As native Japanese person, I forgot about all the history we learned at school. It is fascinating! Shogun made me want to look into the history again and I found your video. Thank you!
I was a sixteen year old Swiss teenager when the original Shogun miniseries with Richard Chamberlain in the lead role premiered on tv. I remember my friends and me being absolutely fascinated by the way Japans history and culture was presented to us. We loved to imitate the thundering voices in which the Samurai spoke to the "Anjin" and bragged about every little bit of the Japanese language that we were able to pick up from the scenes when Mariko was teaching the foreign "Barbarian". Before that, the only real life experience we had with actual Japanese people were the tourists that visited Switzerland, but the always kept with their group, avoiding all contact with us local natives and the only way they seemed to be able to connect with the place they visited was through the lens of their photographic cameras that everyone carried at least one, but mostly two or three, together with a bunch of additional gear around their necks. But I remember going to take a look at the late emperor Hirohito when he made an official state visit to my country, thinking that indeed it is a rare occasion to actually get the chance to see a first rate WWII war lord* and former living god in person, even from a little distance. Together with the hundreds of people that were lining the street in honour of his welcome I greeted him with a nice round of friendly applause and a few cheers here and there. A few years later I met an old womanthat had fled the Russian revolution as a child and got stranded in Nanking, which led to her experiencing first hand the horrors that the Japanese soldiers inflicted on the inhabitants of that city after they conquered it. Some 50 years after the event she was still in shock, a textbook example of what today is called severe PTSD. I really have no idea why I tell you all this, but rest assured that is not meant to insult you personally or to villify Japan as a nation. Just shows how much every ones life is intervowen with history and its dramatic and sometimes tragic incidents in many strange and interesting ways. My own grandmothers elder brother became a member of the German SS under Hitler while at the same time my grandfathers younger sister had married a Jewish composer that wrote marching music for the International Brigades that fought against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War... You know what they say, truth is stranger than fiction and I think I agree on that! Best wishes to you and your family! * at first I wrote "war criminal" but deleted that for reason of politeness...
I think they only teach you something memorable & makes proud as japanese. For everthing awful they did to the world, they just forget it & move on. So no wonder many young japanese generations so shock when they've been told that japan invade my country during WW2 & killed atlease 3-4 millions. During 3,5 years of colonialization. So did they ever teach you this kind of "bad" history at school ? 😂
they only teach you something memorable & makes you proud as a japanese. But for every awful thing they did to another world, they just forget it & move on as if it was never happened. No wonder many young japanese generations so clueless & so shocked when they've been told what they predecessors did to the world. Just ask Chinese, korean or indonesian abt how japan did to them in the past. Here is free history lesson in case you didnt know, "For Indonesia alone, atleast a million died during forced labor / Romusha for japan. (3.5 years of colonialization 1942-1945)"
Japanese did a create job recording their various clan history. I bought a 3 volume history of Japan back in late 90s. It took me years to read and comprehend. It is very long reaching over 1000 years. I am impressed that they also tracked their family history so well.
There is an audiobook “The Decisive Battles of World History” by Professor Gregory Aldrete and this battle is on it. But it’s an amazing series and goes into lesser known turning points and goes from Egyptian times til WW2. He also has more series like “Biggest Blunders” (also amazing).
Found this worth sharing. Have you notice the Japanese lords on this show using Chinese writing and seal of approval? It's because of this. I think without China help, they looks like savages as stated by the barbarian xD China, the much older state and the more developed, passed on to Japan (sometimes indirectly via Korea) a long list of ideas including rice cultivation, Buddhism, centralised government models, civil service examinations, temple architecture, clothing, art, literature, music, eating habits, how to cultivate silk for their clothing, and even how to read and write Chinese characters (Hanzi 汉字which they call Kanji), calligraphy and poetry.
The author of the novel Shogun was James Clavell. He had been a soldier in WW II in Singapore and was taken POW when Singapore fell to the Japanese. He was in a POW camp in which only 1 in 15 people survived. He said that experience was his university that taught him how to survive. He had already been interested in asian culture when he was a child due to his father being a naval officer with the Royal Australian Navy. That early interest is likely what helped him survive the POW camp. His first asian series novel was King Rat, which was about his experiences in the POW camp. So his story about John Blackthorn had a lot of personal experience behind it besides his historical study of William Adams.
How Japan got so good at warfare? Found this worth sharing. Have you notice the Japanese lords on this show using Chinese writing and seal of approval? It's because of this. China, the much older state and the more developed, passed on to Japan (sometimes indirectly via Korea) a long list of ideas including rice cultivation, Buddhism, centralised government models, civil service examinations, how to build temple architecture, how to build Chinese architecture, clothing, art, literature, music, eating habits, how to use chopsticks, how to cultivate silk for their clothing, how to govern themselves, how to create bonzai, calligraphy, poetry and even how to read and write Chinese characters (Hanzi 汉字which they call Kanji).
Japanese = Offshore Han Chinese. The original inhabitants of Japan were the Ainu - They are still represented in the very northern Japan islands. My wife, who is Chinese and knows a great deal of Chinese history tells me that there were three books of Chinese knowledge. Only two of the books made it to Japan. Years ago I bought a fridge where all the instructions were written in Japanese text. I was astounded to see that she could read and interrupt the text - except for the characters which were made up due to the loss of the third book of knowledge.@@condorX2
This new Shogun is maybe the best TV I have ever seen. Absolutely mesmerizing. I am watching each episode three times, to see (and appreciate) all the little details.
@@dennisgannon - Haha, I actually had 3 different Chevelles, all SS, and one Camaro SS. I gotta admit, the '69 Charger R/T is one of my very favorite cars. My high school buddy, back in the 60's, he went with his mother to buy a new car. She was shopping for a grocery getter and she liked the Charger, so he says "mom, let's get the R/T version, it's nicer" and she went for it, LOL. Jesus, he melted those tires off, it was great. 😁
As a Japanese I’m glad you made the video based on facts. So many people these days twist the facts to make a point. Your video reminded me of what I learned in school. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that the video resonated with you and brought back memories from the past. It's also great to have a viewer from Japan, thank you! 🫡❤️🙏💯
@@Deadbird4242well he is not entirely wrong about that. They are not really taught about their involvement in the war nor much about their allies at the time.
Another foreigner who served Tokugawa Iyeyasu was Jan Joosten, who was Dutch and came to Japan with William Adams. His name still remains on the eastern side of Tokyo Station as "Yaesu" named after his name.
Damn he must have been good buddies with old Will Adams. I wonder if he will be represented in the show at some point... maybe not... but that is a great little nugget of information there thank you my friend 🙏❤️
For anyone watching this, the novel Shogun is WELL worth your time. It’s one of my favorite books of all time. If you can find the mini series from the 70’s (Richard Chamberlain as Blackthorn ) is awesome too.
@@SerdarGrubeNo it isn't. The new one is fantastic. Incredible acting and writing, respect to the Japanese culture and it strikes a good balance between history and fiction. If that's 'bad' to you, I would HATE to see your version of 'good'.
The average life expectancy in the Middle Ages and other centuries did not mean that a person lived on average for 30 years. The average life expectancy was short because there was a very high mortality rate among children and women during childbirth and the postpartum period (there was even a saying that a pregnant woman already had one foot in the grave). If you managed to survive childhood, there was a very good chance that you would live to old age, so 55 years is not a long time, even for those times. For example, on average, you and your dog have three legs, that's what the average is all about.
That is a great explanation, thank you for that clarification. It makes sense, the infant mortality skewed the hell out of their average life expectancy. Very interesting 🤔
As an actual statistician... I concur... great analogy. Average is average... only when u look at mortality rates by age group do you realize how really skewed it is... even kings and queens had major issues with this... even as late as early 19th century in Europe... let alone 16th century... though thats about the time (mid 19th century) when the population really started to boom...due to industrialization and subsequently medical innovations... like quinine for example... because people were used to having 10 babies.. and only half survive(if that prior to this time).
It also depended on your profession. If you were a soldier, a sailor, a fisherman or a miner, your were very unlikely to live past your mid 30s, because it was so insanely dangerous, even today fisherman is still the most dangerous profession. Working on land as a farmer, trader, builder, lumberjack, civil servant or town guard was much safer.
I read SHOGUN when it first came out. James Clavell had an excellent grasp of Japanese culture and each time I picked up his book and read another chapter, I became so absorbed in it that I felt transported back in time and space. He claimed in the intro that the idea for the novel came from a school report his daughter had written in which she mentioned an English sailor who had been stranded in Japan and became a samurai.
I read it then, too. It was somewhat alternate reality for me. At one point, I was having a light, nearly vegetarian lunch and at the next table a man was eating a thick juicy hamburger. This was after reading about Blackthorne meals with the Japan and when he visited his old crew who were eating greasy pork and got grease all over their beer mugs. With that imagine in mind, I almost jumped up and challenge the man with the burger. An encompassing book
The best part of his life was that he recorded one way or another everything he could and now we 400 years later can relive his own experiences, meat all these people he met and be part of all the events he was part of! Amazing! Keep records folks!!
