Quick Links
In 1975 authorJames Clavellwrote the novelShōgun,causing an eruption of Americans interested in learning more about Japanese culture and history. The book has also gathered the attention of scholars who claim that it has influenced the way Westerners look at Japanese history. We expect to see another resurgence in its popularity as it will be adapted, yet again, into an all-new series starringHiroyuki Sanada.
With its debut rapidly approaching, we’ve decided to write a little lesson of our own. There is so much to expect and uncover in this historical drama that it clearly deserves a rundown of the facts. From its release date to the incredible story it’s based on, here’s everything we know about the upcomingShōgunseries.
Shogun (2024)
Does ‘Shōgun’ Have a Release Date?
Shōgunwill premiere with the release of its first two episodeson Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The series will have a total of 10 episodes, releasing a new chapter every week following the premiere.
Where Can You Watch ‘Shōgun’?
Shōgunwill be released on the FX channel on August 03, 2025, at 10 p.m. EST. The series will also become available on the same day, on Hulu, which is the streaming home of hit FX series such asThe Bear,What We Do in the Shadows, andFargo, among others.
Watch the Trailer for ‘Shōgun’
Thefirst official trailer forShōgunwas released by FX on August 23, 2025.
It features Lord Yoshii Toranaga sitting on his throne drumming his fingers while a montage of strictly organized examples of Japanese culture appear, from hot tea kettles to sword training. With intense battle scenes and a shipwrecking at sea, it seems that the characters will constantly be caught between maintaining honor and facing certain death.
Thefull extended trailer forShōgunwas released by FX on August 25, 2025.
An epic display of Japanese warriors appears on the screen, crashing waves over sea vessels and deadly sword battles as the trailer begins. John Blackthorne sits in a jail cell and images of him having his hair cut followed by a man being thrown into a pot of boiling water set the tone for a brutally strict period in Japanese history. Then a woman tells her story of injustice, scenes of battles with men in samurai armor attacking through skies of flaming arrows and a man warns that “Japan is entering a civil war.” It does not sugarcoat the intensity of 17th-century Japanese culture, exposing the harsh realities, not only violence but politics and sabotage.
Who Stars in ‘Shōgun’?
Hiroyuki Sanada headlinesShōgunas Lord Yoshii Toranaga. The Japanese actor and world-renowned martial artist is most known for his roles in films such asJohn Wick: Chapter 4,Bullet Train,Mortal Kombat, andArmy of the Dead.Shōgunisn’t his first foray into television either, having appeared in Season 3 ofThe Last Ship, