If you are a lover of Japanese culture and enjoy something more detailed than a simple movie, the series called “Shogun: The Glorious Saga of Japan” arrives on February 27, 2024. It is available on Disney+ and Star+. The series will feature a lot of history, battles, and a portrayal of feudal Japan. The plot takes place in the 1600s, and viewers will be able to see rich details about the culture and customs of the time. Some compare the storyline to the famous “Game of Thrones” (an American series that narrates a war for the Iron Throne).
The comparison arises because the latest series also features power struggles and wars. Shogun is based on the bestseller by James Clavell (a novel written in 1975) and has 10 episodes. Although the story is Eastern, the filming took place in Vancouver, Canada, with sets that portray Japan.
One of the most important settings is the Osaka Castle, where much of the story takes place both inside and around the location. The city became one of the main ones during the Edo period.
Plot and Similarities
The plot begins in 1603 at the start of the Edo period and marks the clash of the protagonists Yoshi Toranaga, the warlord, – played by Hiroyuki Sanada – who fights to survive. In contrast, his enemies unite to harm him. A ship that came from Europe is found near a fishing village, and from there emerges the English sailor John Blackthorne – played by Cosmo Jarvis – who has geographical experiences and knowledge that can alter the course of Japan.
The author was concerned that the characters were inspired by reality; the protagonist, for example, resembles William Adams, recognized as the first English navigator to arrive in Japan. The future shogun, Yoshi Toranaga, represents Tokugawa Ieyasu, considered one of the greatest unifiers of the country and the precursor of the Edo shogunate.
Check out the trailer:
Protagonists
- Hiroyuki Sanada, MBE (真田 広之) is from Hiroyuki Shimosawa (下澤 廣之) Tokyo. He is a Japanese actor, known for his work in The Last Samurai, Sunshine, and Life. At just 5 years old, he began photographing for magazines and studying theater at the Himawari Drama Company.
- Harrison Cosmo Krikoryan Jarvis is from Ridgewood, New Jersey; in addition to acting, he is a musician and filmmaker. In 2015, he auditioned and was cast to play the character of Sebastian in William Oldroyd’s debut film, Lady Macbeth (2016).
- Anna Sawai (アンナ・サワイ) is from New Zealand and in addition to being an actress, she is also a singer and dancer. She landed her first acting role at the age of 11, as the titular character in the Nippon TV production of Annie in 2004, shortly after moving to Japan. She also played the character Kiriko in James McTeigue’s 2009 neo-noir martial arts film, Ninja Assassin.
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