Please keep your records on paper. if we have an electronic pulse such as the promises of North Korea or destruction from our sun, computers will be useless and all the information will be lost. Get hard copies of your family photos also. They will be valuable beyond dollars.
Shogun is on a whole other level. All 10 episodes hold significant value. I wish all shows had this format, in my opinion Shogun should transcend all modern tv series and hold it to a new standard.
Shogun should be a case study all on it's own. it's been a very long time since I was so gripped by the subtle intensity and drama. It has earned it's spot in my rotation of shows I watch.
As a Portuguese I am very sad that the Portuguese navigators who were already in Japan did not try to have a friendly relationship with other cultures but rather hide the truth from Japan about the outside world. I know that the Portuguese did this because of the negotiations they had in Japan, but I wish they had first built a good friendship that is still talked about and celebrated to this day. Good video btw.
Thank you my friend I am glad you enjoyed it. I wouldn't blame the Portuguese for what they did, they were just trying to protect their assets. I mean it may be similar to the way that companies today try to keep their secrets of their products, or how they build things, to keep their competitive edge in the market.
There is, in Nagasaki there is an annual festival celebrating the Portuguese. There are floats representing the black ship braving storms, and school kids sing Portuguese songs.
William Adams or "Anjin Miura" as he is known in Japan, is still today a highly regarded historical figure for his service to the Tokugawa shogunate and his contribution to foreign relations. He has been featured in various historical Japanese movies/ tv-shows about this period. They even have an annual festival in Ito City, every August, near the bay shown in the video and the hot springs, where Adams had established a trading post, complete with trad. fireworks and everything.
Fascinating. I read Shogun when it first came out. I devoured the original mini-series. Afterward, I became a student of Japanese history and culture. Now I'm interested in the new mini-series. I did not know about the architectural finds in Japan. Very interesting. Thank you for your work on this video.
@@HistoryLeaks William Adams or Anjin Miura had two children; Joseph and Susanna. It is said that Kirin’s father came from Miura family. But it is not confirmed.
As for Ms. Kirin Kiki, it is said that her father claimed to be a descendant of Anjin Miura (no clear documentation). Incidentally, she has three grandchildren: her eldest son is a model for a fashion magazine, her eldest daughter is an actress (currently taking a leave of absence to study abroad), and her second daughter is a student.
As a Japanese guy, im thankful for this video. It really helped me and its sad that not much history are taught this days. Thank you for boosting our history and culture 🙏🏿 ありがとう
They received good care from local people after being stranded ashore, but I was disappointed that this fact was not mentioned. Because his identity was unknown, he was temporarily imprisoned, but it was only a temporary measure. The Dutch, other than Adams, soon began to work as merchants based in Japan.
Thanks for you comment. I think that is a good point, they weren't treated that poorly, I did mention in one of Adams letters he said that they did them no harm, but stole all of their goods.
Cool video. I am fascinated by the fact that, while King Lear and Macbeth was being performed for the FIRST FRIGGING TIME on stage in London, this hugely Shakespearean drama was unfolding in Japan.
Very interesting story of William Adams who really helped shape feudal Japan. He warned of the political goals of the Catholic Jesuit priests which led to them being expelled in 1616. This in turn led to Japanese isolation for over 200 years.
I’m currently reading Shogun for the third time. I didn’t know the made a new series until a few days ago. I originally read it when it was first published and of course watched the original series. It is a captivating story, beautifully told by James Clavell. I am looking forward to seeing the new series. Thank you for the history lesson.
I literally had no idea that William Adams was so close to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and that Lord Toronaga actually was Tokugawa Ieyasu! I've read Shogun several times but always thought it loosely based upon a real Englishmen who lived in Japan but then left Something so prevalent in modern literature. This has opened my eyes greatly, thanks for your research! I learned a lot! And the photo of William showing his two Samurai Swords is mind-blowing! The man really existed! and although he wanted to return to England, his time in Japan changed him and he would have regretted returning to Japan, if the writings about William hold true. although he must have dearly missed his children and wife, but Tokugawa-Sama would not be swayed to let him leave. He obviously loved William and his link to the outside world enough to hold William in Japan for the rest of his days. Building a western style ship for the Shogun would have put the Fear of God into the Spanish and Portuguese enough to really freak out the king of Spain, because that Ship would have been a serious threat to the Galleons entering and leaving Japanese waters, especially with Samurai manning it, and William as its pilot! I fell in love with Japanese Culture and history, all because of James Clavell's book 'Shogun.' There was a huge trend during the 1980s towards Japanese martial arts that today is total cringe material but back then we were all intrigued by it and I wanted my own full Japanese set of clothing!
Thanks for your feedback my friend I really appreciate it. The image is not a photo but is an artistic/visual representation of how I imagined him to be, and I liked how it looked b/w to convey the past. Thanks for your comment and insight and I admire your passion for history sir 💯🙏❤️🫡
Not “Gillingham” with a hard G but “Gillingham” with a J sound. I lived there for a few years, in fact the street I lived in was just off a road known as Will Adams Way. There was a pub named after Will Adams in the town as well.
Thanks for that my friend. I like learning the proper pronunciation of any place that I’m talking about in a video so thank you. That’s cool you actually lived there. That’s awesome, I hope the town gets a bit more tourism and recognition because of the snow lol.
As a native Japanese educated in Japan, I had no difficulty in imagining who Toranaga Yoshii and John Blackthorn (按針/Anjin) were based on. It is no wander that you(a British person) made a great video introducing William Adams (Miura Anjin). But unfortunately, there are some small religious disputes in the comments section. I'm not going to get involved in them. By the way, I'll tell you about his Japanese name. His Japanese name, 三浦按針/Miura Anjin, was given to him by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Miura is the name of the territory he was given, and Anjin is an classical Japanese word that means the role of determining the course based on a compass, and it comes from the fact that he was a navigator. We modern Japanese don't use the word 按針/Anjin as a general noun, but use the general noun ‘航海士‘. In modern times, Anjin has become a proper noun meaning Miura Anjin (Willam Adams). He is still loved in Japan today.
That’s so interesting, I love to hear about how William Adam’s is perceived in Japan, and the true meaning of Anjin is also fascinating a lot gets lost in translation. Thank you for your comment and insight my friend 🙏❤️💯
Thank you for this post. I read Shogun and loved the original presentation of the story. The history of Japan has always held fascination for me. I appreciate clarification of the historical facts.
I read the novel. I saw the miniseries on TV decades ago. I had no idea John Blackthorne was a real person. The Pilgrims came to America in 1620. My relatives arrived in America from Holland in 1654. I imagine myself in their shoes and I'm amazed at the courage it took to bring 7 sons and their families to the New World with you.
Ah finaly my favorite book is getting a modern show, isn't that great? I'm getting old, as tough a hardworking life made me and yet i had to fight to prevent tears of joy from spilling all over. Thats a nice video there, congrats man. i remember that ive learned about the real historical figure from the same teacher that gave me the book a long old time ago.
Truly mind blowing the think about all the things that must occurred even just on the journey over. That's why its great to see any letters or journals left behind you get a glimpse of what they experienced, but of course there is probably a lot more under the surface.
It’s crazy to me when I think about the lives these people lived and then how we live now. Their lives are just pure adventure. They actually lived real life movie plots. What was going through their minds? It had to be scary, fun, sad ,etc all at the same time. Life was real life back then. It’s super fascinating to me. It’s probably why people have so many problems nowadays. We are so far away from what we used to be. Our lives actually had a real purpose then and that’s what kept us going.
You’re so right. It comes with good and bad. I’m not sure if I’d want to change places with William Adam’s. But I agree with you in the modern world, life can become mundane, and it’s difficult to find purpose and meaning in the way people had it in the past, so much exploration, and mystery in the world. But I believe you can still do it. 💯❤️🙏🫡
This is an interesting observation. This one man's adventure certainly wasn't the norm for most white men coming out of Europe. It is a question of class still as it is today. Knowledge of Ship building and astronomy were reserved for a certain type of person who came from a certain type of wealth. Even today with all the available knowledge we have on the internet and availability of colleges to attend you'll be hard pressed to find many kids who care about automobile or aviation engineering, and you won't find one kid that could point out a star in the sky and tell you anything about it. Our mundane lives today comes from having too much information when we need it. You can still go into the deep Amazon and seek out the unaccessed people and get an experience and knowledge that you wouldn't believe, or you could still head to central Africa talk to spiritual shamans that will tell you about the beginnings of time... But will you? The western campaign of fear tells you not to. Because then you might discover your "self." You could do it though, for all under $10k. A certain class of an American could do that though.
Don't romanticize the past. Both then and now, for every great person, there are a couple million mundane ones. The big difference is that we've run out of places to actually go to and explore. Modern "adventures" are now largely confined to explorations in medicine or computer science or all those less "glamorous" endeavors.
