I Can't Believe This...

[@metatronyt]

Grab Atlas VPN for just $1.70/mo + 6 months extra before the BLACK FRIDAY deal expires: get.atlasvpn.com/Metatron

[@archangelgabriel5316]

Thanks for the vid brother.

[@joshuafrimpong244]

from 1:32 to 1:36 and 1:48 to 1:56, the video gets a bit grainy

[@AndreasScout]

can we also say that the cast looks phenomenal.. please 😉 Currently i am watching more Korean and asian series/movies

[@Tethloach1]

The Shoguns names carry a lot of weight and significance: Tokugawa Nobunaga Toyotomi The eras are awe inspiring: Edo period Mieji restoration 80s Japan 50s Japan 90s Japan 1900s Japan

[@fyrchmyrddin1937]

I thought the comments were being facetious, but I realized you never mentioned the original 1980's miniseries in this clip. Are you actually unaware of it?

[@Darthi9]

Hey Metatron! I have multiple friends who worked on that show. It was filmed in Vancouver BC. One of the biggest budgets this city has ever seen. The sets were magnificent. It took them almost 2 years to shoot it. Fun fact. They were hiring all types of Asians from the province and training them in sword fighting, archery, and horseback riding for months before shooting (there was not enough Japanese people in British Columbia). They had entire halls filled with 100 BG actors swinging with katanas 10h/day for 2 months straight. As a person working in film, I haven't seen a production putting so much care into a Series in a while. Hopefully, they deliver: )

[@undefinedvariable8085]

Man, I hope they do. This is an outstanding novel, by James Clavell, deserving of an outstanding authentic adaption, nothing more, nothing less, and certainly nothing other than.

[@Wiseguy579]

All the hard work and expensive sets in the world won't save it from flopping hard if it's the usual woke feminist girlboss reinterpretation. We are FED UP with the woke bullshit.

[@falconone_2155]

It's Disney it will probably turn into propaganda shit tv series. Don't believe the hype.

[@Azraiel213]

I'm slightly torn between being pleased that such care and respect appears to have been put into this project by a western studio and irritation at the commitment to be as lazy and disrespectful as possible with our own culture. In any case, I am cautiously optimistic about this one!

[@GreatSageSunWukong]

but they shouldn't be hiring all types of asians, the only people who can pass as japanese are the japanese themselves and the koreans where the modern japanese came from, the others wouldn't look right unless they are playing invaders or possibly the odd shinobi

[@Gearparadummies]

There's a outstanding adaptation of James Clavell's novel "Shogun" with Richard Chamberlain as Blackthorne and Toshiro Mifune as Toranaga. And it's set exactly in 1600. So, spot on as usual.

[@Crisadder]

I loooove that one ❤

[@JaceyMitchell]

My mom more or less forced me to watch that with her when I was a teenager (this was in the 2010s). I thought it would be dull, but I was so wrong! What a great series! And Richard Chamberlain was phenomenal!

[@kingjoe3rd]

Yeah, it's the same source material. You could call this a remake of the NBC Shogun miniseries, which was based on a book that was based on historical events written by a man that should have hated the Japanese because he was a POW of theirs during WW2.

[@Philipp.of.Swabia]

That one is truly amazing and the Soudntrack is absolutely incredible.

[@someoneunknown3391]

I rented it from blockbuster back in the day. Weep for blockbuster.

[@ianhannah5810]

I worked on this show. We had an army of authenticity experts including Japanese movement experts, Japanese weapons experts, Old Japanese language experts, etc. I'm glad you appreciate the results! Excited for people to see it.

[@nonye0]

when i read the first few words "i worked on this show", i thought u were gonna say we left midway because the director wanted their own version of history like barbarians :P

[@mountedpatrolman]

I don't trust anything Disney Touches. I'll stick with the 80's Miniseries.

[@davidrustylouis6818]

@@mountedpatrolman same here

[@PaulaSB12]

@@mountedpatrolmanthat one needed subtitles

[@Chronomatrix]

oooh that's sick

[@scottfrazier1618]

Toshiro Mifune, who was in a few Kurosawa movies, was in the original mini series. I read that he re-wrote his dialog to be consistent with how Japanese was spoken in 1600

[@_munkykok_]

*HAI* 🙏

[@holydissolution85]

Soookaa...

[@sc0ttishlass]

Yeah Mifune-san played Toranaga-sama. I was a kid back then and when I heard him the first time, I knew I had to learn Japanese!!!

[@aow1423]

Yeah just a couple Kurosawa film.

[@keithconnell8460]

Mifune was the DAWG!

[@ShowaEraGaijin]

I started reading James Clavell's "Shogun" while on the plane to Okinawa in 1978 as I had, for a long time, had a deep interest in Japan. I guess you could say it had an impact on me - I'm still here in Japan 45 years later.

[@freshhands9461]

Kickstarted my admiration for that culture, too. Like walking through Torii into another world. Enjoy your life in good old Nippon, Gaijin!

[@thomasbest8599]

Read it after the mini-series . Excellent book

[@icultivatebooks]

Started in 1978, still haven't finished it. Thick book

[@patrickrada2923]

@@icultivatebooks I can't remember how many times I've read James Clavell's Shogun. 20 times? Anyway, it was a thick book with a hard cover and I read it so many times that it ultimately fell apart.

[@artm1973]

@@icultivatebooks Read it twice during junior high school when it came out and a few times since then.

[@AskAScreenwriter]

Shōgun by James Clavell was one of my favorite novels in Jr HS and high school. It probably wasn't as popular outside of the English-speaking world, though. From what I understand, the feeling in Japan was more of a “why fictionalize history, just make a historical epic in the first place.” I'd love to hear Metatron's opinions on the novel and the original mini-series from 1980 if he has the time to read/watch them before February. It also have one of my favorite exchanges: Toranaga: "Tsukku-san says that the Netherlands were vassals of the Spanish king until just a few years ago. Is that true?" Blackthorne: "Yes." Toranaga: "Therefore, the Netherlands - your allies - are in a state of rebellion against their lawful king?" Blackthorne: "They’re fighting against the Spaniards, yes, but...” Toranaga: "Isn’t that rebellion? Yes or no?" Blackthorne: "Yes. But there are mitigating circumstances. Serious miti..." Toranaga: "There are no ‘mitigating circumstances’ when it comes to rebellion against a sovereign lord!" Blackthorne: "Unless you win." Toranaga looked at him intently. Then laughed uproariously. "Yes, Mister Foreigner…you have named the one mitigating factor."

[@rene.duranona]

Yeah, I loved this book and the original mini TV series.

[@mrico523]

Read it in English, Hungarian & Romanian. Now I feel like reading it again 😀

[@buca505]

You are wrong, James Clavell's book, and mini tv series with Richard Chamberlain, were extremely popular in former Yugoslavia during 80's. As child I watch the TV show and as high school boy I read the book on Serbo-Croatian and in English few years later. That book was bestseller around the world, and I am so glad that it will get the new life for new generations with this new adaptation.

[@marciusnhasty]

@@buca505 Yup, this was big hit in the 80's in Yugoslavia.

[@josephprice4095]

Gonna be VERY HARD to top the original. I'm not looking forward to this.

[@0Time0Stop0]

In the original series, they spoke Japanese with subtitles. It helped folks feel how the Englishman felt in not knowing what was being said.

[@HeroDante]

Do you mean without subtitles? They occasionally had the narrator explain what was being said in certain screens but otherwise the English audience had to rely on characters translating what was being said which was great, because as you said it immerses you into Blackthorn's shoes

[@QuayNemSorr]

Without subtitles actually. When they said something that was vital to the action there was a voice over by Orson Wells. It worked great.

[@kossttamojaan]

@@HeroDante loved Orson Wells narrating

[@ramabass9475]

That mini series was amazing. My family tuned every week, riveted

[@0Time0Stop0]

@@HeroDante They did both.

[@shagrat47]

The European you see is a character from the novell "Shōgun" by James Clavell. Interestingly it is based on the life of William Adams, the actual first englishman to reach Japan and became one of the first "western Samurai".😊

[@massimosuklan3046]

Yeah but in the book he is the english pilot of a dutch ship. Be is right

[@JeffHall-dd3cl]

@@massimosuklan3046and William Adams was on a Dutch ship with a Dutch crew.

[@pong9000]

Historically, an Englishman raised on cheese and sausage would have towered over Japanese of the day, they being some of the tiniest people on Earth. Antique samurai armour fits modern Japanese children. I wonder if this show makes the European actors appear taller, as in Lord of the Rings?

[@mikalmos369]

I don't understand why Metatron didn't mention this. Or how did he not recognize this unless he's never heard of this book or the prior miniseries and its subject matter which is essentially a fictionalized account of William Adams who was an English pilot and Navigator just like in the book sailing on a Dutch ship. The book itself is very accurate to history overall including William Adams's role and what happened to him. And it stands to reason that even if he's never heard of the book or the miniseries how did he not recognize this what's the story of William Adams immediately especially considering he identified the period and the date almost exactly right off the bat.

[@frosty3693]

@@mikalmos369 It seems or sounded like he had never heard of the book or mini series. But I guess it may have been before his time. But disapointing none the less. Maybe he just didn't want to reference the previous works so as not to draw conclusions or spoil the plot. Hopefully the writers will no go 'woke'.

[@Rabbithole8]

As others here have posted, this is the second adaption of James Clavell's novel "Shogun." He based his novel on the Sengoku Period and the historical person of William Adams (John Blackthorne in the novel). Adams was an Englishman, the first to arrive in Japan, but was the pilot of a Dutch ship, de Leifde. The novel is historical fiction. Blackthorne's love interest, the woman in the trailer, is the character Toda Mariko ( the real person, Hosokawa Garasha [Akechi Tama]). However, in real life William Adams and Hosokawa Grasha never met. An interesting point, historically, is that Tokugawa Ieyasu removed canons from Adam's ship de Liefde and used them in the Battle of Sekigahara.

[@mattelder1971]

When I lived in Japan while in the Navy, I recall that there was a statue of William Adams in a park near our base. I believe, but am not positive, that the events the novel is based on took place in the area (Yokosuka).

[@albertobernal2537]

Also the character John Blackthorne was English but spoke Latin, Portuguese (and prolly Spanish) and fluent Dutch, which would explain why Metatron mentions hearing an accent. I did not really notice a Dutch accent, I speak fluent Dutch and I recognize the Dutch accent when English is spoken, but we'll see. I wonder if the FX show will use the Blackthrone character as well. I cannot recall how many (many) times I read the original James Clavell novel as a teenager, but boy do I remember loving it to bits, I bought the book 2 times and the first one I took from my father's mini library. Really good stuff.

[@Dad......]

Sengoku Rance?

[@wulfman76]

@@albertobernal2537 i remember in the novel, it was Fr. Alvito, who was spaniard, talking to blackthorne about the japanese having 3 hearts

[@Rabbithole8]

@@Dad...... Is that a Dad joke?

[@bcpyc]

I have lived in Japan for 12 years now. It still impresses me how much knowledge you have on the Japanese history. Loving it.

[@Rowlph8888]

But for some reasson he has very little knowledge of the contents of the book "Shogun" and its source materiaal

[@bcpyc]

@@Rowlph8888 I mean I didn’t know about the book either. If he’s only guessing the trailer’s content without knowing the show being based on the book, I think he did a good job.

[@Rowlph8888]

@@bcpyc It takes a 2 second Google search to be informed and he's broadcasting content as an expert in the genre. This is a terrible look for his brand

[@roriemarie2968]

​@Rowlph8888 Younger people that do not know about the book from the T v series... I can totally understand because the show was from the 80's... And the book was a sensation even earlier than that. I know about Shogun because i'm fifty years old... He was born around The time the show came out and he was born in Italy. The show ran in the United States primarily...and in Japan...would the japanese highlight a book an English author wrote about them decades ago?

[@Vanic00]

I envy you so much.

[@crazyviking24]

Ridley Scott and his defenders need to see this and understand that it is possible to have a historical movie be accurate and exciting to watch at the same time.

[@TheKadanz]

Yeah but the main actors aren't black, lesbian or trans. How are we ever going to survive this movie????

[@crazyviking24]

@@TheKadanz The same way we survive the majority of movies that don't have black, lesbian or trans actors. Those aren't the reasons why so many Hollywood movies flop so badly.

[@Aoife24601]

So right. I so looked forward to Napoleon then....bloody hell it was bad

[@Aoife24601]

​@@TheKadanz theyll be tons that cant be out in there nowadays......if youve read the book youll know what i mean.

[@DonMofet]

Maximus killed Caligula thats what happen i wont hear other wise.

[@Paradox-dy3ve]

My god the first two episodes of this show were absolutely phenomenal! Not just from a historical perspective but just from a storytelling/television perspective! Everyone should watch it! It deserves more attention than it's currently receiving

[@thehermitman822]

The only thing I hated was waiting for episode 3. 😂

[@kevinprince9527]

I just finished watching E3. As a Japanese I really appriciate FX and its production team bringing quality back to film. I was impressed with the scene from EP3 where she had to defend the convoy and used a naginata weapon. That is historically accurate, as wives of samurai were trained in martial arts and weapon of choice was the naginata. Glad it wasn't produced by hollywood wokes or they would have probably did her as flying tiger battle boss swinging dual katanas or some bullcrap like that.

[@sherrylovegood]

I can’t believe it’s been 30 years, but I was in a production that was a fusion of Western theatre and Kabuki. For 6 months we trained and rehearsed. It was one of the most wonderful shows I’ve ever performed in. I love Kabuki.

[@Marveryn]

Oh you were part of the original, it was a good tv series back in he day thanks you for your fine work

[@nettietrees7238]

Fun fact - Clavell was a Japanese prisoner of war in Java and Singapore. I always thought that was fascinating considering he wrote an epic story showcasing their exceptional historic culture.

[@ChevalierdeJohnstone]

Read his book “King Rat”

[@zamlat8118]

I had no idea about that, but I am currently re-reading Shogun and sometimes you can tell it was written by someone who had Japanese conduct during WWII in the back of his mind.

[@nunyabusiness9433]

@@ChevalierdeJohnstone I loved King Rat. No book captures the "big fish in a small pond" quite so dramatically. I haven't read it in literally decades, but the last scene, where they are rescued and leaving the camp, and he's just one more starving prisoner of war instead of this life and death force of nature, will stay with me forever.

[@sdepountis]

I saw the original series back in the 80's as a kid and I fell in love with Japan because of it. Richard Chamberlain as John Blackthorn and Toshiro Mifune as Lord Toronaga were captivating. It propelled me to read the book and read more about feudal Japan and its culture. It all came to be a dream come true when I got the opportunity to visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe in 2003. I can't tell you how excited I am for this series....

[@AndrewFullerton-vo3wp]

John Blackthorn

[@lisalesinszki7536]

John Blackthorn-not Andrew.

[@Rikolus8383]

I agree, and recall watching it during the multi-night debut so long ago. My major concern is the cant-help-themselves urge of 2020 movie studios to make certain that the female is just as smart (or smarter), just as tough (or tougher), and of course can dispatch experienced male warriors with little effort. That would be a disappointment.

[@42DangerVision]

I am genuinely shocked that THE Metatron is not familiar with Shogun by James Clavell. (EDIT: spoilers for those familiar with the history?) For those who are a little confused: Shogun is a piece of *historical fiction* inspired by the life of an English navigator (on a Dutch ship) who was shipwrecked in Japan in 1600. John Blackthorn is a fictional reimagining of William Adams. Likewise the daimyo, Yoshi Toranaga, is based on Tokugawa Ieyasu.

[@fyrchmyrddin1937]

I honestly don't know how widespread viewership of the NBC TV miniseries really was - but keep in mind it was in 1980 and ran 10 hours long. A family friend had a VCR so I managed to see the entire series.

[@alexanderkesterson6338]

Fr fr i havent read the whole book but im very surprised metatron hasn't read it

[@mitcharcher7528]

It was replayed fairly regularly for a decade after its debut. I was quite young when it first came out but watched the reruns a few times, one of which I recorded on VHS and watched repeatedly.

[@heimdalshorn]

@@fyrchmyrddin1937 ...it was one of the most epic and succesfull shows of the 80s - and the novel from the 70s till today sells in the multi-millions worldwide....

[@todrichards1105]

I’m surprised he hasn’t read Shogun, but it’s clear he hasn’t. It’s funny that he’s doing a review of a trailer for a film adaptation of a novel that he, apparently, isn’t even aware of.

[@gimzod76]

Shōgun is probably one of the best books ever written by author James Clavell. Hell his whole Asian saga is worth reading.

[@JoaoSoares-rs6ec]

Want to read the book but I can't find it

[@Gildar76]

I agree. The asian saga series is really good. I actually didn't know they are making a new series based on Shogun

[@lm5085]

The mini series in the late 70's was amazing. Seems Disney loves doing remakes and taking things over.

[@eveningskies1954]

Read my copy until the pages fell out. The first version will be very hard to top, but I will Def watch

[@jeffzeiler346]

King Rat had a whole lot more impact on me. It really SAID something about the human condition. Shogun was entertaining, but it didn't really have much below the surface.

[@lesliemitchell4984]

The "Dutch" Man in the trailer is navigator William Adams died in Hirado, Japan. Adams is thought to be the first Englishman to have reached Japan (arriving there in 1600) and was the inspiration for the character of John Blackthorne in the famous novel Shōgun.

[@shinaxia7474]

One of my earliest childhood memories is watching the Shogun series. It was fantastic! It made me fall in love with Japan. I was maybe four, maybe five, and when the Japanese translator was teaching Anjin-san to speak Japanese, I learned along with him. To this day, I still remember how to form the question form and how to form the negative form. My love for Japan has remained with me to this day. This new series is a must watch for me.

[@TheDiackon]

Same here :)

[@pustays]

Same here.

[@reelrook3044]

Same here. I saw the miniseries when I was 10. Read the book in my 20s, took a couple of semesters of Japanese in college (I had a leg up due to Shogun!) and finally went to Japan for a summer in my 30s. This probably more than anything made me fall in love with Japan.

[@captainprototype187]

Toronago-san!

[@sharhune2735]

@@captainprototype187 Toranaga-sama

[@MarcusH.Valentine]

The fact that they show Yari and Polearms used in battle is already a mega improvement compared to the "Katana-Only Warfare" shown in the last Netflix series about the Sengoku Jidai. Gives me hope!! Maybe this time we'll get something done right Raff!!

[@tunebeat3809]

Could also be nice if samurai warriors also use archery as well.

[@aetius7139]

​@@tunebeat3809and ashigaru use gunpowder tactics as well. Japan is known to be prolific user of the matchlock teppo.

[@TheAchilles26]

​@@aetius7139 everyone fighting for custody of the muskets on the ship that brought our European main character to Japan is a major plot point of the book this is adapting

[@Lord_Ivoundy_Creood]

And then everyone is black.... Dun dun dun

[@panathatube]

The generic western music used in the trailer is unimmersive though

[@templarjinaiwarriors]

Shogun is a masterpiece by writer James Clavel, a deep connoisseur of Japanese culture, a former Japanese prisoner of war in World War II, and based on the interaction between Yeiasu Tokugawa and Adam Smith, the first European to receive the title of Hatamoto (high-ranking samurai). . It was an excellent TV series directed by Richard Chamberlain, Yoko Ishimada, Toshiro Mifune and an excellent Western and Japanese cast, including the actor who played Ginli in The Lord of the Rings. I think it will depend on the script (currently we have terrible scriptwriters). Excelent vídeo 👋👋👋👋👋

[@zeikerd]

I loved that show

[@akronym4439]

Do you mean Wiliam Smith? The first was a dutch Joosten van Lodensteijn...

[@irishgrl]

John Rhys Davies is who you’re looking for.

[@templarjinaiwarriors]

@@irishgrl Yes thank's 🙏

[@lyrilljackson]

terrible scriptwriters? this is justin marks, of counterpart

[@mattelder1971]

As someone who fell in love with Japan by watching the original miniseries in the 1980s (and subsequently lived in Japan for over two years while in the Navy), I can't wait to see this show. I hope it lives up to the original and the book they are based on.

[@trollishmc2920]

Same - Okinawa in fact in the very early 90s! Torii Station (near Kadena AFB)

[@DP-PhD]

I loved the ‘original’ Shogun series, made in 1980, with Richard Chamberlain, Toshirô Mifune and Yôko Shimada. Would love to learn what was accurate and authentic in that series, and when released a comparison to what is ‘better’ or worse, in the new series.

[@sasquatchsoldrboi8052]

Me2!!! Hell I'D probably pay Metatron to watch it and do a video.

[@Elysian_Angel_]

I used to have a crush on Richard Chamberlain 😉 I loved that series too! I didn’t know about his RL preferences back then…

[@The_Gallowglass]

you forgot John Rhys-davies!

[@fyrchmyrddin1937]

@@Elysian_Angel_ Hate to tell you that Chamberlain "played for the other team", so to speak. Not to assume your gender or anything... 😉

[@albertobernal2537]

@@fyrchmyrddin1937 I think that's exactly what Elysian was referring to, bro ;) Elysian knows.

[@ミスタードーナツ-k6o]

My sado sensei (Yukiko sensei of Furemi An in Vancouver) was the consultant for tea on this film. They spent a lot of time training the cast on the way of tea. We study Omote Senke which was founded by Sen No Rikyu (1522-1591) lived just before the period of this film. The Vancouver Eishin Ryu Iaido club (Esaka Dojo Vancouver) were also involved in training some of the cast and SAE in swordsmanship. Our founder, Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu also lived around this time period (1542-1621)

[@ThePoliticrat]

Why isn’t the Shogun black? My grandmother told me he was!

[@intello8953]

Ok this is getting ridiculous and borderline racist 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@theredknight9314]

😂🤣🤣

[@adrian_veidt]

What are you talking about? The shogun is a strong independent latina girl

[@marcochaiwallah811]

🤣🤣👍👍

[@sacreddawn7778]

Believe this : Yasuke (弥助 or 弥介) . I give you the same recommendation as the poor soul in the previous comment.

[@billthomas7644]

In the book, Toranaga muses to himself "I will allow myself one friend" and the safest friend is a foreign barbarian who is outside of the political intrigue. A fascinating book. I also enjoyed a couple of other Clavell novels Taipan and King Rat

[@nont18411]

It make sense for him to think this way. The real-life counterpart of Toranaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, lost so many of his loved ones in pursuit of power. His father dead. His first wife and son dead (albeit it’s because he killed them himself for political reasons). His concubines also dead. The lords who rose on top in that era kept dying like flies unceremoniously. It’s a very dangerous situation for him so an outsider like William Adams (Blackthorne in Shogun) is the only one he can trust.

[@whyjnot420]

@@nont18411 This is much the same thinking as Western Rome using Arian Christian mercenaries (this was late in the Western Empire's history, at a time when being emperor meant being Catholic... also don't confuse this with Aryan, these were followers of Arius' teachings, hence Arian.) and the Eastern empire's use of the Varangian Guard. You see it time and time and time again through history... The outsider cannot threaten me. Though in the case of the Western Roman Empire, it can bite you in the ass to think that way. (The Germanic Arians couldn't become emperor, but they sure could overthrow the emperor and start calling themselves kings.)

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

King Rat is probably Clavell's best novel. But then he was a prisoner of war under the Japanese, so was writing what he knew. It's an under-rated classic.

[@JackMeoff46]

Toda Hiro-Matsu was also his friend, no?

[@Kwolfx]

I read Shōgun many years ago, but more interesting, I saw an hour long interview with James Clavell; the author of Shōgun, and he talked about both his own life and the novel. It was a memorable interview. Clavell was in the British Army in WW2 and captured by the Japanese in 1942 and spent the remainder of the war; about three and a half years, as a POW, mainly in Changi Prison in Singapore. He later wrote a novel largely based on his experiences there, titled King Rat. It was later made into a movie. Both the novel and movie are quite good, but very bleak. He said for about fifteen years after the war, he always carried a can of sardines with him, wherever he went, because he knew the contents of that one can could keep him alive for a week. Clavell also said that for many years following the war he had to fight the urge to dig through any trashcan he might pass on the street in which he could smell discarded food, because often finding any scrap of extra food was something that had kept him alive inside Changi Prison. Sometime after war, Clavell said he was looking at a history textbook his daughter was reading and it mentioned William Adams; the English navigator who survived being wrecked on the coast of Japan in 1600, who became the personal advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu on foreign affairs and trade and was elevated to samurai status. The foreigner in Shōgun is loosely based on William Adams, but his name in the novel was Paul Blackthorne. Just as the character of Tokugawa Ieyasu is called Lord Torinaga in the novel. The events in Shōgun take place in the months that led up to the decisive Battle of Sekigahara; with the fictional Paul Blackthorne being both a witness and sometimes participant in the political machinations of that time. Though I should add that the politics practiced in the novel involve a fair amount of bloodshed, as you could probably tell by the trailer. It is a pretty good story and while it is historical fiction, I've read Shōgun is considered to be fairly accurate in its description of the Japanese samurai culture of that time.

[@alibekmurataliev9979]

*John Blackthorne *Toranaga

[@The_Gallowglass]

The original Shogun miniseries from the 80s will always be a masterpiece. Blackthorne is William Adams and Lord Toranaga is based on Tokugawa Ieyasu. Richard Chamberlain, Toshiro Mifune, John Rhys-Davies, Yoko Shimada :D I just hope the new version does the original justice--as good as or better than. Both are based on James Clavell's 1975 novel. I wonder if the new series will be more faithful to the novel. Either way, I'm excited.

[@Garouwerks]

This is going to likely be from the Shogun book, the one they used to do the TV mini series when I was a kid. Because of that series, I fell in LOVE with Japan, and had to read and understand as much Japanese history and Mythology that I could. I wanted to understand a culture and people I fell in love with. I deeply respect and admire their country and beliefs even to this day. James Clavell's book: Shogun! I am so looking forward to it!

[@allanbritton]

I read Shogun before I moved to Japan for several years and I absolutely loved it. Still one of my all-time favorite books.

[@redpyramid77]

I love how "how people sit" is a point of interest for Metatron. These things seem so irrelevant to a lot of people but are actually very important in culture. During the heian and Kamakura period it was most common for people to sit cross legged but during muromachi period when clothing styles shifted, certain body parts became visible so seiza became more common especially for women.

[@l.palacio9076]

I heard one of the reasons of seiza was also to numb the legs so one could not quickly get up and try to assassinate a lord or something. Is this true?

[@redpyramid77]

@@l.palacio9076 publicly it was told that the seiza naturally looks better, posture, gesture of taking up space, but yes...haha it is said that Tokugawa Iemitsu was overly suspicious of being assassinated by his own men, he ordered them to sit this way. Originally this way of sitting was called "kiza" (written 危座 dangerous/difficult sitting)and was more for criminals as forms of punishment and torture. It was said Iemitsu grew up in a very strict household and was familiar with the results of sitting this way for prolonged periods. Thus he came up with this idea, with beauty and humbleness being the "reason". I myself haven't really looked into how true this is and saw it on Japanese TV a couple years back, so definitely recommend researching if you are interested!

[@harukrentz435]

​@@redpyramid77it was designed to numb your legs. The Tokugawa Shogunate designed everything to keep order in the society, especially the samurai class.

[@AlmightyRawks]

I just want to say it makes me really happy to see you so delighted about all the details in this video. You added some really interesting details, but sincerely, seeing a showmaker not ruin realism, and your response, is really wonderful to see!

[@eldandraken4850]

its a very rare sight watching you this excited, metatron, much less praising the authenticity of something. kudos to the production team. It'll be lovely to hear more about this series from you, once you've experienced it.

[@Rawrshuga]

Ah, it’s an FX production. They’ve been doing good stuff. That you’re hyped about the authenticity of the historical representations makes me excited to see this adaptation of James Calvell’s novel. 👍👍

[@Dan-sw8tg]

well did you watch the trailer? I fear its gonna be silly and woke. A girl fighting against 8 plus guys. I dont remember such a scene in the book but im open for corrections

[@RivetHead999]

@@Dan-sw8tgfx is pretty good about steering clear of going full woke. I’m excited to see this show, and really hope it lives up to my expectations. I’ll be open to it, but if it goes the way Vikings went, I’ll be quite disappointed

[@1337penguinman]

It appears to be based on the James Clavell novel, which I'm kind of surprised you haven't read. One of my favorite books growing up. It's historical fiction so not based on actual events except in the loosest sense, but semi follows the rise of the Tokugawa Shogunate. And the main character is actually English commanding (sort of) a Dutch ship.

[@voxnewman]

Yeah. I would have thought that he'd at least have heard of JC's Asian series.

[@stephanthomas4410]

First of all, I was surprised because he otherwise (in my eyes) has an enormous amount of knowledge about Japan. However, I'm also confused about what you mean by "it's not based on actual events, except in the loosest sense". The historical model for the novel was the life of William Adams(in the novel Blackthorne)(1564-1620). He was the navigator of the Dutch ship 'Liefde' ('Love'). He and 9 of his men were stranded on the coast of Japan, where they were captured because the Portuguese living in Japan exerted influence on the future Shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu(novel: Shōgun Toronaga). However, Adams later became one of Tokugawa Ieyasu's most important advisors as a skilled master shipbuilder and navigator and was probably the first European to be elevated to samurai status under the name Miura Anjin (the navigator from Miura), informing Tokugawa about the Treaty of Tordesillas, in which Pope Alexander VI gave the Portuguese half the world, including Japan. The result was the isolation of Japan, the deportation of all Western Christians (not Miura Anjin) and the prohibition of Christianity. There are several other characters in the novel who are based on historical models (also from this period). Unless you think that the novel took too many "artistic liberties", that could be debated.

[@peterthompson640]

Totally get what you mean

[@andrewtataj497]

*navigating, not commanding.

[@shagrat47]

Interestingly the English navigator that lived to be a Japanese Samurai is based on the real William Adams (Miura Anjin), so the book was massively inspired by his history.😊

[@texaskatydid1081]

Shogun is based on a book by James Clavell that is about 1200 pages. There was a Shogun mini series that won the golden globe award in 1981. It starred Richard Chamberlin. I became a huge James Clavell fan. My manicurist at the time had escaped from Iran right after the Shah was ousted and she said his book Whirlwind captured those days perfectly.

[@theywouldnthavetocensormei9231]

Hiroyuki Sanada is a way underrated actor and martial artist, that dude has been in freaking everything for a long time, everyone who watches martial arts movies has seen him and liked him, and hardly anyone can name him by name.

[@greenorb29]

Yeah he was in Mortal Kombat 2021, Super Sentai (JAKQ and Bioman) Hamlet, Wolverine, MCU. He has been blessed with a great filmography.

[@gvsd3]

It would be dope if there's a modern movie about Sanadamaru, and he play as the old Yukimura Sanada

[@chinocracy]

His starring role in Message from Space is my favorite

[@Ultharclub]

"Ninja in Dragons Den" is a masterpiece! One of the best "classic kung fu" movies and ninja movies at the same time!

[@kuroeltheog]

Tasogare Seibei is my favorite movie of all time. Unparalleled masterpiece about love, duty and sacrifice. It's very slice of life and unassuming at a first glimpse, but pulls you in through the screen. You taste the sweat and feel the breeze. Magnificent. Sanada plays the lead part. High, high recommend!

[@dougmorrow746]

I'm shocked, SHOCKED! you appear not to have read Shogun. An absolutely amazing (and massive) book, and well worth every minute spent reading or listening.

[@theworldofcronis]

Or seen the series from 1980. Remember seeing it several times when I was young.

[@NefariousKoel]

@@theworldofcronis - I don't think the mini-series has ever been transferred to streaming. It never plays anywhere, nor is it available for digital purchase. Not even sure if DVDs are still available in numbers.

[@Riceball01]

@@NefariousKoel I'm sure that it's available on KZbin.

[@dougmorrow746]

Yes, but Richard Chamberlin always struck as a very wimpy Blackthorne, although the rest of the cast was fine. @@theworldofcronis

[@NefariousKoel]

@@Riceball01 - Really? It wasn't the last time I checked a couple years ago. Only some 5 or 10 minute clips. Will look again. Thanks!

[@aresthegrey1033]

As someone who watched the 1980 version and read the book, I can already see that this show is going to, at the very least, honour the source material. This was my favourite show growing up and I'm delighted to see this edition

[@maissthro3645]

Shōgun is a nivel of the 70s and has a TV adaptation named James Clavell's Shōgun in the 80s. It is my favorite drama on TV and watching it was what triggered my interest in Japan from an historical point of view as a teenager. Beautiful drama and a very recommended watch.

[@RedTBasco]

Shogun by James Clavell Was one of my favorite Books as a child. When the TV mini-series was released, it became my favorite show. The series did not follow the book perfectly but truly Inspired my Imagination. I am very excited about this new show coming out, as I know you are my friend. Thanks again for having such a great channel. 😊

[@combatwombat2134]

First two episodes are bonkers good. Just sublime television. Looking forward to your videos on them / the series.

[@magister.mortran]

I watched the original mini-series as a child and learned some Japanese while watching it. The series was in fact done, so that you would automatically learn some basic Japanese vocabulary with each episode. I also played the computer game on my old Commodore C-64. Great that they re-made it, but hopefully not adapted for a "modern audience".

[@allhopeabandon7831]

If it was made in Japan, or with Japanese collaboration, then we will be saved from the ridiculous modern audience BS...and 'modern audience' doesn't mean modern audience, it means 'made by lefties, for lefties'...

[@tunebeat3809]

It's unfortunately common that a number of studio companies choose to spite their actual customers, especially nust to appease the corporate maniacs and the outrage mob.

[@dawnklug6986]

By adding in homosexuality to gain both the curious and woke........it has.

[@allhopeabandon7831]

@@tunebeat3809 And to get funding for ESG and DEI compliance...we need to crowdfund. Pay for our entertainment up front for the production costs...then get paid dividends on the profit. Win/win!

[@Lord_Ivoundy_Creood]

But apparently in this case, gay samurai are historically accurate...

[@samadams2203]

I'm a;ways apprehensive when Disney or Netflix publishes/funds historical media, but this looks like it had care put into it. Thanks for the analysis of Seiza, that was interesting that Japanese sitting styles changed over time!

[@alexhurlbut]

its FX/Hulu.

[@allhopeabandon7831]

They are getting smarter...they are pulling the woke bs from trailers, so you don't realize the bs is there until you've already paid...

[@Jinni_SD]

@@alexhurlbut which, in turn, is owned by Disney. Then again, calling this a Disney production makes about sense as calling Monday Night Football a Disney production...

[@mikesbookreviews]

Cannot wait! Reading the book for the first time right now.

[@LacayoSolorzano]

In for a treat. Great novel. It’s my personal favorite.

[@taichoaamiru]

Hi Metatron! Love your videos. Many have already mentioned that this show is based on a book 'Shogun' by James Clavell (first part of his Asian Saga). A lot have also explained the plot, based on the time period right before the famous battle of Sekigahara. The story is from the p.o.v of an English sailor (ship's navigator) who is ship wrecked in Japan, and ends up in custody of Toranaga (who is based on Tokugawa). Every major character is based on a historical one, relatively accurately, with only a name change. Given this is a fictional story, I was not expecting them to be so authentic in their representation in the show, as explained in your video. As a fan of the books, I am very hyped for this show, now even more thanks your video. I'd like to mention, for the sake of discussion and if perhaps you might offer some historical commentary, some of the concepts/central themes from book and it's plot, and how this trailer promisingly shows them for the book fans. 1) The dialogue in the beginning, that part where the narrator is talking about the 3 hearts. That is a very prevalent theme in the book. The story is like a political thriller, and every character is very grey in their motivations. All the way to the ending which I will not spoil :) In the book instead they use the word face instead of hearts. And I have read on the internet that Japanese culture does have a concept of 3 faces, one you show to the public, one you show only to your very close companions and the last you show no-one. I'm curious about the history of this cultural concept. I'd love to hear your thoughts. 2) The tea ceremony you saw and also commented on, is a very central part of the book. Because the main character, the English, is taught the tea ceremony and he learns it extensively, impressing his Japanese captors. Again not going into too much details or spoilers, the fact they included it in the trailer is promising to me as a book fan. Maybe it will allow for some discussion on the practices of the tea ceremony for you and us. 3) Most of the story revolves around the English Sailor, and him trying to adapt to the Japanese way of life. Since he was a navigator he speaks English and Latin. The Japanese lady was educated by Jesuit monks to speak Latin, so you guessed correct. She is his translator. In the book, there were ~12 English sailors left after being stranded at sea. There are also Portuguese missions, so yes those were Jesuit monks. And of course there are the Japanese. That's 4 different languages. yet al we hear in the trailer is Japanese and English :) Even from the Portuguese. It appears they might have removed the Latin and Portuguese dialogue from the script and I dont blame them. Half the show would have been them translating dialogue :) It would be cool though to see more than just Japanese and English. There is a funny moment when our English Character loses his cool and starts cursing in English (with a Scottish accent) and his translator (who speaks Latin) is staring at him clueless. That's all the exiting book related stuff I could think of, and how the trailer did a fine job bringing those elements in. I hope these elements can also become a catalyst for you to comment on their historical authenticity. Please forgive my very long comment. I hope I did not get too spoilery. Once again, Love your videos! And I'm happy to see you on the Shogun hype train! :)

[@huytungnguyen119]

What do you think of the 1980s mini series?

