The 15 biggest changes in the Shogun’s book

FX Shogun is an adaptation of James Clavell’s book and changed many aspects of the novel. The show is one of the most popular and successful series of 2024; Shogun won the most awards at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards and had the most nominations. Shogun won some of the most prestigious categories, including Best Drama Series, Best Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and Best Directing in a Drama Series. FX initially adapted Shogun as a limited seriesbut it was so successful that now Shogun seasons 2 and 3 are officially in development.

Although there is no canonical book material for Shogun In Season 2, the writers are determined to continue the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga. However, the first season is based on the book by James Clavell, and the writers’ room had to make many critical decisions when crafting a narrative for television. Although the TV show is largely a faithful adaptation, the writers still changed key elements of the book. Some of these changes improved the story, but others were disappointing. Regardless, adaptation Shogun contrasts greatly with its book counterpart, despite mostly following the general narrative.

15

Shogun takes place during autumn and winter

The book takes place during the summer and autumn

The adaptation of Shogun chose to portray the narrative in a late autumn and early winter setting, as indicated by the various scenes with snow and coats. However, the book takes place during the summer and early fall months. Although this change is insignificant in the show, the seasons of summer and autumn affect the book’s narrative. The conflict occurs during “the rainy season“in the height of summer, and the amount of rain can disastrously affect the autumn harvest, which in turn affects the aftermath of war.

14

Toranaga’s relationship with his half-brother is drastically different

Saeki – Zataki in the book – has already sided with Ishido

In the book, Lord Toranaga learns of his brother’s betrayal through one of Kiri’s letters, and the prospect is not surprising given their hostile and unstable relationship. However, Shogun It portrays Toranaga and Saeki’s dynamic differently. Firstly, Lord Toranaga’s half-brother is named Saeki in the show, while his name is Zataki in the book. The adaptation portrays Toranaga and Saeki’s dynamic as loyal and close, so it comes as a complete shock when the narrative reveals that Saeki betrayed Toranaga. Furthermore, Saeki’s betrayal seems much greater than Zataki’s because Toranaga discovers that Zataki became regent through a later letter from Hiromatsu.

When Saeki betrays Toranaga, he reveals that he has simultaneously replaced Sugiyama as regent. Shogun choosing to portray Lord Toranaga’s dynamic with his half-brother as a surprising betrayal is ideal for a TV show. This creates a more compelling narrative and raises the stakes because Toranaga learns of Saeki’s new position simultaneously with his betrayal, indicating that his time is running out. The fact that Lord Toranaga later learns about his half-brother’s regent position suggests that he will have some extra time before inevitably returning to Osaka.

13

Blackthorne’s meeting with his men goes differently

The meeting is antagonistic in the show, although it is underwhelming in the book

Another notable difference between ShogunJohn Blackthorne’s book and TV adaptation involve John Blackthorne’s reunion with his Erasmus team. After many months away, he finally manages to reunite with his team in Edo (Yedo in the book). However, the reunions occur differently. In the book, Blackthorne reunites with the rest of his crew simultaneously, and despite their aversion to Blackthorne’s adaptation to Japanese culture, they are ecstatic to see him. Blackthorne was also initially excited, but soon after meeting, he was disappointed due to the retention of European culture.

In the show, Blackthorne only reunites with one member of his crew, Salamon, whose book counterpart doesn’t speak at all. Salamon is resentful of Blackthorne, feeling abandoned in a foreign country. Their encounter quickly turns antagonistic as they physically fight each other.which ends with Blackthorne knocking Salamon out. It makes sense that the show would opt for a more emotional path, but despite the differences, the outcome of both scenes is the same – John Blackthorne realizes he no longer fits in with his European comrades.

12

John Blackthorne just saves Toranaga from the earthquake

John Blackthorne saves Toranaga and Lady Mariko in the book

In Shogun season 1, episode 5, “Broken to the Fist”, an unexpected earthquake nearly kills Lord Toranaga. However, John Blackthorne and a few others work together to get Toranaga to safety. In the book, John Blackthorne saves Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko, who land in danger due to the catastrophic earthquake. Furthermore, Blackthorne manages to save them alone, without any additional help. Despite the differences, Shogun conveys a similar point regarding Lord Toranaga and the earthquake –The outcome of this war will depend on Toranaga, Mariko and Blackthorne.

11

John Blackthorne’s Hatamoto Classification

The book portrays the benefits of John Blackthorne’s Hatamoto classification

In both the book and the TV adaptation of ShogunLord Toranaga appoints Blackthorne to the Hatamoto ranks. In the show, the main entity protecting Blackthorne is Lord Toranagaalthough Blackthorne’s position is more secure due to his new position. Many of Lord Toranaga’s people continue to not take Blackthorne seriously and only do so after he proves his worth. However, Hatamoto’s classification in the book significantly changes John Blackthorne’s relationship with the Japanese people, regardless of Toranaga’s influence. John Blackthorne becomes highly respected and protected purely because of his position.

Additionally, the book portrays more superficial perks of being Hatamoto, including acquiring a house, a full complement of servants, and a consort. Although John Blackthorne has learned and respected a lot about Japanese culture, he does not need to work hard to earn the respect of his Japanese peers because of his Hatamoto rank. However, the TV adaptation continues to portray Blackthorne in a precarious position—being Hatamoto doesn’t protect him like in the book. He must continue to work to earn respect and his place in Japanese society.

10

Blackthorne does not attempt seppuku

Blackthorne threatens to commit Seppuku if Yabu punishes the villagers

In the book, Yabu promises to kill his villagers if they don’t help Blackthorne learn Japanese fast enough to mark his failure. John Blackthorne is horrified by this statement and threatens to commit seppuku. However, Yabu doesn’t believe Blackthorne until he tries to stab himself. This scene only exists in the series as a rushed variation between Toranaga and Blackthorne. However, it doesn’t provide the same insight into John Blackthorne’s character. Although Shogun has a variation of Blackthorne’s seppuku threat, does not portray the depth of Blackthorne’s compassion given the other circumstances.

9

Toranaga kills the assassin

In the book, the killer commits suicide before being questioned

An assassin tries to kill John Blackthorne in Shogunbook and TV show by. However, both versions of the scene feature significant changes. In the book, samurai surround the killer, causing him to slit his own throat so that Toranaga’s men won’t know who hired him. In the show, Toranaga surprises the killer by switching his and Blackthorne’s rooms before killing her. That’s it a prime example of how Toranaga’s enemies often underestimate him. Both variations also highlight the danger John Blackthorne is in and how much he needs Toranaga’s protection.

8

Lord Toranaga executes the battle of Sekigahara without bloodshed

Thousands die in the book’s Battle of Sekigahara

The Battle of Sekigahara has the same outcome in the book and the TV show – Lord Toranaga defeats Ishido. However, Toranaga’s path to victory runs differently. In the book, Lord Toranaga devises a plan to allow his armies to stealthily approach Ishido’s camp rather than wait for war to come. Thousands of men die, but the Battle of Sekigahara ends with Toranaga burying Ishido alivecovering him up to his neck, where he lives for three days before dying. In the show, Lord Toranaga achieves victory without additional bloodshed, establishing an era of peace for Japan without fighting.

Toranaga knew that Lady Ochiba would withdraw her support for Ishido after Lady Mariko’s death due to their childhood friendship. The other regents would side with Toranaga on the battlefield once they realized that the heir would not side with Ishido. The real Battle of Sekigahara had thousands of casualties, making the book more historically accurate. However, the TV adaptation highlights a critical point:Many people had to die before Toranaga could achieve a bloodless victory. Lady Mariko, Nagakado, and Hiromatsu died bloodily so that Toranaga could win the war without spilling blood on the battlefield.

7

Nagakado dies after trying to kill his uncle

Nagakado lives in the book, but his role diminishes after Jozen’s death

One significant difference between the book and the TV show involves Nagakado’s character arc. The end of Shogun Season 1, Episode 7, “A Stick of Time,” involves Nagakado tragically dying after hitting his head on a rock in an attempt to kill his uncle, Saeki. This event does not occur in the book, making it a shocking and important change in the book. Shogun adaptation. However, Nagakado’s book arc slows down significantly after he kills Jozen. He focuses on his responsibilities to his father and feudal lord, Toranaga. Nagakado’s death raises the stakes and increases pressure on Toranaga to win the war.

Nagakado isn’t the only significant character who dies in the series, but not in the book. Hiromatsu shockingly commits seppuku in Shogun season 1, episode 8, “The Abyss of Life.” This decision is the only way for the narrative to proceed authentically because Lady Ochiba wouldn’t believe in Toranaga’s surrender unless something terrible occurred, like Hiromatsu committing seppuku. Lady Ochiba doesn’t have the same power or influence in the book, so she doesn’t need to believe that Toranaga will surrender. Therefore, it makes sense for Hiromatsu to live in the book while dying in the series.

6

Lady Ochiba’s political role

Lady Ochiba’s vital political role is missing from the book

Lady Ochiba-no-kata plays a critical role in Shogun That doesn’t exist in the book. Although her presence is important in the literary narrative – and she is still on Ishido’s side – Lady Ochiba does not have the political power to withdraw armies or take over the Council of Regents. She is not an active character in the book – her existence is essential, but she does not impact the narrative. Shogun made an excellent decision to give Lady Ochiba considerable political power. Not only did the series realize the potential for a strong female character, but the decision also gave her more agency.

5

Lady Mariko and Lady Ochiba have a complicated relationship

Their dynamic doesn’t exist in the book

Lady Ochiba’s political role is not the only thing ShogunThe TV adaptation changed significantly. The show also establishes a childhood friendship between Lady Ochiba and Lady Mariko, a relationship that does not exist in the book. Shogun intertwines Ochiba and Mariko’s pasts, which will affect their respective loyalties. As a result of their childhood friendship, Lady Ochiba withdraws her support for Ishido after Lady Mariko’s death. Lady Ochiba becomes frustrated with Ishido after Mariko dies in the book, but only because Ishido acts foolishly. Mariko and Ochiba’s bond led Toranaga to victory and added depth to their characters.