That was so interesting and so well laid out. I saw the first Shogun with Richard Chamberlain, on TV, and I think while the scenery was not as spectacular that the movie was much more enticing. The second one which is the recent one was very good and of course spectacular in every way I had no idea that this had been taken from real history, and that Mr. Blackstone had actually lived that life and kept accurate records of his adventures. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I really enjoyed this.
Thank you for your kind words! It means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the history behind Shogun captivating. I appreciate your support! 🙏💯💯❤️
In Hemi, near Yokohama, there is a monument to Miura Anjin and O-Yuki, Anjin-dori near Mitsukoshimae to see the monument there, Hirado Island to see Miura Anjin's House, now a sweet shop, the Dutch Trade Mission and also his grave with a monument to his English wife - Mary Hin. He had two children, John and Deliverance with Mary, and two with O-Yuki - Joseph and Susanna. There is clear evidence that Miura Anjin was buried in Hirado and not Hemi. It is said that samurai ordered the bones of the buried christians to be dug up and thrown into the sea of Ikitsukishima. It is also said that christians, when it was safe to do so, dived into the sea to collect bones and they were reburied. I think the Japanese exhumed bones in the 1960's ?? to try to positively identify using DNA and asked for people from Gillingham, Kent, England to come forward and give their DNA! I would need to double check my memory and the outcome of testing. Well worth a read - www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78723-2 There is information regarding Adams children on the updated Wikipedia page and other English and Japanese language pages. Richard Cocks records that Hidetada transferred the lordship from William Adams to his son Joseph Adams with the attendant rights to the estate at Hemi. Cocks continued to remain in contact with Adams's Japanese family, sending gifts. On the Christmas after Adams's death, Cocks gave Joseph his father's sword and dagger. In March 1622, he offered silks to Joseph and Susanna. Cocks also administered Adams's trading rights (the shuinjō) for the benefit of Adams's children, Joseph and Susanna. He carried this out conscientiously. In 1623, the unprofitable English trading factory in Hirado was dissolved by the East India Company and Cocks departed for England, the Dutch traded on Adams' children's behalf via the red seal ships. Joseph Adams inherited the title of Miura Anjin, became a trader, and made five voyages to Cochinchina and Siam between 1624 and 1635. By 1629, only two of Adams's shipmates from 1600 survived in Japan: Melchior van Santvoort and Vincent Romeyn lived quietly in Nagasaki. In 1635, Hidetada's successor Tokougawa Iemitsu enforced the Sadoku Edict for Japan to be closed against foreign trading; both Joseph and Susanna disappear from historical records at that time. All Japanese of mixed race were expelled to Jakarta, and it is presumed that Adams's children were among them.
Being the age I am , I have read Shogun by James Clavell and saw the first incarnation of the series in the 80’ & I am watching the current version. Both the series are very good but the book is ( as I remember ) excellent . 👍👍
We actually have the first original Shogun series and love it. This series is also great. I was never really interested in history because it has always been long, lengthy and boring. I appreciated your history information on the truth and you summarize it well without it becoming boring and lengthy. Thank you
Thank you I’m glad that you liked the video. I really appreciate your comment and feedback, I’m also really enjoying the show. I hope you have a great weekend 💯🙏🙏❤️❤️
Thank you, so interesting to hear the real story. I read James Clavell's Shogun way back in the 70's followed by the other books in his Asian series. I loved his Shogun and watched the Shogun series recently which stirred a desire to re-read the series again which I'm currently doing and enjoying them just as much as the first time. Japanese history and culture is fascinating.
It is fascinating and rich especially from the perspective of a 16th century European. I’m glad you enjoyed the video and I really appreciate your genuine and thoughtful comment. I hope you have a great weekend my friend ❤️❤️🙏🙏💯💯
Awesome analysis n explanation of the real John Blackthorne. Fascinating. Saw the original 1980s version of Shogun, which is a classic !!! Overall prefer the original to current. The latter seems darker n moody n the original is easier to follow the qvtimg n movement of the show. Kudos for ur upload. Peace
Thanks for your comment my friend! 🙏💯❤️ I have heard a lot of people sharing a similar love for the original show. It makes me want to check it out, thank you
This is the first of your videos I have seen. I listened to it while I was getting ready for work. I enjoyed your direct style of presentation and appreciated the very distinct lack of goofy music and cartoons. I just sub'd and am looking forward to more of your content.
Thank you sir, Im glad you enjoyed it, I appreciate the specific feedback on the style and everything that helps me a lot 💯🙏❤️ I will keep making similar videos, so be on the look out my friend 🫡 I really appreciate the sub! 🙌 I hope you have a great Friday and weekend! 🍻
GETTING INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS BACK IN THE 1970'S IS WHAT GOT ME STARTED IN THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF JAPAN. I HAVE BEEN TOTALLY AMAZED, FASCINATED AND AWSTRUCK OF JAPANESE HISTORY AND ALOT OF THE SAMURAIS AND THE MARTIAL ARTS. I DO OWN THE ENTIRE VIDEO OF SHOGUN WHEN IT SHOWED ON TV IN 1980 AND I JUST ORDERED THE NEW VERIZON (2024) OF SHOGUN. BUT WATCHING THE 1ST 1980 SERIES I'VE TAUGHT MYSELF THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE, TRICKY TRYING TO PRONOUNCE ALOT OF THE WORDS.
Very very interesting, I learned so much, I never knew that Adams' skeleton was found and dna confirmed it was him. It was also surprising that the Dutch trading company he sailed for was the precursor to the Dutch East Indies company. I recently finished Shogun on Disney Plus (in Canada) and found the acting supurb and every episode riveting and well done with lots of action and the full range of emotions. For a shot in the dark I never heard of, I was very satisfied.
@@HistoryLeaks You're very welcome my friend, yes, I really enjoyed your video and expressing my review of Shogun seemed the most appropriate on a video devoted to the real man and his real exploits and adventures. I will, you have a great weekend as well sir.
Blackthorne is a fictional character, never existed. Also most “honorable” deeds of the English or dutch and the evil deeds of the Portuguese are fantasy, there was no diference between the way the nations defended their interests, including the Japanese who were much more cruel than the Europeans.
I think William Adams and John Blackthorne from Shogun (the book) was also the inspiration for the Japanese games: Nioh and Nioh 2. They're sort of a mix between Devil May Cry and Dark Souls. Pretty good.
Very interesting. I never knew Blackthorne was based on a real person. I read the book decades ago but its all a bit hazy now. My interest has again been piqued after watching the new Shogun tv show. I've falled in love with Mariko all over again!
Sea-crazy sailors with scurvy arriving in Hawaii for the first time: "Yeah I'm not a sailer anymore. You all have yourselves a blast!"😂 We love that for you, guys...
@@HistoryLeaks I was always interested in Adams story and what happened to his family lineage after he passed oh I didn't know he could have a great grand daughter that is an actress
@@BKLYN_TZU September 23, 1636 (August 24, Kan'ei 13 in the Japanese calendar) There is a record that 2nd Anjin Miura (William's son, Joseph) had craftsmen rebuild Kashima Shrine near his estate on this date. After this, the whereabouts of the 2nd Anjin Miura are unknown.
There a vague almost unrelated story that they traveled back to England. With many essential manuscripts. And etc. they left no heirs behind and intended to return. But travel to a from was fraught with much danger and death from mutiny, pirates, weather, mis navigations.
thanks for the really awesome video currently watching Shogun and it’s the best show on TV right now our family can’t wait for a new episode to air each week (that hasn’t been true in a really long time) hope the show wins a bunch of awards… it deserves it!!
12 min of my life worth it. I saw the first Shogan and a bit reluctant to watch the remake. But I guess I had at some point. The cast is amazing. Thanks for making me take that decision. I love and thank you for the effort invested to bring those fact to us. Great work 😊❤
Cool ... I read the novel all those many years ago; I read Clavell's earlier works (like "King Rat") as well, and loved the book; I didn't realize Blackthorne's character was based on a real person, though (unless it's noted in the novel's preface, and I've just forgotten ??). The late 70's saw the made-for-TV mini-series, which I watched as a teenager. I am enjoying the new series, and this background you give here helps a lot for context! Thanks for your efforts - cheers! 🤗 PS: Canadian, from Vancouver, but have lived in Asia now for close to 30 years... The writings of Clavell and other influences no doubt played into my move to here. I now live in Taiwan, but have been through Japan from Tokyo, to Osaka and Okinawa. Very interesting and beautiful country.
What a stand up guy Tokugawa was. But honestly thanks for sharing that tidbit of information, I like hearing those little facts which bring a bit more light to the story. Cheers my friend 🙏💯🫡
Years ago my niece and I were watching a documentary on ancient Egypt. She asked about what cameras they had. I explained that it was a reenactment and those were actors. Then we wondered how the actors felt about wearing loincloths and pretending to do ancient tasks.