[@user-anonymous-01234]

The "three hearts/faces" saying originated as a recorded observation of the Japanese population by João Rodrigues Tçuzu, a Portuguese who came to Japan in the mid 1500s. It was apparently adapted by the author of the Shogun novel to become a "Japanese saying" in the book, narrated by a character also named Rodrigues as a nod to history. This novel presenting it as a Japanese proverb is likely why this saying is spread around online as being a "Japanese proverb" when it actually is not. At least, it's not of Japanese origins. It's however about Japanese people. Japanese people have a concept of a "public face" and "true voice" (hon'ne and tatemae), but that's technically just two "faces", not three.

[@DamirSpoljarec]

Slight correction - ship and sailors were Dutch, Blackthorne (English) was their pilot. (They named him Anjin as that was their word for pilot, I beleive).

[@zamlat8118]

Another slight correction - Blackthorne and Mariko are speaking Portuguese most of the time, switching to Latin only when they suspect someone listening knows Portuguese.

[@raymond7451]

I would like to thank you for your exceptional work . Your page is something that me and my grandsons talk about regularly . My grandsons like yourself , are very much into warriors of all cultures and ages . You have made many young boys feel like they belong and I would like to thank you . When I was growing up , I had to secretly hide my love of these things as I was a gifted rugby player . So uncool , yet I didn't care really . Thank you Metatron you rock mate

[@gantar11]

The small details that apply context are insane. In addition to what Metatron already pointed out; Hideyoshi's armor in the tokonoma (in the scene where old man - Hideyoshi - is dying), spearmen (in the scene where naginata-wielding lady is surrounded) often holding the spear right hand forward (instead of left - so that you can easily transfer sword basic technique to the usage of spear or any other polearm, as thought in in the older martial schools from Muromachi like Kashima Shinryu), and many more... Must say, despite this being based on a semi-fictional novel, the historical accuracy here is impressive to say the least. I really wish more shows and movies did a similar amount of research. Excited! :)

[@Morachnyion]

Metatron. Did you not read James Cavell’s Shogun??? This is a redo of the miniseries from 1981 It takes place in the last few months before Segigahara. The character of Toranaga is a fictional representation of Iyasu togugawa

[@tcschenks]

I'm assuming this is a remake of the 1980 Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifune miniseries. It was based on a novel of the same name and the main character in the TV series was an English pilot on a Dutch ship. I recall watching it when I was twelve years old

[@braxat52]

I remember watching that thing religiously when it aired in my country back in the 80's. And for some reason, i don't remember anything of it other than the MC existed within the story, so i might get a kick out of watching the remake, as long as they don't "ruin" it.

[@marcello7781]

Yeah, Richard Chamberlain played the role of John Blackthorne, inspired in the real life English sailor William Adams.

[@zonesistercph]

Oh have to watch that again. Maybe thats where I got my fascination from. Thanks.

[@KN-vz8dj]

Learned my first words of Japanese from the 80's Shogun.

[@mpetersen6]

The 80s mini series and Cosmos are what prompted me to buy my first VCR

[@Count3d]

Thank you for your video. Also had the honour to work on this show. From the top down, great effort made every day to be historically respectful as possible. Had many great historical experts on set, all whom were amazing. Hope everyone enjoys it when it comes out! It was unbelievable to make.

[@yannsalmon2988]

I vividly remember the original 80’s series of the same name, adapted from Clavel’s novel. In fact that’s the show that started my fascination for the Japanese culture. Didn’t see it for years so it may not have aged well, but the good thing with this show was that apart from the Europeans characters and a very few Japanese characters that could speak English in the story (mainly official translators), there was no translation or even subtitles when Japanese was spoken. So you were experiencing the story on the same level of the main character.

[@kellerkind6169]

Rest assured that it HAS indeed aged well, at least in my opionion. I've watched it several times as a rerun in TV and later when it was released on DVD (in 2009 if memory serves) I bought and rewatched it several times again.

[@yannsalmon2988]

@@kellerkind6169I have very fond memories of this show and it’s actors : Richard Chamberlain, Toshiro Mifune but also the great John-Rhys Davies… The first time I saw Raiders of the lost Ark, I remember thinking « Hey ! That’s the guy from Shogun. »

[@magister.mortran]

All movies made before 2000 have aged well and you can re-watch them over and over. What does not age well are those recent productions for a "modern audience" that always have to force THE MESSAGE on you. They are usually outdated and unwatchable 6 months later, because they cannot keep up with the latest developments in modern language regulations, diversity quotas and political trends.

[@peteg475]

Since the Japanese was not translated, a nice touch was the insertion of narration by Orson Welles in key spots so English-speaking viewers could better understand what was happening.

[@yannsalmon2988]

@@peteg475 As a French kid, in the version I saw all English speaking characters were dubbed by French actors/actresses. Only Japanese characters kept their original voice. I didn’t know that originally it was Orson Welles that did the narration, so that’s one more reason for me to rewatch it, in original version this time.😉

[@andrewstackpool4911]

As I recall, Blackthorne, a privateer, arrived in Japan with the remnant of his crew in the 17thC because he was blown well off course by a typhoon. In the book and the first film, there was already a number of Europeans there, mainly Jesuit priests, so the period is probably before the Nagasaki Martyrs.

[@peteg475]

Yes, and I remember a big conflict was that the Jesuits were Catholic and Blackthorne and the Dutch were Protestant "heretics", so they obviously didn't trust each other.

[@The_Gallowglass]

Anjin-san!

[@mpetersen6]

The year 1600 is actually the last year of the 16th Century. The 21st Century runs from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2100.

[@penultimateh766]

@@The_Gallowglass You mean "Pirate-major Anjin-san".

[@The_Gallowglass]

@@penultimateh766 >:D

[@KhalidAskar]

Always a great lesson from you. I actually live in Japan now , it’s amazing that you lived here and studied the culture. Hope you make more videos of the history and place

[@rogervandusen8361]

It has the potential to be excellent. Showing how historical accuracy enhances the value of a production.

[@stormygeo]

Somehow I don't think badass girl bosses beating groups of armed samurai is very historically accurate

[@stevenbolstridge596]

I’m really looking forward to this! I love the original mini series and have read the Novel twice and Hiroyuki Sanada is always a bonus.

[@Daniel-sy7dz]

I need a review of the episodes now the show is airing!!! Love the content!

[@thtadthtshldntbe]

Im wondering if Metatron has not heard of James Clavell's Shogun, either the book or the miniseries. This looks real good but it has a lot to live up to. Mifune, Chamberlain and Shimeda were outstanding and the new cast has a lot to be measured against

[@M.M.83-U]

I want to see who play the Vasco Rodrigues...

[@Blisterdude123]

I feel like some people put a bit too much pressure on how much one guy can really fit in their head. Dude knows a lot, but I think it's unreasonable for someone to be aware of 'everything'. I might easily have never heard of Shogun, the original series or the book, if my nan didn't have it on VHS when I was a kid. It's not been, like, culturally relevant for quite a long time. But sometimes a remake, whether good or bad, can still serve as a resurgence for the source material.

[@M.M.83-U]

@@Blisterdude123 yes, but it's surprising for such a dedicated nippophile because both the book and the show had been translate in Italian and the show run on TV in the '90s.

[@Rowlph8888]

@@Blisterdude123 Yes, but is pretty surprising that this video influencer is clearly English(by his accennt).The thing you would think you would be aware of is that back story around the Shogun novel and the novel itself being written by an English author

[@bcpyc]

@@Blisterdude123I appreciate this comment. I feel some people are only here to find the flaws.

[@JamesJones-zt2yx]

It is indeed skating on the edge between those two periods. "Toranaga" in Shogun is a thinly veiled Ieyasu Tokugawa.

