10 Things From ‘Shogun’ That Made Absolutely No Sense

I’ve been diving into the lush world of ‘Shōgun’ (2024), FX’s ambitious take on James Clavell’s classic novel about feudal Japan. The show dazzles with its rich visuals, intense political drama, and gripping performances, especially from Hiroyuki Sanada as the cunning Lord Toranaga.

But as much as I enjoyed the series, some moments felt like they veered off the historical or narrative map. Here are ten things in ‘Shōgun’ (2024) that didn’t quite add up, leaving me puzzled.

10. Hiromatsu’s Seppuku Seems Out of Character

The loyal general Toda Hiromatsu, played by Shinnosuke Abe, commits seppuku in a shocking scene. In Clavell’s novel, this never happens, and it feels like a dramatic addition that doesn’t suit his steadfast personality.

This choice by the showrunners seems to prioritize shock over loyalty to the source material. It left me wondering why such a pivotal character would take this drastic step without clear buildup.

9. Mariko’s Flawless English Breaks Immersion

Anna Sawai’s portrayal of Mariko is captivating, but her near-perfect English, delivered with a modern New Zealand accent, feels jarring. In the 1980 series, Mariko’s accent highlighted her struggle with foreign languages, adding depth to her role as a translator.

This polished dialogue undermines the cultural isolation Blackthorne faces. It makes their interactions feel too smooth for a 17th-century setting.

8. Sugiyama’s Presence on the Council of Regents

The character Sugiyama, based on Maeda Toshiie, sits on the Council of Regents, but history tells us Maeda died a year before the events of ‘Shōgun’ (2024). His inclusion feels like a strange oversight.

This historical inaccuracy pulls viewers out of the story. It’s hard to stay immersed when a key figure shouldn’t even be alive.

7. Blackthorne’s One-Dimensional Personality

Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne often comes across as harsh and one-note, lacking the charm of Richard Chamberlain’s 1980 portrayal. Scenes like the sailor’s dance in the original showed Blackthorne’s warmth, but these are absent here.

This flat depiction makes it harder to root for him. I kept wishing for more depth to connect with his journey.

6. Ohno’s Christian Conversion Feels Unfounded

Ohno Harunobu, inspired by Ōtani Yoshitsugu, is depicted as a Christian convert, but historical records offer little evidence for this. The show leans into this without much explanation.

This choice feels like a stretch to add drama. It left me questioning why the writers didn’t ground this in clearer context.

5. Ishido’s Overblown Power

Ishido Kazunari, played by Takehiro Hira, wields far more influence in the show than his historical counterpart, Ishida Mitsunari, ever did. The real Mitsunari was a supporter, not a dominant player.

This exaggeration distorts the political landscape. It makes the power struggle feel more like fiction than history.

4. The Council of Regents’ Odd Composition

The Council includes figures like Ohno and Kiyama, who historically weren’t members. The real councils under Toyotomi Hideyoshi had different leaders, and this mix-up muddles the story’s authenticity.

This deviation from history feels unnecessary. It complicates the narrative for those familiar with the era.

3. Blackthorne’s Quick Cultural Adaptation

Blackthorne, a stranded Englishman, adapts to Japanese customs far too quickly. In the novel and 1980 series, his struggle with language and culture was a central theme, but here, he blends in almost effortlessly.

This rushed adjustment weakens the story’s tension. I wanted to see more of his outsider perspective clashing with Japan’s traditions.

2. The Magical Anime-Style Female Fighters

Some female characters, like Mariko, display near-superhuman fighting skills that feel out of place in the grounded tone of ‘Shōgun’ (2024). These moments lean into exaggerated, almost anime-like tropes.

While visually striking, these scenes clash with the show’s realism. They pulled me out of the historical drama.

1. Major Plot Changes from the Novel

The show kills off key characters who survive in Clavell’s book, altering the story’s core. These changes, like Hiromatsu’s death, feel like betrayals of the original narrative’s spirit.

I get that adaptations take liberties, but these shifts make the series feel less like ‘Shōgun’ and more like a loose retelling. It left me disappointed as a fan of the book.

What moment in ‘Shōgun’ (2024) left you confused or frustrated? Drop your thoughts in the comments!