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Why Did John Blackthorne Go to Japan? FX’s Shogun Retells ‘First White Samurai’ Story
What led John Blackthorne/William Adams to Japan?
Shōgun is one of the highly anticipated shows on FX this year. The limited series follows the story of an Englishman who travels to Japan at a time of war. But why did John Blackthorne go to Japan in Shōgun in the first place? Here’s what we know.
Who is John Blackthorne in Shōgun?
Credit: Gate 34 | Michael De Luca Productions | FXP
John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) is a character in the series that was based on a real-life Englishman, William Adams.
In the original source material of Shōgun, Blackthorne is described as a navigator who becomes the “first English pilot ever to get through Magellan’s Pass.”
Why did John Blackthorne Go to Japan in Shōgun?
Credit: Gate 34 | Michael De Luca Productions | FXP
Consistent with the real events that inspired the novel, William Adams served as a navigator to bring cloth and sugar back to England.
When he sailed in June 1598, Adams went out with five Dutch ships. Their goal was to visit the East Indies (Indonesia) via Magellan’s Pass. They never intended to go to Japan. So why did John Blackthorne go to Japan in Shōgun?
However, the tumultuous weather and storms made it impossible for Adams’ ship and crew to navigate to their destination safely. After traveling for 19 months, Adams and his crew landed on Kyushu island, in southern Japan.
Gate 34 | Michael De Luca Productions | FXP
Although several of his men had already gotten sick and died during the journey, the remaining men were captured by Japanese feudal regents.
When Adams stood in front of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the latter was reportedly so amazed by his intellect that he gave him a job as an advisor. Adams was regarded as the first Englishman to reach Japan.
Who Was William Adams, the Real First White Samurai?
Credit: Gate 34 | Michael De Luca Productions | FXP
Tokugawa saw the potential in Adams. It also helped that they had one common enemy. Because of this, Adams was awarded the distinguished advisor rank, aka hatamoto honor. This allowed him his own estate. In return, Adams helped build Western-style ships that the Japanese Navy used.
After this, Adams proved himself to be a valuable resource to Tokugawa. He was then appointed as a diplomatic and trade advisor of Japan. Tokugawa also named him as his personal advisor on matters related to the Western world.
To keep him in Japan, Tokugawa gave Adams the recognition as the first White samurai. He was also given a new name, Miura Anjin.
Years later, he was allowed to return to England. Despite this, he refused to return.
In his letters, Adams wrote the reason for his decision to stay in Japan was “was for diverse injuries done against me, which were things to me very strange and unlooked for.”
Adams died in Japan in 1620 at the age of 55. His grave can be found at Miura Anjin.
