Shoguns 15 Biggest Changes From The Book

This article contains mention of suicide.

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

Although there is no canon book material for Shōgun season 2, the writers are determined to continue Lord Yoshii Toranaga’s story. However, the first season is based on James Clavell’s book, 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 from the book. Some of these changes improved the story, but others were disappointing. Regardless, the adaptation of Shōgun greatly contrasts its book counterpart despite mostly following the overall narrative.

15 Shogun Takes Place During Autumn & Winter

The Book Takes Place During Summer & Autumn

The adaptation of Shõgun opted to portray the narrative in a late autumn and early winter setting, as indicated by the various scenes with snowfall and warm clothing. However, the book takes place during the summer and early autumn months. Although this change is insignificant in the show, the summer and autumn seasons affect the book’s narrative. The conflict occurs during “the rainy season” at the height of summer, and the amount of rain can disastrously affect the autumn harvest, which, in turn, affecting the aftermath of the 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 from one of Kiri’s letters, and the prospect is unsurprising given their hostile and unstable relationship. However, Shōgun 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 an utter shock when the narrative reveals Saeki to have betrayed Toranaga. Furthermore, Saeki’s betrayal seems much bigger than Zataki’s because Toranaga learns of Zataki becoming Regent through a later letter from Hiro-matsu.

When Saeki betrays Toranaga, he reveals that he has simultaneously replaced Sugiyama as a Regent. Shōgun opting to portray Lord Toranaga’s dynamic with his half-brother as a surprising betrayal is ideal for a TV show. It creates a more compelling narrative and raises the stakes because Toranaga learns of Saeki’s new position simultaneously with his betrayal, indicating he is running out of time. Lord Toranaga’s learning of his half-brother’s Regent position later suggests that he has some extra time before he inevitably has to return to Osaka.

13 Blackthorne’s Reunion With His Men Occurs Differently

The Reunion Is Antagonistic In The Show, While It Is Underwhelming In The Book

Another noticeable difference between Shōgun‘s book and TV adaptation involves John Blackthorne’s reunion with his Erasmus crew. After many months away, he finally gets to reunite with his crew in Edo (Yedo in the book). However, the reunions occur differently. In the book, Blackthorne reunites with the remainder of his crew simultaneously, and despite their aversion to Blackthorne’s adaptation to Japanese culture, they are ecstatic to see him. Blackthorne was initially excited, too, but shortly after reuniting, he became disappointed due to their retention of European culture.

It makes sense that the show would opt for a more exciting route, but despite the differences, the outcome of both scenes is the same—John Blackthorne realizes that he does not fit in with his European comrades anymore.

In the show, Blackthorne only reunites with one member of his crew, Salamon, whose book counterpart does not speak at all. Salamon is resentful of Blackthorne, feeling abandoned in a foreign country. Their meeting quickly turns antagonistic as they physically fight each other, which ends with Blackthorne knocking out Salamon. It makes sense that the show would opt for a more exciting route, but despite the differences, the outcome of both scenes is the same—John Blackthorne realizes that he does not fit in with his European comrades anymore.

12 John Blackthorne Only Saves Toranaga From The Earthquake

John Blackthorne Saves Toranaga & Lady Mariko In The Book

In Shōgun season 1, episode 5, “Broken to the Fist,” an unexpected earthquake almost kills Lord Toranaga. However, John Blackthorne and a few others work together to pull Toranaga to safety. In the book, John Blackthorne saves Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko, who both land in danger due to the catastrophic earthquake. Furthermore, Blackthorne manages to save them on his own without any additional help. Despite the differences, Shōgun 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 Ranking

The Book Portrays The Benefits Of John Blackthorne’s Hatamoto Ranking

In both the book and TV adaptation of Shōgun, Lord Toranaga appoints Blackthorne to the ranking of Hatamoto. In the show, the primary entity protecting Blackthorne is Lord Toranaga, even though Blackthorne’s position is more secure because of his newfound rank. Many of Lord Toranaga’s people continue not to take Blackthorne seriously and only do so after he proves himself. However, the Hatamoto ranking 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 rank.

Furthermore, the book portrays more superficial advantages of being Hatamoto, including acquiring a house, a complete set of servants, and a consort. While John Blackthorne has learned and respects a lot about Japanese culture, he does not have to work hard to earn the respect of his Japanese peers because of his Hatamoto ranking. However, the TV adaptation continues to portray Blackthorne in a precarious position—being Hatamoto does not protect him the way it does 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 do not help Blackthorne learn Japanese fast enough to mark their failure. John Blackthorne is horrified by this statement and threatens to commit seppuku. However, Yabu does not believe Blackthorne until he attempts to stab himself. This scene only exists in the show as a rushed variation between Toranaga and Blackthorne instead. However, it does not provide the same insight into John Blackthorne’s character. Although Shōgun has a variation of Blackthorne’s seppuku threat, it does not portray the depth of Blackthorne’s compassion given the other circumstances.

9 Toranaga Kills The Assassin

In The Book, The Assassin Commits Suicide Before They Can Be Questioned

An assassin attempts to kill John Blackthorne in Shōgun‘s book and TV show. However, both versions of the scene have significant changes. In the book, samurai surround the assassin, leading him to cut his own throat so that Toranaga’s men cannot learn who had hired him. In the show, Toranaga surprises the assassin by switching his and Blackthorne’s rooms before killing her. It is an excellent 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 TV show—Lord Toranaga defeats Ishido. However, the path to Toranaga’s victory is executed differently. In the book, Lord Toranaga conceives a plan to allow his armies to sneak up on Ishido’s encampment rather than wait for the war to come. Thousands of men die, but the Battle of Sekigahara ends with Toranaga burying Ishido alive, covering him up until 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 remove her support for Ishido upon Lady Mariko’s death due to their childhood friendship. The other Regents would ally with Toranaga on the battlefield once they realized 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 all died bloody deaths so that Toranaga could win the war without blood spilling on the battlefield.