I hope you have or will do a show on Ranald MacDanald who was an American from Washington State who ship wrecked in northern Japan in the 1840s and became the first English teacher to Japanese students who were able to help with the Admiral Perry adventure in the 1850s.
the average life expectancy was around 30 because the high mortality rate during childhood. not because people lived until the age of 30 on average. meaning, people who reached adulthood had a life expectancy way higher than 30, 50-80 was normal. just like now days, is just that now the average that reach that age is way higher, and the child mortality rate has decreased considerably.
This new shogun series has been incredible to watch, some parts are different then the original series but nothing that doesn’t make sense it’s just a few minor differences. If you would like to watch the original series it’s on internet archive for free. There are no subtitles or translations but that gives it such an authentic feel and truly submerses you into the shoes of John Blackthorne. I fell in love with Japan and the Japanese culture after watching this as a teenager back in the 90’s.
I am glad to see a resurgence of interest in this story. I read Shogun when it was first published decades ago and also watched the first mini series on TV with Richard Chamberlain portraying John Blackthorne. The new mini series is excellent as well. This type of historical drama based on real history is very educational but also very compelling to watch or read. Thanks for this video that teaches more about the basis for the John Blackthorne character.
That's amazing that you read it back in the day and now are seeing a new generation of people interested in the same story. That's very cool. Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it 💯🙏❤️
Wow. I read Shogun about 45 years ago. It is in my top 3 Novels. (The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand) and The Clan of the Cave Bear Series) being the others. I never knew it was based on an actual person. What a fascinating book it was. Around 1200 pages, I found myself feeling and 'thinking' like I was Japanese myself by the time I finished it. I have never wanted to see any series or movies related to it because I didn't think anyone could ever do it justice, but I may now look into the series based on your excellent review.
Astounding. To hear that the Blackthorne character (I read the book when it published) is based on an actual person makes the story so much more interesting. I do like the detail in the costuming in this new version.
When I read Shōgun for the first time in the late '70s, I was in high school. I thought that there was no way I would enjoy reading a 1000+ page book but continued anyway (it may have been for a class - can't remember). I was almost immediately captivated by that book and read it all the way through in a few days. In fact, I liked it so much that I re-read it a few years later, as well as several other novels by James Clavell. I have the DVD version starring Richard Chamberlain and watched it a few times. This newest version on Hulu did not disappoint.
I actually read the book "Shogun" many years ago. It was a long book, but an amazing story. In the military history of Japan, wars and competition between "tribal groups" so to speak, seemed to me to be universal in practice, globally. I enjoyed your video and look forward to watching more. And yes, I subscribed. 😏
Wow.love this series ❤.hope one day that thee will be historical tv series similar to this about India Sri Lanka and other south Asian countries.Because those countries also ruled under Portuguese,English and Dutch.
As native Japanese person, I forgot about all the history we learned at school. It is fascinating! Shogun made me want to look into the history again and I found your video. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! I am glad you liked the video and it's amazing to have reached someone in Japan! I hope you have a great week ❤️💯🙏
歴史は関係ありません。これは完全なフィクションだから。
日本人が見たら混乱する。あなた本当に日本人か？w
I was a sixteen year old Swiss teenager when the original Shogun miniseries with Richard Chamberlain in the lead role premiered on tv. I remember my friends and me being absolutely fascinated by the way Japans history and culture was presented to us. We loved to imitate the thundering voices in which the Samurai spoke to the "Anjin" and bragged about every little bit of the Japanese language that we were able to pick up from the scenes when Mariko was teaching the foreign "Barbarian".
Before that, the only real life experience we had with actual Japanese people were the tourists that visited Switzerland, but the always kept with their group, avoiding all contact with us local natives and the only way they seemed to be able to connect with the place they visited was through the lens of their photographic cameras that everyone carried at least one, but mostly two or three, together with a bunch of additional gear around their necks. But I remember going to take a look at the late emperor Hirohito when he made an official state visit to my country, thinking that indeed it is a rare occasion to actually get the chance to see a first rate WWII war lord* and former living god in person, even from a little distance. Together with the hundreds of people that were lining the street in honour of his welcome I greeted him with a nice round of friendly applause and a few cheers here and there. A few years later I met an old womanthat had fled the Russian revolution as a child and got stranded in Nanking, which led to her experiencing first hand the horrors that the Japanese soldiers inflicted on the inhabitants of that city after they conquered it. Some 50 years after the event she was still in shock, a textbook example of what today is called severe PTSD. I really have no idea why I tell you all this, but rest assured that is not meant to insult you personally or to villify Japan as a nation. Just shows how much every ones life is intervowen with history and its dramatic and sometimes tragic incidents in many strange and interesting ways. My own grandmothers elder brother became a member of the German SS under Hitler while at the same time my grandfathers younger sister had married a Jewish composer that wrote marching music for the International Brigades that fought against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War...
You know what they say, truth is stranger than fiction and I think I agree on that!
Best wishes to you and your family!
* at first I wrote "war criminal" but deleted that for reason of politeness...
I think they only teach you something memorable & makes proud as japanese. For everthing awful they did to the world, they just forget it & move on. So no wonder many young japanese generations so shock when they've been told that japan invade my country during WW2 & killed atlease 3-4 millions. During 3,5 years of colonialization. So did they ever teach you this kind of "bad" history at school ? 😂
they only teach you something memorable & makes you proud as a japanese. But for every awful thing they did to another world, they just forget it & move on as if it was never happened. No wonder many young japanese generations so clueless & so shocked when they've been told what they predecessors did to the world. Just ask Chinese, korean or indonesian abt how japan did to them in the past. Here is free history lesson in case you didnt know,
"For Indonesia alone, atleast a million died during forced labor / Romusha for japan. (3.5 years of colonialization 1942-1945)"
The best thing about Shogun is that it actually makes you want to research the history its based on.
Japanese did a create job recording their various clan history. I bought a 3 volume history of Japan back in late 90s. It took me years to read and comprehend. It is very long reaching over 1000 years. I am impressed that they also tracked their family history so well.
There is an audiobook “The Decisive Battles of World History” by Professor Gregory Aldrete and this battle is on it. But it’s an amazing series and goes into lesser known turning points and goes from Egyptian times til WW2.
He also has more series like “Biggest Blunders” (also amazing).
@@marquisdelafayette1929 cool
Oxford did a study modern day research study on the same subject. look it up
Found this worth sharing. Have you notice the Japanese lords on this show using Chinese writing and seal of approval? It's because of this. I think without China help, they looks like savages as stated by the barbarian xD
China, the much older state and the more developed, passed on to Japan (sometimes indirectly via Korea) a long list of ideas including rice cultivation, Buddhism, centralised government models, civil service examinations, temple architecture, clothing, art, literature, music, eating habits, how to cultivate silk for their clothing, and even how to read and write Chinese characters (Hanzi 汉字which they call Kanji), calligraphy and poetry.
The author of the novel Shogun was James Clavell. He had been a soldier in WW II in Singapore and was taken POW when Singapore fell to the Japanese. He was in a POW camp in which only 1 in 15 people survived. He said that experience was his university that taught him how to survive. He had already been interested in asian culture when he was a child due to his father being a naval officer with the Royal Australian Navy. That early interest is likely what helped him survive the POW camp. His first asian series novel was King Rat, which was about his experiences in the POW camp. So his story about John Blackthorn had a lot of personal experience behind it besides his historical study of William Adams.
King Rat is a good read. a bit of insight into the camps,
And the 1980 version of Shogun was a pretty damned good mini-series.
How Japan got so good at warfare?
Found this worth sharing. Have you notice the Japanese lords on this show using Chinese writing and seal of approval? It's because of this.
China, the much older state and the more developed, passed on to Japan (sometimes indirectly via Korea) a long list of ideas including rice cultivation, Buddhism, centralised government models, civil service examinations, how to build temple architecture, how to build Chinese architecture, clothing, art, literature, music, eating habits, how to use chopsticks, how to cultivate silk for their clothing, how to govern themselves, how to create bonzai, calligraphy, poetry and even how to read and write Chinese characters (Hanzi 汉字which they call Kanji).
Japanese = Offshore Han Chinese. The original inhabitants of Japan were the Ainu - They are still represented in the very northern Japan islands. My wife, who is Chinese and knows a great deal of Chinese history tells me that there were three books of Chinese knowledge. Only two of the books made it to Japan. Years ago I bought a fridge where all the instructions were written in Japanese text. I was astounded to see that she could read and interrupt the text - except for the characters which were made up due to the loss of the third book of knowledge.@@condorX2
Thank you! I did not know that. This explains a lot, I think. The capture of Blackthorne becomes a lot more autobiographical then...
This new Shogun is maybe the best TV I have ever seen. Absolutely mesmerizing. I am watching each episode three times, to see (and appreciate) all the little details.
