The true story of John Blackthorne, the protagonist of Shogun.

IN Shogun, Medieval Japan becomes an impressive setting for a story that, while keeping its distance, can be compared to Game of Thrones. The Disney+ production, adapting James Clavell’s novel of the same name, delves into a complex political scenario. When a powerful regent attempts to dispute the lands of the recently deceased Taiko, the entire country will be caught up in a game of interests and a bitter struggle for territory. Especially when it becomes clear that the triumph will determine – for better or worse – the future of the shogunates in the midst of conflict.

The previous brutal scenario is also told in a new dimension. John Blackthorn (Cosmo Jarvis) is an English navigator who, after a shipwreck, finds himself in the center of a fierce battle. Gradually the character will find himself in the center of a critical historical moment.

Not only support Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) As the situation becomes increasingly tense. Likewise, for a forbidden affair with Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai), a very powerful woman who fights for what is right. Meanwhile, an unexpected guest will be key to determining the future of the war that is about to occur. And also, in the sense of understanding the whole scenario, through a European sensibility.

But character Shogun is much more than just a means of explaining the most complex aspects of Japanese culture. John is a fictional version of the English sailor William Adams, born in the middle Middle Ages. The latter is credited with being the first Briton to reach Japanese lands. This allowed him to become an exceptional witness to the rise to power of Tokugawa Ieyasu. founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The corresponding historical figure initiated the feudal regime that ruled Japan after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. A period that would last until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

A reckless man in a unique historical moment

William Adams was born in 1564 and throughout his peculiar life became known as Anjin-sama. This is a Japanese honorary title highlighting his ability as a seafarer. Born into poverty, the sailor managed to become a symbol of geographical and cultural exploration at a time when such things were amazing. Adams was born in Gillingham, north of Kent, England, and was orphaned at the age of twelve. This led him to become an apprentice at a shipyard. His teacher, Nicholas Diggins, recruited him at Limehouse and then made him part of the permanent crew of his various ships.

But Adams also received extensive informal education, including shipbuilding, which made him a figure of considerable importance. Even before he made his first sea voyage, he was already recognized for his ability to build ships at low cost. In addition, he received an education in the general principles of astronomy and navigation. When he came of age, he was called upon to enter the Royal Navy, where he served under Sir Francis Drake. Before he was 25 years old, the sailor took part in several key moments of English naval battles of that historical period, including the battle against the Spanish Armada in 1588. This was the first opportunity he had to become the captain of a ship.

His good leadership attracted the attention of Barbary.. Aboard research ships, he participated in an Arctic expedition that took him to Siberia and finally to the Far East. Surprised by the wealth and ignorance of the region, he decided to make every effort to return on his own. Of particular interest is the spice trade and the fact that Europe had not yet fully explored the region. Finally, in 1598, he bought a ship to sail to the area and announce his discoveries at his own expense.

Stranger in Cruel Lands

After all the inconveniences, Adams arrived in Japan in April 1600. Almost two years passed at sea, and most of his crew died. The survivors were terrified of what they might find in the seemingly inhospitable territory. Without hearing any burning or fear, the sailor landed on the island of Kyushu, on Japanese territory.

Once there and accused of the capture, he and his men were taken to Osaka Castle. Without knowing it, William Adams found himself at the center of a historical conflict. The arrest of his men followed the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mikawa’s daimyo and future shogun. He was also the mentor of Taiko’s young son, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had just died. Little by little, Adams managed not only to captivate the leader’s imagination with his stories about Europe. In addition, he becomes indispensable in the daimyo’s struggle for complete control.

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Something he would eventually achieve, with Adams’ help, in addition to the resources he stored on his ship. However, the Briton’s knowledge of naval battles and military strategy was special, which made him the right hand of a powerful Japanese lord. A story that crossed borders and conquered Europe. Adams subsequently decided to remain in Japan until his death, which occurred when he was 55 years old. Then, He became an influential figure and an element of great importance in the partial opening of the country’s borders to the West.