7 Nagakado Dies After Trying To Kill His Uncle

Nagakado Lives In The Book, But His Role Is Diminished After Jozen’s Death

A significant difference between the book and the TV show involves Nagakado’s character arc. The ending of Shōgun season 1, episode 7, “A Stick of Time,” involves Nagakado dying tragically 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 major book change in the Shōgun adaptation. However, Nagakado’s book arc diminishes significantly after he kills Jozen. He focuses on his responsibilities to his father and liege lord, Toranaga. Nagakado’s death raises the stakes and adds pressure on Toranaga to win the war.

Nagakado is not the only significant character who dies in the show, but not in the book. Hiromatsu shockingly commits seppuku in Shōgun season 1, episode 8, “The Abyss of Life.” This decision is the only way for the narrative to proceed authentically because Lady Ochiba would not believe Toranaga’s surrender unless something dire occurs, such as Hiromatsu committing seppuku. Lady Ochiba does not have the same power or influence in the book, so she does not need to believe that Toranaga will surrender. Therefore, it makes sense for Hiro-matsu to live in the book while dying in the show.

6 Lady Ochiba’s Political Role

Lady Ochiba’s Vital Political Role Does Not Exist In The Book

Lady Ochiba-no-kata has a critical role in Shōgun that does not exist in the book. While her presence is important in the literary narrative—and she notably still sides with Ishido—Lady Ochiba does not have the political power to retract 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. Shōgun made an excellent decision in giving Lady Ochiba considerable political power. Not only did the show flesh out the potential for a strong female character, but the decision also gave her more agency.

5 Lady Mariko & Lady Ochiba Have A Complicated Relationship

Their Dynamic Does Not Exist In The Book

Lady Ochiba’s political role is not the only thing Shōgun‘s 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. Shōgun entwines Ochiba and Mariko’s pasts, which will affect their respective allegiances. As a result of their childhood friendship, Lady Ochiba withdraws her support for Ishido after Lady Mariko’s death. Lady Ochiba is 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 & Lady Mariko’s Romantic Relationship

The Adaptation Made John Blackthorne & 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 engage in a full-fledged affair. Their 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 even comes to understand the European perception of love and determines that she loves him.

As a result, the show does a better job of portraying Blackthorne and Mariko’s deep emotional bond because they do not physically act on their feelings.

In the show, John Blackthorne and Lady Mariko’s romantic feelings are evident, but they do not act on them so quickly. Other than when Mariko disguises herself as one of her ladies, Blackthorne and Mariko only become intimate in Shōgun season 1, episode 9, “Crimson Sky,” the night she dies. This was a bold decision, but holding off on their romantic relationship makes their dynamic stronger. As a result, the show does a better job of portraying Blackthorne and Mariko’s deep emotional bond because they do not 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 show. He grieves Mariko’s death, but he also grieves about not having enough time together. Furthermore, their intimacy is far 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, does not appear, Blackthorne volunteers 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 her belief system.

3 Lady Mariko Has A Much More Active Role In The Show

She Plays A Critical Role In The Book, But She Is Much More Passive

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

Lady Mariko is also the primary translator for John Blackthorne from the beginning of the show; in the book, Father Alvito is initially Blackthorne’s translator until Mariko steps in later on. 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, Shōgun‘s TV adaptation has a much better portrayal of Lady Mariko than the book.

2 The Show Does Not Focus On Japan & England’s Contrasting Cultures

It Is A Major Plot Point In The Book

One of the biggest changes in the TV adaptation of Shōgun—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 is a thorough and dense theme that takes up a significant amount of time, even derailing the primary storyline occasionally. The show focuses much more on the conflict that Lord Toranaga eventually wins, including the events that lead to his victory. Despite the practicality of this decision, it is still disappointing that there is barely even a glimpse of this theme in the show.

Shōgun
is available to stream on Hulu in the United States, and Disney+ internationally.

The book narrative dives into a deep contrast between Europe (focusing on Britain) and Japan, covering love, food, hygiene, and clothing. Considering John Blackthorne’s literary arc, it appears that James Clavell wrote Shōgun to satirize Britain’s superiority complex while portraying his admiration for Japan. John Blackthorne eventually adheres to Japanese culture, no longer connecting to his European roots. On the other hand, the show portrays Blackthorne struggling to adapt to Japanese culture, even in the last few episodes. Blackthorne’s struggle could make sense narratively, but the show opted against emphasizing the contrast between the 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 Shōgun is the narrative focal shift from John Blackthorne to various Japanese characters, especially Toranaga. While John Blackthorne is a critical part of the narrative, the show 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 Japan, even though this storyline is still largely prominent in the book.

Furthermore, many events regarding Toranaga’s conflict are told through his thoughts or by his spies relaying information to him. The show opts to illustrate these events rather than have someone tell Toranaga about them. The TV adaptation even gives narrative weight to Ishido and Lady Ochiba, portraying the characters in flashbacks and scenes that do not exist in the book. Given that Shōgun is about how the historical Edo period came to be, it makes much more sense for the show to focus on these events rather than an Englishman encountering Japan for the first time.

Source: Britannica