You need too touch grass my friend
1968 Chevy SS (Chevelle I hope and not a Nova). Cool car. I had 1969 Dodge Charger RT (BEFORE Dukes of Hazzard), It had a 440 with a 6 pack.
@@dennisgannon - Haha, I actually had 3 different Chevelles, all SS, and one Camaro SS. I gotta admit, the '69 Charger R/T is one of my very favorite cars. My high school buddy, back in the 60's, he went with his mother to buy a new car. She was shopping for a grocery getter and she liked the Charger, so he says "mom, let's get the R/T version, it's nicer" and she went for it, LOL. Jesus, he melted those tires off, it was great. 😁
And this is your opinion most people disagree with you
@@Lionel-Goodfellow Haha, I know your type very well
As a Japanese I’m glad you made the video based on facts.
So many people these days twist the facts to make a point.
Your video reminded me of what I learned in school. Thank you!
戦国時代は面白いです。俺は米国人です。
Did you learn about ww2 from school in Japan then? Lol ironic isn't it talk about twisting facts
@@i.t.y1140Do you know the Japanese curriculum?
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that the video resonated with you and brought back memories from the past. It's also great to have a viewer from Japan, thank you! 🫡❤️🙏💯
@@Deadbird4242well he is not entirely wrong about that. They are not really taught about their involvement in the war nor much about their allies at the time.
Another foreigner who served Tokugawa Iyeyasu was Jan Joosten, who was Dutch and came to Japan with William Adams.
His name still remains on the eastern side of Tokyo Station as "Yaesu" named after his name.
Damn he must have been good buddies with old Will Adams. I wonder if he will be represented in the show at some point... maybe not... but that is a great little nugget of information there thank you my friend 🙏❤️
And he was 1. 74 m blond and blue eyes
I lived in Okazaki, Aichi prefecture, the birthplace of Tokugawa, the first Shogun. Cheers from Australia. My name is William.
The Tokyo Station itself is said to have been built based on the beautiful Amsterdam Central Station.
How does "Joosten" transform into "Yaesu"?
For anyone watching this, the novel Shogun is WELL worth your time. It’s one of my favorite books of all time. If you can find the mini series from the 70’s (Richard Chamberlain as Blackthorn ) is awesome too.
Haven't watched series yet but I bet you the old original movie is better than this new school crap.
@@vangroover1903 wow, you are clueless and salty vangroper1903. Have a nice day 😃
@@SerdarGrubeNo it isn't. The new one is fantastic. Incredible acting and writing, respect to the Japanese culture and it strikes a good balance between history and fiction. If that's 'bad' to you, I would HATE to see your version of 'good'.
Relax dudes... I said I BET, havent watched it yet... Jeeeeezz...
I watched the old one and for me is still so far more serious, but I am enjoying this one too, it is great.
The average life expectancy in the Middle Ages and other centuries did not mean that a person lived on average for 30 years. The average life expectancy was short because there was a very high mortality rate among children and women during childbirth and the postpartum period (there was even a saying that a pregnant woman already had one foot in the grave). If you managed to survive childhood, there was a very good chance that you would live to old age, so 55 years is not a long time, even for those times. For example, on average, you and your dog have three legs, that's what the average is all about.
That is a great explanation, thank you for that clarification. It makes sense, the infant mortality skewed the hell out of their average life expectancy. Very interesting 🤔
Glad to see I'm not the only who's tired of that misconception. ;)
As an actual statistician... I concur... great analogy. Average is average... only when u look at mortality rates by age group do you realize how really skewed it is... even kings and queens had major issues with this... even as late as early 19th century in Europe... let alone 16th century... though thats about the time (mid 19th century) when the population really started to boom...due to industrialization and subsequently medical innovations... like quinine for example... because people were used to having 10 babies.. and only half survive(if that prior to this time).
It also depended on your profession. If you were a soldier, a sailor, a fisherman or a miner, your were very unlikely to live past your mid 30s, because it was so insanely dangerous, even today fisherman is still the most dangerous profession. Working on land as a farmer, trader, builder, lumberjack, civil servant or town guard was much safer.
They do correct for child mortality though. There is life expectancy for people older than 5
I read SHOGUN when it first came out. James Clavell had an excellent grasp of Japanese culture and each time I picked up his book and read another chapter, I became so absorbed in it that I felt transported back in time and space. He claimed in the intro that the idea for the novel came from a school report his daughter had written in which she mentioned an English sailor who had been stranded in Japan and became a samurai.
I read it then, too. It was somewhat alternate reality for me. At one point, I was having a light, nearly vegetarian lunch and at the next table a man was eating a thick juicy hamburger. This was after reading about Blackthorne meals with the Japan and when he visited his old crew who were eating greasy pork and got grease all over their beer mugs. With that imagine in mind, I almost jumped up and challenge the man with the burger.
An encompassing book
@@charlesloeffler333 I remember that scene and the one with the dead rotting bird. I think I was actually nauseous. Damned good writing.
Only three times? I lost count after eight times watching and every time I watch it I see something new
excellentjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/stillfried_-_samurai.jpg
You can see elements of samurai in Egypt ?? .
The best part of his life was that he recorded one way or another everything he could and now we 400 years later can relive his own experiences, meat all these people he met and be part of all the events he was part of! Amazing! Keep records folks!!
Meat 🥩
meet
@@OldHatefulCracka-zo6sm only those who can't write don't mispelll
Please keep your records on paper. if we have an electronic pulse such as the promises of North Korea or destruction from our sun, computers will be useless and all the information will be lost. Get hard copies of your family photos also. They will be valuable beyond dollars.
@@BGSoccerMagic
Misspell
Correction at 10:00 -- he did not serve the 'emperor' but he served the shogun.
Good catch thanks for that my friend 🙏🙌
There was quite a bit of confusion by the early Europeans about who was "King", "Emperor", or "Shogun". Took a while to sort it out.
Anjin ha Hatamoto. Hatamoto ha Shogun Sama wo Samurau!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bullshido Forever!!!!!!!!!!
@@stevebubbie1126 Probably because his wife wouldn't know WTF Shogun meant.
@@DarthSedarit took hundreds of years. Matthew Perry in the 19th century went to Edo with a letter to the Emperor, who happened to live in Kyoto ….
Shogun is on a whole other level. All 10 episodes hold significant value. I wish all shows had this format, in my opinion Shogun should transcend all modern tv series and hold it to a new standard.
Shogun should be a case study all on it's own. it's been a very long time since I was so gripped by the subtle intensity and drama. It has earned it's spot in my rotation of shows I watch.
As a Portuguese I am very sad that the Portuguese navigators who were already in Japan did not try to have a friendly relationship with other cultures but rather hide the truth from Japan about the outside world. I know that the Portuguese did this because of the negotiations they had in Japan, but I wish they had first built a good friendship that is still talked about and celebrated to this day. Good video btw.
like Goa in india, the subculture connection in music is something very beautiful
Thank you my friend I am glad you enjoyed it. I wouldn't blame the Portuguese for what they did, they were just trying to protect their assets. I mean it may be similar to the way that companies today try to keep their secrets of their products, or how they build things, to keep their competitive edge in the market.
There is, in Nagasaki there is an annual festival celebrating the Portuguese. There are floats representing the black ship braving storms, and school kids sing Portuguese songs.
I am Madeiran, and we always copied the Roman style of divide and conquer.
@@012689Wow really that´s very intersting. I didnt know. I will have a look at in the internet. Thx for the info.
William Adams or "Anjin Miura" as he is known in Japan, is still today a highly regarded historical figure for his service to the Tokugawa shogunate and his contribution to foreign relations. He has been featured in various historical Japanese movies/ tv-shows about this period.
They even have an annual festival in Ito City, every August, near the bay shown in the video and the hot springs, where Adams had established a trading post, complete with trad. fireworks and everything.
William = Miura
Adams = Anjin
Fascinating. I read Shogun when it first came out. I devoured the original mini-series. Afterward, I became a student of Japanese history and culture. Now I'm interested in the new mini-series. I did not know about the architectural finds in Japan. Very interesting. Thank you for your work on this video.
Thanks for you comment my friend, I appreciate it a lot! They seemed to have cared a lot about his grave and remains which is admirable 💯🙏
Did you see the NHK Japanese Docu Dramas. One had a 50 part on Tokugawa, subtitled in English. They are very well done.
"Shogun" is a FICTION.
One of the decendants of William Adams is a famous Japanese actress named Kiki Kirin, who passed away a few years ago.
Is that right? I looked it up but I couldn't easily find much information about that..
@@HistoryLeaks William Adams or Anjin Miura had two children; Joseph and Susanna.
It is said that Kirin’s father came from Miura family.
But it is not confirmed.
@@TN-ux5rk thanks for that fact sir, very interesting 🙌🫡
As for Ms. Kirin Kiki, it is said that her father claimed to be a descendant of Anjin Miura (no clear documentation).