[@lokai7914]

I first read Shogun decades ago. From the trailer, they are staying close to the book. I look forward to this and thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[@0num4]

A [hopefully] historically accurate Edo-period drama? Count me in 100%! I consider Akira Kurosawa to be the greatest director of all time, especially his epic Samurai films (Seven Samurai 🤌🤌). If they can muster but a fraction of that awesomeness, without sullying the accuracy of their references, this will be excellent.

[@Syenthros]

Shogun is one of my favorite novels. I'm really looking forward to seeing how well this series can adapt it, especially since it already has some huge sandals to fill!

[@h-dawg969]

It’s so refreshing that there’s actually a piece of media that allows you to just be enthusiastic and excited about it for once instead of having to correct all the lazy inaccuracies that were usually force fed with historical dramas.

[@mpotter9944]

Shogun is a fantastic novel (I first read it some 40 years ago and am currently rereading, so good). The miniseries with Richard Chamberlain also quite good.

[@marcello7781]

Nice! I love James Clavell's Asian Saga. I read the original "Shogun" novel and watched both the 1980s miniseries and it's edited theatrical release and I can't wait for this new series!

[@Bonko78]

I remember seeing the original show when I was a kid. Richard Chamberlain was good and it gave me my first impressions about Japan. I never read the book but I hear it's good too. Metatron, if you have time I suggest you watch the 80's version for reference (or maybe even read the book) before this new show premieres!

[@rustknuckleirongut8107]

One thing I miss from the original series is the vibrant colors that was a very good contrast to the ever present possibility of death. There was something about seeing a place so beautiful, full of craftmanship and always with lighting that let it all shine. The darkness of this should be inside the people portrayed, not in the cinematography.

[@ozztelorman7057]

Clavell's entire "Asian Saga" series books are incredible, imho. I remember reading the first three (by internal chronology); "Shōgun", "Tai-Pan" and "Gai-Jin" many years ago. I hope this version would live up to Clavell's original work.

[@redclayscholar620]

I'm reading Tai Pan right now. I love Shogun but my favorite of his is King Rat. I can't wait for this new adaptation.

[@swirlcrop]

Your videos are so interesting and I love the way you are a stickler for accuracy and the truth. Well done samurai.

[@elizabethsloan3192]

I’m looking forward to this! I was lucky enough to visit Osaka Castle in 2002 during an exhibit of extant armor from the Shogunate period. It was incredible to see surviving pieces belonging to historical figures I had grown up watching movies about.

[@mmm-uw1ep]

Fun fact, the original miniseries of Shogun starred one of the greatest Japanese actors of all time, Toshiro Mifune who appeared in many Akira Kurosawa movies.

[@ShayGamerD3]

You seem to totally missed the fact that this is an adaptation of 1975 novel by James Clavell "Shōgun" and, in a sense, a remake of famous and culturally groundbreaking miniseries from 1980 with Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifune. No idea how you could be unaware of that miniseries. Apparently, the popularity of sushi in the U.S. is even attributed to that miniseries.

[@briansmaller7443]

In the book and the original mini-series the Mariko character was a strong character. I am hoping they are not making her into a girl-boss for this show. She was already a fantastically strong willed character - perhaps the strongest character in the whole story.

[@fyrchmyrddin1937]

Strongly concur - the Mariko character's quiet, feminine strength was core to the plot, and making her a Strank Indeependent Wumminz would be disastrous.

[@definitelydelish]

But apparently based on the trailer she's running around with a polearm and killing people like a super ninja while Blackthorne appears to be as charismatic as a wooden plank [based on the trailer]

[@Hrogoff]

She already seems to deviate quite a bit from the book.

[@definitelydelish]

@@Hrogoff if the next trailers don’t improve and show Blackthorne as charismatic as he should be and Mariko more like her character and less a girl boss ninja killing machine then I just might rewatch the 9+ hour blue ray I have of the original mini series and watch clips of Hiroyuki Sanada, whom I really like

[@allhopeabandon7831]

@@definitelydelish Cinema is dead. I just read an article today about male authors in fiction. They are about 28% of the market, and 6 out of 6 nominated best new authors were all women, so evidently, there isn't one man worth the nomination...78% of editors in the publishing industry are female, mostly white liberal. We need new publishing houses that focus on quality, not anti-patriarchy. The world is dying.

[@JustyHakubi]

Once I heard they were re-making Shogun I had to check it out. I loved the original mini-series and I have read the book. So far it looks good. I hope it stays that way.

[@amauryguerrero3523]

Hey Metatron! I’ve been following you for a while and you have one of the most interesting channels in KZbin but this video touch my fiber…is the first time where someone stop the trailer, video, wherever, where i’m not upset. I share with you the emotion to watch a good show about japanese culture. Have a good time!

[@buckwheat219970]

There is a well known book by the author James Clavell titled "Shogun". It is based loosely on the life of Englishman William Adams and his exploits in Japan during the early 17th century. I think that is what this show is going to be about. His was truly a fascinating story.

[@kharilane1340]

This show is based on that novel.

[@Riceball01]

It's almost certainly based on the novel Shogun as was an earlier mini-series back in the '80s.

[@captainstanhope4193]

Shame that Meta isn't familiar with it. He would have enjoyed it I think.

[@-_YouMayFind_-]

Of course because it always needs to be an American or at least English speaking person. Even though the Dutch were the onces getting trading not the English

[@kharilane1340]

@Dorpies the miniseries is loosely based on a true story of the English man who became the first European born samurai and eventually became the favored interpreter for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Just like in the story, William Adams was the English pilot for a fleet from what would become the Dutch East India Company. So yes, the Dutch got the trading contract, but only because an English pilot got them to Japan.

[@musashidanmcgrath]

Hiroyuki Sanada is a great actor. One of my favourite Japanese films is 'The Twilight Samurai'.(part of a non-connected trilogy) My favourite samurai films(and I've watched a LOT) are the ones that show the every day life and culture of the Samurai society.

[@erikjrn4080]

This is a remake of the 1980 _Shogun_ miniseries, itself based on the 1975 novel _Shogun,_ written by James Clavell, who also wrote the script for the show. His interest for Japan started when he became a prisoner of war to the Japanese in WWII. So, a pretty rough introduction to the culture, one might say. The main character, John Blackthorne, is the pilot on a Dutch ship, hired to find them a path to Japan. He immediately becomes a pawn for Tokugawa Ieyasu in the power struggle, as he, his crew, their ship, and the Dutch in general provide an alternative for trade with China (apparently, the Chinese weren't too keen on dealing directly with the Japanese), breaking the Portuguese monopoly. This doesn't mean that Tokugawa uses him for trade, though; he just uses his existence to pressure other parties in the power struggle. Nevertheless, it's what keeps him alive, initially. There's also a hint of "let's see if we can train this strange monkey to become a proper human".

[@Veronika7777]

Wow, Metatron, your knowledge of Japanese culture is impressive. Not only your college major, so I'm not surprised, but also your love and passion and deep respect for this amazing material shines through. I'm sure you'd be equally as knowledgeable had it not been so. You obviously love this and it shows. Thank You for your valuable insight and critique of this trailer. Well done, Mister!! 💜

[@Jinni_SD]

James Clavell's book was one of my first introductions to Japanese history, and I'm hyped to see how FX handles it. If you haven't read the book, it's worth checking out!

[@Gladiatorat]

Surprising that someone so interested in Japanese culture don't know about the novel "Shogun" this is based on. Anyways, it's a great read - recommend you check it out before the show comes out. The sailors in the novel are English, which I've heard elsewhere is not so historically accurate. But the novel is full of all sorts of interesting historical elements also.

[@zamlat8118]

Actually, all sailors (save for the pilot, Adams/Blackthorne) are Dutch, which is, IIRC, historically accurate.

