian art that demonstrates an expressive form of interpretation.  

The use of woodblock prints and folding screens are also an emblematic Japanese art style. The practice of Ukiyo-e especially flourished during the Edo Period (1603-1868) under the Tokugawa Shogunate where Japan experienced a golden age in Tokyo. These paintings became popular household items that celebrated Japanese society thru colorful displays of geishas, samurai, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and beautiful landscapes. Some iconic ukiyo-e paintings include the Maple Viewing at Takao (1500s) by Kano Hideyori, the First Play of Musical Instruments in the New Year ( 1805) by Kitagawa Tsukimaro, and the most famous being the Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831) by Katsushika Hokusai.  

Japanese Literature

The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikiu, is the most famous piece of Japanese literature. It was written in 1021 AD and is considered the first novel ever written in history (long before the western influence of Don Quixote). I am honestly quite unfamiliar with this story about an emperor's son set during the Heian Period. Muraska was a noblewoman who served Empress Shoshi and became a well renown writer and poet throughout her life. Her classic work of literature helped define Japanese culture and society. Some of Japan's greatest literature came during this Heian period (794-1185) such as The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, The Tale of Heike, and the Pillow Book. One of the greatest poets was Matsuo Basho considered a master of the haiku verse that became popular during the Edo Period.   

Japenese Wardrobe

Another unique trait of Japanese culture is their wardrobe, quite different from the western world. The kimono is their traditional garments, like a robe with very intricate elaborate detail. Accompanying this relaxing robe is the obi sash and the zori sandals (often made of wood, with elevated bases). Both the samurai and geisha heightened this unique style of fashion; where samurai wore elaborate armor known as the o-yoroi with facial armors (like masks) known as the men-yoroi. They also wore a distinctive topknot or shaved the middle of their head known as the chonmage. Meanwhile the geisha often wore heavy white makeup known as the oshiroi, with elaborate hair buns with hairpins, often carrying umbrellas or folding fans. 

Japanese Music and Theater

Traditional Japanese Music has a zen-like relaxing quality to it, incorporating the elements of Buddhist chants and rituals. The most iconic instrument is the shamisen, a three-stringed guitar that offers a unique buzz tone, almost like a high-pitched drum beat. This instrument especially became popular during Japan's flourishing Edo Period, as the backdrop of Kabuki theater performances. Musical theater is also an important aspect of Japanese musical culture. The four main types are the Noh (spiritual dance), Kyogen (comic performance), Kabuki (the most famous well renown for it's elaborate masks and costumes), and the Bunraku (puppet performances).   

Japanese Holidays

One of their most important holidays is New Year's Day known as the Shogatsu which includes family gatherings, traditional foods, and visits to shrines. This New Years celebration lasts for a few days known as the Oshogatsu Season. Although Japan does not have an Independence day like most nations they do celebrate a National Foundation Day on Feb 11 where they commemorate Emperor Jimmu as founding the empire in 660 BC. The Golden Week in late April-early May is also a popular time of holidays, festivals, and vacation. The Buddhist holiday of Obon is celebrated in July/August to give homage to deceased family and ancestors. It's also interesting to note that Christmas is celebrated but doesn't have the religious Christian aspect to it and is not considered an official national holiday.   

Japanese Architecture 

The iconic Asian Pagoda style originated in China but Japan brought a distinctive element to the design with it's overhanging tiered roofs. These designs were given great aesthetic detail with practical construction to protect from earthquakes and heavy rainfalls. Other common Japanese architectural features are the sliding paper doors, straw mats, the engawa outdoor porch, and the tokonoma (a dedicated recession within a room to display art or a shrine). The Torri gate is also a cultural element of Japanese architecture, a symbol of Shintoism that represents a passage into a sacred realm. 

At the core of all Japanese architecture is minimalism and simplicity that accentuates nature. Zen gardens are a common feature of many households and buildings. Some of the most iconic landmarks in Japan include the Himeji and Osaka Castles and the floating shrine of Itsukushima. Kyoto is renown for it's classic Japanese architecture with many monuments, castles, Buddhist temples, and Torri shrines. The modern city of Tokyo also has many amazing futuristic skyscrapers and constructions including the Tokyo Tower, The Tokyo Skytree, and the Shibuya Crossing. 

Japanese Sports

The way of the warrior is a major element of Japanese competition, which is seen in many of it's athletic sports. This is prevalent in many of it's famous martial arts such as judo, jujutsu, karate, and sumo wrestling. While these forms of combat were initially intended for samurai battle throughout the Edo Period they later become incorporated into competitive sport. In the modern age Japan adopted many of the western sports and especially excelled at baseball. They've won the World Baseball Classic a record three times in 2006, 2009, and 2023. They hosted the FIFA World Cup with Korea in 2002 and have hosted the Olympics 4 times in 1964, 1972, 1998, and 2020. Some of their greatest athletes include baseball stars; Shohei Ohtani, Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui; and tennis 4-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka.  

Japanese Cuisine

Being an island nation, seafood is a very popular base food throughout most of Japan. Of course we know sushi as it's most iconic dish, raw seafood and vegetables wrapped around rice (often served with a side of soy sauce and wasabi). Other popular dishes include the fried seafood known as tempura, white rice, noodles, swekered chicken known as yakitori, and teriyaki glazed meats or fish. Miso Soup, Udon Noodle Soup, white rice, and ramen noodles are also common side dishes. One of the more popular dishes during the New Year holiday is the Osechi, a variety of flavors served on a dish referred to as a jubako or bento box.  

The consummation of tea is also a very important element of Japanese cuisine and culture. The tea ceremony is a traditional practice of spiritual meditation but also social interaction. Green tea and matcha are the the most common type. The most popular alcoholic beverage is the riced wine known as sake. Beer came much later to Japanese cuisine in the 1860s, the lager being their preferred choice. Popular Japanese desserts include the mochi rice cakes, sweet dango dumplings, Daifuku sugar covered strawberries, and Japanese cheesecake or pudding known as purin.