Incidentally, she has three grandchildren: her eldest son is a model for a fashion magazine, her eldest daughter is an actress (currently taking a leave of absence to study abroad), and her second daughter is a student.
Had no idea. Thank you. People in these comments seem to be regular font of interesting information.
As a Japanese guy, im thankful for this video. It really helped me and its sad that not much history are taught this days.
Thank you for boosting our history and culture 🙏🏿 ありがとう
Nondaiyo
as a non-japanese guy, I am also thankful..
Best show out right now hands down. It’s been ages since I actually looked forward to a new episode of a show. I’m hooked.
They received good care from local people after being stranded ashore, but I was disappointed that this fact was not mentioned.
Because his identity was unknown, he was temporarily imprisoned, but it was only a temporary measure.
The Dutch, other than Adams, soon began to work as merchants based in Japan.
Thanks for you comment. I think that is a good point, they weren't treated that poorly, I did mention in one of Adams letters he said that they did them no harm, but stole all of their goods.
The Original Shogun mini-series in 1980 was easily just as amazing and my favorite all time show.
You are so right and Richard chamberlain was superb!
somehow they don't have new topics nowadays: only covers in film & music from 70+80s, how ridiculous
Me too❤
Cool video. I am fascinated by the fact that, while King Lear and Macbeth was being performed for the FIRST FRIGGING TIME on stage in London, this hugely Shakespearean drama was unfolding in Japan.
Can appreciate the serious and focused video on true history. Japan is still a place of mystery and wonder for many even today.
Wow makes me like the show even more thank you for your research.
Very interesting story of William Adams who really helped shape feudal Japan. He warned of the political goals of the Catholic Jesuit priests which led to them being expelled in 1616. This in turn led to Japanese isolation for over 200 years.
I’m currently reading Shogun for the third time. I didn’t know the made a new series until a few days ago. I originally read it when it was first published and of course watched the original series. It is a captivating story, beautifully told by James Clavell. I am looking forward to seeing the new series. Thank you for the history lesson.
My favourite book. Read it a few times and both series brilliant
Nice work. It's appreciated. Subbed. I'm a history professor. I've read the book several times over the years. It's in my top 3.
That's awesome, thank you sir. I will look into the book 🙏💯
I literally had no idea that William Adams was so close to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and that Lord Toronaga actually was Tokugawa Ieyasu! I've read Shogun several times but always thought it loosely based upon a real Englishmen who lived in Japan but then left Something so prevalent in modern literature. This has opened my eyes greatly, thanks for your research! I learned a lot! And the photo of William showing his two Samurai Swords is mind-blowing! The man really existed! and although he wanted to return to England, his time in Japan changed him and he would have regretted returning to Japan, if the writings about William hold true. although he must have dearly missed his children and wife, but Tokugawa-Sama would not be swayed to let him leave. He obviously loved William and his link to the outside world enough to hold William in Japan for the rest of his days. Building a western style ship for the Shogun would have put the Fear of God into the Spanish and Portuguese enough to really freak out the king of Spain, because that Ship would have been a serious threat to the Galleons entering and leaving Japanese waters, especially with Samurai manning it, and William as its pilot! I fell in love with Japanese Culture and history, all because of James Clavell's book 'Shogun.' There was a huge trend during the 1980s towards Japanese martial arts that today is total cringe material but back then we were all intrigued by it and I wanted my own full Japanese set of clothing!
Photo? How could there be a photo of him? Photos did not exist in the 16th and 17th centuries lol
Lol
Thanks for your feedback my friend I really appreciate it. The image is not a photo but is an artistic/visual representation of how I imagined him to be, and I liked how it looked b/w to convey the past. Thanks for your comment and insight and I admire your passion for history sir 💯🙏❤️🫡
Not “Gillingham” with a hard G but “Gillingham” with a J sound.
I lived there for a few years, in fact the street I lived in was just off a road known as Will Adams Way. There was a pub named after Will Adams in the town as well.
Thanks for that my friend. I like learning the proper pronunciation of any place that I’m talking about in a video so thank you.
That’s cool you actually lived there. That’s awesome, I hope the town gets a bit more tourism and recognition because of the snow lol.
who the fuck care
I also once lived in Gillingham, and I too came here to make that correction 😂
@@RuthfiThomas And that’s why ignorance is so prevalent!
@@RuthfiThomasSome British people…
As a native Japanese educated in Japan, I had no difficulty in imagining who Toranaga Yoshii and John Blackthorn (按針/Anjin) were based on. It is no wander that you(a British person) made a great video introducing William Adams (Miura Anjin). But unfortunately, there are some small religious disputes in the comments section. I'm not going to get involved in them. By the way, I'll tell you about his Japanese name. His Japanese name, 三浦按針/Miura Anjin, was given to him by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Miura is the name of the territory he was given, and Anjin is an classical Japanese word that means the role of determining the course based on a compass, and it comes from the fact that he was a navigator. We modern Japanese don't use the word 按針/Anjin as a general noun, but use the general noun ‘航海士‘. In modern times, Anjin has become a proper noun meaning Miura Anjin (Willam Adams). He is still loved in Japan today.
That’s so interesting, I love to hear about how William Adam’s is perceived in Japan, and the true meaning of Anjin is also fascinating a lot gets lost in translation. Thank you for your comment and insight my friend 🙏❤️💯
Thanks for the background. I've always been a big fan of the book and now two theatrical versions of the Shogun story.
Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed the video 💯🙏❤️
“In the middle of chaos, lies opportunities “…Warriors
I'm pretty sure Winston Churchill also had a very similar quote 😀
@@HistoryLeaks So did the Golden State Warriors.
For a few…
"Chaos is a ladder" ~ G.O.T. 😉
Thank you for this post. I read Shogun and loved the original presentation of the story. The history of Japan has always held fascination for me. I appreciate clarification of the historical facts.
I read the novel. I saw the miniseries on TV decades ago. I had no idea John Blackthorne was a real person.
The Pilgrims came to America in 1620. My relatives arrived in America from Holland in 1654. I imagine myself in their shoes and I'm amazed at the courage it took to bring 7 sons and their families to the New World with you.
It's a really good book. The miniseries (they also cut the 6 hr miniseries into a feature length film for television) was beautifully done.
Richard Chamberlain was superb in his role.l
Ah finaly my favorite book is getting a modern show, isn't that great? I'm getting old, as tough a hardworking life made me and yet i had to fight to prevent tears of joy from spilling all over.
Thats a nice video there, congrats man. i remember that ive learned about the real historical figure from the same teacher that gave me the book a long old time ago.
What an insane life to live. Truly makes you think what he experienced and saw.
Truly mind blowing the think about all the things that must occurred even just on the journey over. That's why its great to see any letters or journals left behind you get a glimpse of what they experienced, but of course there is probably a lot more under the surface.
I imagine the guys who left the ship to the uncharted Hawaiian islands became cannibal lunch 💀
It’s crazy to me when I think about the lives these people lived and then how we live now. Their lives are just pure adventure. They actually lived real life movie plots. What was going through their minds? It had to be scary, fun, sad ,etc all at the same time. Life was real life back then. It’s super fascinating to me. It’s probably why people have so many problems nowadays. We are so far away from what we used to be. Our lives actually had a real purpose then and that’s what kept us going.
You’re so right. It comes with good and bad. I’m not sure if I’d want to change places with William Adam’s. But I agree with you in the modern world, life can become mundane, and it’s difficult to find purpose and meaning in the way people had it in the past, so much exploration, and mystery in the world. But I believe you can still do it. 💯❤️🙏🫡
This is an interesting observation. This one man's adventure certainly wasn't the norm for most white men coming out of Europe. It is a question of class still as it is today. Knowledge of Ship building and astronomy were reserved for a certain type of person who came from a certain type of wealth. Even today with all the available knowledge we have on the internet and availability of colleges to attend you'll be hard pressed to find many kids who care about automobile or aviation engineering, and you won't find one kid that could point out a star in the sky and tell you anything about it.
Our mundane lives today comes from having too much information when we need it. You can still go into the deep Amazon and seek out the unaccessed people and get an experience and knowledge that you wouldn't believe, or you could still head to central Africa talk to spiritual shamans that will tell you about the beginnings of time... But will you? The western campaign of fear tells you not to. Because then you might discover your "self."
You could do it though, for all under $10k. A certain class of an American could do that though.
The same as today, most people lived mundane lives. A small percentage were adventurers and explorers.
You can thank capitalism for that.
Don't romanticize the past. Both then and now, for every great person, there are a couple million mundane ones. The big difference is that we've run out of places to actually go to and explore. Modern "adventures" are now largely confined to explorations in medicine or computer science or all those less "glamorous" endeavors.