4

John Blackthorne and Lady Mariko’s romantic relationship

The adaptation made John Blackthorne and Lady Mariko’s romance more subtle and intimate

Lady Mariko and John Blackthorne’s romance exists in the book and the TV show, but the narrative portrays it differently. In the book, Lady Mariko and John Blackthorne become involved in a full-blown affair. The reasons for traveling to Edo (Yedo in the book) differ from the show, so they travel with a much smaller group. As a result, they act on their romantic feelings and can establish an affair without getting caught. Mariko comes to understand the European perception of love and determines that she loves him.

In the show, John Blackthorne and Lady Mariko’s romantic feelings are evident, but they don’t act on them as quickly. Except when Mariko disguises herself as one of his ladies, Blackthorne and Mariko only become intimate in Shogun season 1, episode 9, ‘Crimson Sky’, the night she dies. This was a bold decision, but Postponing your romantic relationship makes your dynamic stronger. As a result, the show better portrays Blackthorne and Mariko’s deep emotional bond because they don’t physically act on their feelings.

Blackthorne’s grief when Mariko dies is also different because he never gets to tell her he loves her in the series. He mourns Mariko’s death, but also regrets that they didn’t spend enough time together. Furthermore, their intimacy is much greater in the show. Blackthorne and Mariko understand each other on a deeper level. When Lady Mariko is ready to commit seppuku and her second, Ono, doesn’t show up, Blackthorne offers to be her second, knowing how much it means to her. He loves her so much that he is willing to kill her to honor his belief system..

3

Lady Mariko has a much more active role on the show

She plays a critical role in the book, but is much more passive

The character of Lady Mariko has some of the most significant changes from book to screen, mostly for the better. While She is already a developed and well-written character in the book, she is still much more passive than her series counterpart. The show includes flashbacks to Mariko’s childhood, her family, and the development of her Catholic faith. In the show, Mariko attributes Fuji as John Blackthorne’s consort, while in the book it is Toranaga. Shogun it also portrays Mariko’s strong sense of self and identity around her Akechi heritage. Mariko’s book counterpart ignores the Akechi part of her.

Lady Mariko has also been John Blackthorne’s main translator since the show’s inception; in the book, Father Alvito is initially Blackthorne’s translator until Mariko later intervenes. The show also establishes a complex relationship between Lady Mariko and Lady Ochiba. The only thing that Mariko’s book counterpart establishes better than her show version is the conflict between her duty as a samurai and her growing feelings for Blackthorne.. Otherwise, ShogunThe TV adaptation of has a much better portrayal of Lady Mariko than the book.

2

The show does not focus on the contrasting cultures of Japan and England

It’s an important plot point in the book.

One of the biggest changes in the television adaptation of Shogun-also arguably the most negative change – is removing the contrast between European and Japanese cultures in the book. Realistically, the writers had to make this decision – it’s a complete and dense theme that takes up a significant amount of time, even occasionally getting in the way of the main plot. The series focuses much more on the conflict that Lord Toranaga eventually wins, including the events that led to his victory. Despite the practicality of this decision, it’s still disappointing that there’s barely a glimpse of this theme in the show.

The book’s narrative delves into a deep contrast between Europe (with a focus on Great Britain) and Japan, covering love, food, hygiene and clothing. Considering John Blackthorne’s literary arc, it looks like James Clavell wrote Shogun satirizing Britain’s superiority complex while portraying its admiration for Japan. John Blackthorne eventually embraces Japanese culture, no longer connecting to his European roots. On the other hand, the series portrays Blackthorne struggling to adapt to Japanese culture, even in the last few episodes. Blackthorne’s struggle could have made sense narratively, but the show chose not to emphasize the contrast between British and Japanese cultures.

1

The Shogun adaptation focuses much more on the Japanese narrative

The book features pilot John Blackthorne as the protagonist

The most significant change from book to screen in Shogun is John Blackthorne’s narrative focal shift to several Japanese characters, especially Toranaga. Although John Blackthorne is a critical part of the narrative, the series firmly establishes Lord Toranaga as the protagonist from beginning to end. However, the book portrays John Blackthorne as the protagonist, making it a narrative about a British man’s journey in Japan. The show’s narrative focuses much more on the actual conflict in Japanalthough this plot is still largely prominent in the book.

Furthermore, many events related to the Toranaga conflict are told through his thoughts or through his spies who transmit information to him. The show chooses to illustrate these events rather than having someone tell Toranaga about them.. The TV adaptation also gives narrative weight to Ishido and Lady Ochiba, portraying the characters in flashbacks and scenes that do not exist in the book. Given that Shogun is about how the Edo historical period came about, it makes a lot more sense for the show to focus on those events rather than an Englishman encountering Japan for the first time.

Source: British