[@solemgameinsights]

Very surprised. Sensationally so. Almost to the point of disbelief.

[@Gladiatorat]

@@zamlat8118 thanks, I guess I've forgotten or missed that.

[@Axterix13]

@@Gladiatorat Understandable, since the rest of the crew isn't that involved with the story.

[@garrettgarrett9365]

I was surprised too that it seemed as if he wasn’t familiar with the book. He might have been acting uninformed so as to give the viewers a more “pure” reaction to the images of the trailer? Idk.

[@Berzelmayr]

I read the novel once a long time ago and saw the first adaption into a mini series several times. As others have already pointed out, Mariko wasn't this "warrior chick" in the original story (and first adaption) as you can see her in this trailer, so that is apparently one aspect they thought they should "modernize". The old TV-series was really impactful - it immediately surged the interest among people from the western for feudal Japan. A replica of Francis Drake's ship "Golden Hind" was used as Blackthorne's galleon in the series.

[@willy9204]

Depends on how much warrior stuff they pull with her honestly because they did have some material in the books where she used a sword and fought with the men

[@Berzelmayr]

@@willy9204 Really? Thern I must have forgotten about this aspect.

[@philknight6844]

In the book Mariko fights several gate guards with a katana when attempting to leave Osaka and the book also mentions that she is trained in the spear because her parents insisted she knew both weapons. I do hope the don’t “girl boss” her tho. Because that destroyed Amazons pathetic attempt at Tolkein.

[@willy9204]

@@philknight6844 100% agreed

[@johnaron2235]

When i first saw that scene i also thought it was a sign of panderversing. But it is actually straight from the book.... with the exception they were actually using swords. And if they keep it faithfull, she loses the fight without any harm because she gets tired of her meagle attacks getting blocked.

[@grandmufftwerkin9037]

Shogun is my favourite novel of all time. My expectations for an adaptation are very high. I hope I am not disappointed.

[@Hrogoff]

It's my 2nd favorite. I am cautiously optimistic. I guess it's time for me to finally go through Gai-Jin.

[@yzayalirian7463]

At university i saw by accidente a 40% discount serie called SHOGUN, and was the most AMAZING AND WONDERFUL ENCOUNTER.❤❤❤ seeing a remake will be a pleasure again.

[@pugzmum]

One of my favorite book series ever! I hope they do it justice. So far it looks great. Shogun always reminds me of many enjoyable hours riding the bus in the grip of an epic story. I often felt a tinge of regret when the trips ended as I had to put the book down. Fond memories indeed!

[@piotrjeske4599]

I grew up on the original. Loved it as a kid . Love it still.

[@josebonito6013]

At the risk of involuntarily involving my comment in any of these apolitical, envy and fear brimmed atmosphere of late, that I love utterly love this story, and this series has not disappointed me. Excellent casting, down to the very minimal ensemble members. The one I’m impressed with the most and I feel who’s performance will pretty soon garner acclaim (or so I hope) is Mr. Asano-San (Sama?) ambivalent spot on interpretation of the retired wealthy samurai, trying to answer some deep philosophical questions he’s had throughout, while keeping very astute and cunning enemies and friends amidst his peer, and accepting with dignity and a charming calmness death is an everyday possibility in Japan’s turmoil filled Edo period. Everyone has brought their A game to this, as they should, as this is a chance to revisit, and show the west a rich and nuanced lotus of many flowers, that is Japan’s history. This time around, not taking form a classic the classic that was Mifune’s and Chamberlain’s eighties landmark, which is the main reason I’m so entranced with this story, but having read that gem of a novel, I absolutely agree with making the main focus what was always the main focus, without worrying about pleasing western audiences, as we’re way more aware and familiar, as is all of pop culture, with everything Japanese.

[@screaminggoblin36]

I am surprised Metatron does not know Shogun by James Clavell. DUDE!

[@Aoife24601]

Me too....i mean...seriously 😅

[@theblackgoatofthewoods]

He should reveiw the book

[@wy8999]

Yeah. This shook me too. This Guy make (good!) vids about the kusari - gama, but didnt know the most influential book / series about pre-modern Japan in Europe? 😮

[@tanakasatoshi6190]

I was drawn to your channel because I'm very into Roman and Greek cultures. Now you're making videos on this greak Japanese show and I just love it

[@rafiqkatana]

Hiroyuki Sanada is great. Classically trained with a wide scope of acting talent and martial skill. I love seeing him performing his Arts. He usually doesn't attach himself to period films if it's done without respect. And going from the trailer I think that's been proven. But time will tell. I hope I'm still alive when it comes out.

[@user-knightoftherealms]

The story is from a book by James Clavell called "Shogun". The story is set in 1600, and is very authentic in it's portrayal of many aspects of Japanese culture during the period, but itself is fictional. There was a TV mini series staring Richard Chaimberlan some years ago.

[@lindaostrom570]

read and saw the first shogun in the 80's, great story. look forward to viewing this offering.

[@cosmicwintermoon]

I saw the original miniseries production as a kid, back in 1980. Later, I read the book. I was probably in my early 30s then. I enjoyed both. I have been interested in Japanese culture since about 1980, when my uncle started teaching English in Japan and sharing art and culture with my parents. I'm happy to see they're coming out with a remake, but I hope it will come out on DVD, because I don't have access to Disney+.

[@cbpitre]

Is this a remake of the mini-series "Shogun" based on James Clavell's eponymous novel? If it is, it looks great! I loved the original.

[@angelachouinard4581]

This was great, your review made me fell exited for this movie. Hiroyuki Sanada is one of my favorite actors, he was great in Twilight Samurai, Im sure this will be fantastic.

[@dallassukerkin6878]

The 'original' Shogun mini series was amazing so I am hyped to the rafters to see what they did with this one! Whilst I will not claim the depth of knowledge that Metatron has on Japanese history and culture, it was my specialism during the History parts of my Economics degree and that fuelled a lifelong interest, carrying through into my study of the Japanese Sword Arts (MJER iaido). So something like this really gets my attention :D

[@Darcsyde100]

I'd be curious to hear your take on the original miniseries. My main issue is they seemed to have turned Lady Mariko into a badass fighter, when I seem to recall her not being one in either the original show, or the novel.

[@kharilane1340]

The novel does have a few sequences where Mariko fights. She holds her own but isn't Wonder Woman. The trailer shows some women fighting but except for two scenes it all happens in the dark, so we don't know who exactly is involved. There are several sequences in the book where women are in peril and defend themselves so I'm sure those shots are taken from those scenes.

[@suburbanbanshee]

Samurai women were trained to fight, usually with naginata and often with knives, bows, etc. But it was basically for home/castle defense, and for defending their virtue, kids, family, etc. from sneak attacks.

[@Darcsyde100]

@@suburbanbanshee yes, but in the original mini-series and (again, I'm pretty sure) Lady Mariko was not a female Samurai. She was the wife of one and Lord Torenaga's and Anjin-san's "middleman ". The trailer isn't very explicitly that it was Mariko doing the fighting, but it looked like that to me.

[@MelancholySpaceman]

Looks good. Have you seen the first Shogun series with Richard Chamberlan (I think). It was done in the late 70's early 80's, I think.

[@sailingmaster]

I loved the book, and I remember watching the original mini-series when it first aired and I was in high school. I learned a few words of Japanese that I remember to this day because of the impact the series had on me.

[@_Michiel_]

Wakarimasu (if I remember correctly)

[@sailingmaster]

@@_Michiel_ hai, wakarimas

[@michaelgartner6761]

Wakarimasen! 😭@@sailingmaster

[@peterthompson640]

Angin-San!