The books were awesome, also the original series with Richard Chamberlain playing Anjin-san/Blackthorne. 😊😊
This is amazing! I love this show. I started to research a bit about him but this was very well put together and informative. Thank you
Thank you, I'm glad you found it informative, and I really appreciate your feedback 🙏❤️💯🫡
That was so interesting and so well laid out. I saw the first Shogun with Richard Chamberlain, on TV, and I think while the scenery was not as spectacular that the movie was much more enticing. The second one which is the recent one was very good and of course spectacular in every way I had no idea that this had been taken from real history, and that Mr. Blackstone had actually lived that life and kept accurate records of his adventures. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I really enjoyed this.
Thank you for your kind words! It means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the history behind Shogun captivating. I appreciate your support! 🙏💯💯❤️
In Hemi, near Yokohama, there is a monument to Miura Anjin and O-Yuki, Anjin-dori near Mitsukoshimae to see the monument there, Hirado Island to see Miura Anjin's House, now a sweet shop, the Dutch Trade Mission and also his grave with a monument to his English wife - Mary Hin. He had two children, John and Deliverance with Mary, and two with O-Yuki - Joseph and Susanna.
There is clear evidence that Miura Anjin was buried in Hirado and not Hemi. It is said that samurai ordered the bones of the buried christians to be dug up and thrown into the sea of Ikitsukishima. It is also said that christians, when it was safe to do so, dived into the sea to collect bones and they were reburied. I think the Japanese exhumed bones in the 1960's ?? to try to positively identify using DNA and asked for people from Gillingham, Kent, England to come forward and give their DNA! I would need to double check my memory and the outcome of testing.
Well worth a read -
www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78723-2
There is information regarding Adams children on the updated Wikipedia page and other English and Japanese language pages.
Richard Cocks records that Hidetada transferred the lordship from William Adams to his son Joseph Adams with the attendant rights to the estate at Hemi. Cocks continued to remain in contact with Adams's Japanese family, sending gifts. On the Christmas after Adams's death, Cocks gave Joseph his father's sword and dagger. In March 1622, he offered silks to Joseph and Susanna. Cocks also administered Adams's trading rights (the shuinjō) for the benefit of Adams's children, Joseph and Susanna. He carried this out conscientiously.
In 1623, the unprofitable English trading factory in Hirado was dissolved by the East India Company and Cocks departed for England, the Dutch traded on Adams' children's behalf via the red seal ships. Joseph Adams inherited the title of Miura Anjin, became a trader, and made five voyages to Cochinchina and Siam between 1624 and 1635.
By 1629, only two of Adams's shipmates from 1600 survived in Japan: Melchior van Santvoort and Vincent Romeyn lived quietly in Nagasaki.
In 1635, Hidetada's successor Tokougawa Iemitsu enforced the Sadoku Edict for Japan to be closed against foreign trading; both Joseph and Susanna disappear from historical records at that time. All Japanese of mixed race were expelled to Jakarta, and it is presumed that Adams's children were among them.
That was truly fascinating! Thank you for making this video!
Being the age I am , I have read Shogun by James Clavell and saw the first incarnation of the series in the 80’ & I am watching the current version. Both the series are very good but the book is ( as I remember ) excellent . 👍👍
That’s great to know, I need to check out the original. Thanks for your comment I hope you have a great week 💯❤️🙏
Yep, the book has 10x the stuff in it compared to the series.
Books are always better than what Hollywood produces. They can do whatever they want. Have to make it dramatic to keep us watching.
I lived in Japan for 5 years and this was very informative ! Well done
Wow that sounds like an amazing life experience! Thanks for your comment sir I’m glad you enjoyed the video 💯❤️🙏
Love the historical photo of this guy from the 17th century on the preview. I didn’t know Fuji was such an old company.
We actually have the first original Shogun series and love it. This series is also great. I was never really interested in history because it has always been long, lengthy and boring. I appreciated your history information on the truth and you summarize it well without it becoming boring and lengthy. Thank you
Thank you I’m glad that you liked the video. I really appreciate your comment and feedback, I’m also really enjoying the show. I hope you have a great weekend 💯🙏🙏❤️❤️
I enjoyed this piece. It's always nice to have more background that hasn't been covered yet! I'll be looking forward to your future works!
Thank you my friend 🙏💯 glad you enjoyed the video!
That was a great detailed run down thank you.. I was def interested in the background of the story.. much appreciated
Thank you my friend, I'm glad you found it useful, and I really appreciate your comment 🙏💯❤️
Great presentation of the topic. I watched it until the end and enjoyed it. Looking forward to more of your content.
Shogun is hands down one of the best books I have ever read! I highly recommend it!
Thanks I will be sure to pick up a copy 🙏💯❤️
Thank you for sharing. I'm loving the series. I look forward to it each week. :)
So do I, thank you my friend ❤️💯🙏
I am a big fan of James Clavell asian saga. This vídeo is truly interesting, showing the real man behind history. Thanks.
Thank you, so interesting to hear the real story. I read James Clavell's Shogun way back in the 70's followed by the other books in his Asian series. I loved his Shogun and watched the Shogun series recently which stirred a desire to re-read the series again which I'm currently doing and enjoying them just as much as the first time. Japanese history and culture is fascinating.
It is fascinating and rich especially from the perspective of a 16th century European. I’m glad you enjoyed the video and I really appreciate your genuine and thoughtful comment. I hope you have a great weekend my friend ❤️❤️🙏🙏💯💯
Awesome analysis n explanation of the real John Blackthorne. Fascinating. Saw the original 1980s version of Shogun, which is a classic !!! Overall prefer the original to current. The latter seems darker n moody n the original is easier to follow the qvtimg n movement of the show. Kudos for ur upload. Peace
Thanks for your comment my friend! 🙏💯❤️ I have heard a lot of people sharing a similar love for the original show. It makes me want to check it out, thank you
This is the first of your videos I have seen. I listened to it while I was getting ready for work. I enjoyed your direct style of presentation and appreciated the very distinct lack of goofy music and cartoons. I just sub'd and am looking forward to more of your content.
Thank you sir, Im glad you enjoyed it, I appreciate the specific feedback on the style and everything that helps me a lot 💯🙏❤️
I will keep making similar videos, so be on the look out my friend 🫡 I really appreciate the sub! 🙌 I hope you have a great Friday and weekend! 🍻
Great analysis; I wrote a paper on him in college and the history of this individual is very interesting. He spoke 7 languages, btw.
GETTING INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS BACK IN THE 1970'S IS WHAT GOT ME STARTED IN THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF JAPAN. I HAVE BEEN TOTALLY AMAZED, FASCINATED AND AWSTRUCK OF JAPANESE HISTORY AND ALOT OF THE SAMURAIS AND THE MARTIAL ARTS. I DO OWN THE ENTIRE VIDEO OF SHOGUN WHEN IT SHOWED ON TV IN 1980 AND I JUST ORDERED THE NEW VERIZON (2024) OF SHOGUN. BUT WATCHING THE 1ST 1980 SERIES I'VE TAUGHT MYSELF THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE, TRICKY TRYING TO PRONOUNCE ALOT OF THE WORDS.
Shogun. One of the few books I have read and reread several times. I just love the narrative.
Very very interesting, I learned so much, I never knew that Adams' skeleton was found and dna confirmed it was him. It was also surprising that the Dutch trading company he sailed for was the precursor to the Dutch East Indies company.
I recently finished Shogun on Disney Plus (in Canada) and found the acting supurb and every episode riveting and well done with lots of action and the full range of emotions. For a shot in the dark I never heard of, I was very satisfied.
Thank you my friend, I’m glad you found it interesting and I really appreciate your feedback 💯🙏 I hope you have a great weekend sir
@@HistoryLeaks You're very welcome my friend, yes, I really enjoyed your video and expressing my review of Shogun seemed the most appropriate on a video devoted to the real man and his real exploits and adventures.
I will, you have a great weekend as well sir.
Great success! You taught me! nd So I have learned. Well done Sir!
Richard Chamberlain did the role superbly in the original version. 55 years ago I was browsing a library shelves and found a biography of Blackthorn
Blackthorne is a fictional character, never existed. Also most “honorable” deeds of the English or dutch and the evil deeds of the Portuguese are fantasy, there was no diference between the way the nations defended their interests, including the Japanese who were much more cruel than the Europeans.
Thank you. We are enjoying the series.Very well done.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the series, thanks for your comment, I hope you have a great week 💯❤️🙏
due diligence and authenticity is so valuable, I hope studios are finally taking note of that.
I think William Adams and John Blackthorne from Shogun (the book) was also the inspiration for the Japanese games: Nioh and Nioh 2. They're sort of a mix between Devil May Cry and Dark Souls. Pretty good.
Seriously, I have seen those games around but never tried them, interesting though if they were inspired by this story 🤔
Great video. I have read the book Shogun many times. I have yet to see the tv series. This video was very informative.
Thank you my friend 🙏💯❤️
Very interesting. I never knew Blackthorne was based on a real person. I read the book decades ago but its all a bit hazy now. My interest has again been piqued after watching the new Shogun tv show. I've falled in love with Mariko all over again!
