Shōgun is a 2024 American historical drama television series created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name.
This adaptation follows the success of a previous miniseries from 1980 and features a predominantly Japanese cast, with Hiroyuki Sanada leading the ensemble alongside actors like Anna Sawai and Tadanobu Asano.
Set in Japan during the year 1600, Shōgun follows the story of John Blackthorne, a pilot major played by Cosmo Jarvis, who is shipwrecked and must navigate the treacherous political landscape of feudal Japan.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a civil war and the power struggle involving Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), who is fighting against political rivals and a fragile five-regent government.
There’s probably a lot that you don’t know about this show, but today my aim is to change that…
10 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know about Shōgun
1. Shōgun premiered on February 27, 2024, on FX and Hulu, with a total of 10 episodes released weekly until April 23, 2024
2. The project took nearly 11 years to develop, with significant delays due to various production challenges. The current iteration began in 2018, emphasizing the creators’ commitment to thorough research and authenticity.
3. Shōgun is notable for being the first Japanese-language series nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, receiving a total of 25 Emmy nominations.
4. Shōgun has received critical acclaim for its directing, writing, and production values, achieving a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has been praised for its historical accuracy and vivid portrayal of feudal Japan, drawing comparisons to other epic series like Game of Thrones.
5. William Adams, the historical figure which the character John Blackthorne was based on, spoke a number of languages, including Portuguese.
6. Showrunner Justin Marks and director Jonathan van Tulleken cast Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne after seeing his performance in Calm with Horses (2019).
7. The opening credits are inspired by a Zen garden, which originated in the sixth century with Zen Buddhist monks for meditation.
By the eleventh century, these gardens became a way to teach Buddhist principles. The key concept of shakkei, or “borrowed landscape,” involves incorporating surrounding scenery to extend the garden’s visual space.
Zen gardens, also known as karesansui, use rocks to represent mountains and sand or crushed granite to mimic water. The sand’s angular particles allow for raking patterns that symbolize flowing water or ocean ripples.
8. The production took place in British Columbia, Canada, and is noted for its high budget, making it the most expensive series in FX’s history. Marketing efforts included an immersive exhibition at San Diego Comic Con and a trailer that aired during Super Bowl LVIII.
9. Season 2 of Shōgun has been confirmed by FX, along with a third season, following the show’s significant success as the most-watched series in FX’s history. However, there is currently no specific release date for the second season.
10. The soundtrack was composed by Academy Award winner Atticus Ross, alongside Leopold Ross and Nick Chuba. Taro Ishida contributed by arranging and recording traditional Japanese music, including Gagaku, to incorporate authentic elements into the score.
The team sought to craft a unique soundscape that merges ancient and modern influences, utilizing advanced sonic techniques to amplify the psychological depth of the narrative.
Well, there you have it, 10 Interesting Facts you might not have known about Shōgun. If I’ve left out something important, feel free to comment below.
Check out the trailer for the first season of the show below:
FYI: You can stream the show on Disney+ in South Africa.
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