I'm eager to see this program after watching this video. Thank you!
Great video thank you.. I was obsessed with Shogun in 1980 and now watching this new one.
Thank you 🙏 I’m glad you liked it and I really appreciate the comment. Hopefully this one will do the 1980s one justice 💯🙏❤️
Sea-crazy sailors with scurvy arriving in Hawaii for the first time:
"Yeah I'm not a sailer anymore. You all have yourselves a blast!"😂
We love that for you, guys...
They lived and ate well, learned to surf and had a wife and many kids.
Some guys know Paradise when they see it.
They were likely killed by the indigenous population.
😷 Unfortunately, also passed on diseases that killed half the Hawai'ian population.
Bound to happen eventually when any civilization is contacted. Would've just happened a bit later. @@pohanahawaii
Great info, watching the series, I remember watching the original 80s Shogun tv series featuring Richard Chamberlain.
Thank you for sharing, great to have a true veteran of the show watching 💯🙏
This was really amazing it would be really interesting to know more about Adams descendents and their lives in Japan
Yeah I agree, there were a few comments mentioning there is a Japanese actress who is related to Adams but it is not confirmed
@@HistoryLeaks I was always interested in Adams story and what happened to his family lineage after he passed oh I didn't know he could have a great grand daughter that is an actress
@@BKLYN_TZU
September 23, 1636 (August 24, Kan'ei 13 in the Japanese calendar)
There is a record that 2nd Anjin Miura (William's son, Joseph) had craftsmen rebuild Kashima Shrine near his estate on this date.
After this, the whereabouts of the 2nd Anjin Miura are unknown.
There a vague almost unrelated story that they traveled back to England. With many essential manuscripts. And etc. they left no heirs behind and intended to return. But travel to a from was fraught with much danger and death from mutiny, pirates, weather, mis navigations.
thanks for the really awesome video
currently watching Shogun and it’s the best show on TV right now
our family can’t wait for a new episode to air each week (that hasn’t been true in a really long time)
hope the show wins a bunch of awards… it deserves it!!
12 min of my life worth it. I saw the first Shogan and a bit reluctant to watch the remake. But I guess I had at some point. The cast is amazing. Thanks for making me take that decision. I love and thank you for the effort invested to bring those fact to us. Great work 😊❤
Thank you for this mini documentary full of informations i didn’t know. Wonderful job
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏❤️💯
Fascinating, thank you for producing this insightful video 👍
Very nice research, and a very pleasant presentation style, too. Thank you
Thank you my friend 💯❤️🙏
Fascinating culture and absolutely love how it was depicted on Shōgun!
Awesome. Thank you for your hard work in research and presentation of this interesting history
Cool ... I read the novel all those many years ago; I read Clavell's earlier works (like "King Rat") as well, and loved the book; I didn't realize Blackthorne's character was based on a real person, though (unless it's noted in the novel's preface, and I've just forgotten ??). The late 70's saw the made-for-TV mini-series, which I watched as a teenager. I am enjoying the new series, and this background you give here helps a lot for context! Thanks for your efforts - cheers! 🤗 PS: Canadian, from Vancouver, but have lived in Asia now for close to 30 years... The writings of Clavell and other influences no doubt played into my move to here. I now live in Taiwan, but have been through Japan from Tokyo, to Osaka and Okinawa. Very interesting and beautiful country.
Outstanding video, much much appreciated. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! I hope you have a great week my friend 💯❤️🙏
Well, before Tokugawa died, he asked for William to be dispatched to the Philippines so that he wouldn't be killed in the cleansing of christians.
What a stand up guy Tokugawa was.
But honestly thanks for sharing that tidbit of information, I like hearing those little facts which bring a bit more light to the story. Cheers my friend 🙏💯🫡
how flipping cool is that. what a trailblazer! thanks so much this was a good one for sure.
Kudos to the time traveling photographer for getting the thumbnail pic…
It’s fucking Ai calm down.
@@lucasbelmonte2832No you massive df, it's real, it's time travel. I done my research.
lucasbelmonte2832
Swoooshhhhhhh!
Yeah u must be fun at parties huh guy?
Years ago my niece and I were watching a documentary on ancient Egypt. She asked about what cameras they had. I explained that it was a reenactment and those were actors. Then we wondered how the actors felt about wearing loincloths and pretending to do ancient tasks.
It was such a good show omfg. The novel is really incredible, too. Excellent video, very informative!
This was great! I read the novel but had not researched the actual history related to it.
I hope you have or will do a show on Ranald MacDanald who was an American from Washington State who ship wrecked in northern Japan in the 1840s and became the first English teacher to Japanese students who were able to help with the Admiral Perry adventure in the 1850s.
Started reading the comments. Truly, historical insightful. Great job with video and the resulting posts God Bless.
Extremely well done and informative.
Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate you my bro 🙏💯🍻❤️
I love this style of video, so refreshingly chill and informative
the average life expectancy was around 30 because the high mortality rate during childhood. not because people lived until the age of 30 on average. meaning, people who reached adulthood had a life expectancy way higher than 30, 50-80 was normal. just like now days, is just that now the average that reach that age is way higher, and the child mortality rate has decreased considerably.
サムネイルの写真はブラックソーンではないですね。17世紀には写真はありませんから。
I believe it's a representation.
釣りサムネにマジレス
あるいは、チョウ珍しいものでがんさろう！
Description の所で、「イメージで作った」ときちんと断っておられます。常にコメント前に確認されることをおすすめします。
日本人がイメージでアダムス家族を作るなら、まず妻のイヤリングはありえない、武士の命の刀を肩に背負ったりしない。でも、よく出来てると思います。
This new shogun series has been incredible to watch, some parts are different then the original series but nothing that doesn’t make sense it’s just a few minor differences. If you would like to watch the original series it’s on internet archive for free. There are no subtitles or translations but that gives it such an authentic feel and truly submerses you into the shoes of John Blackthorne. I fell in love with Japan and the Japanese culture after watching this as a teenager back in the 90’s.
I am glad to see a resurgence of interest in this story. I read Shogun when it was first published decades ago and also watched the first mini series on TV with Richard Chamberlain portraying John Blackthorne. The new mini series is excellent as well. This type of historical drama based on real history is very educational but also very compelling to watch or read. Thanks for this video that teaches more about the basis for the John Blackthorne character.
That's amazing that you read it back in the day and now are seeing a new generation of people interested in the same story. That's very cool. Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it 💯🙏❤️
Great history lesson. adds depth to the Shogun story
Thank you I’m glad that it added value for you 💯❤️🙏
Wow. I read Shogun about 45 years ago. It is in my top 3 Novels. (The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand) and The Clan of the Cave Bear Series) being the others. I never knew it was based on an actual person. What a fascinating book it was. Around 1200 pages, I found myself feeling and 'thinking' like I was Japanese myself by the time I finished it. I have never wanted to see any series or movies related to it because I didn't think anyone could ever do it justice, but I may now look into the series based on your excellent review.
The original tv adaptation of the book was excellent. I was a teen and still enjoy to watch old video clips.
I have only heard good things about the original so I have to give it a try sometime 💯🙏 thanks for that
Astounding. To hear that the Blackthorne character (I read the book when it published) is based on an actual person makes the story so much more interesting. I do like the detail in the costuming in this new version.
Great video dude, thanks for the info & keep it up!
Thank you my bro, I'm glad you enjoyed and I appreciate the kind words 🙏💯❤️🫡
When I read Shōgun for the first time in the late '70s, I was in high school. I thought that there was no way I would enjoy reading a 1000+ page book but continued anyway (it may have been for a class - can't remember). I was almost immediately captivated by that book and read it all the way through in a few days. In fact, I liked it so much that I re-read it a few years later, as well as several other novels by James Clavell. I have the DVD version starring Richard Chamberlain and watched it a few times. This newest version on Hulu did not disappoint.
The fact that I watch the show and find it extremely enjoyable, made watching this video very cool and informative. 😁👏
Thank you my friend, I appreciate your kind words, and Im glad you enjoyed the video 🙏🙏💯💯❤️
I actually read the book "Shogun" many years ago. It was a long book, but an amazing story. In the military history of Japan, wars and competition between "tribal groups" so to speak, seemed to me to be universal in practice, globally. I enjoyed your video and look forward to watching more. And yes, I subscribed. 😏
Please read TI PAN also my James Cavell
I live in Gillingham and Will Adams is celebrated in the town in name places and a monument to the man.
I wonder if there are any historical pubs there, maybe william adams would have frequented ? 🤔
@@HistoryLeaks unfortunately no pubs survive in Gillingham from that period. But there is a consolation prize, being The Will Adams pub in the town.
Wow.love this series ❤.hope one day that thee will be historical tv series similar to this about India Sri Lanka and other south Asian countries.Because those countries also ruled under Portuguese,English and Dutch.
I think India was also under Persian and Arabian rule for awhile as well.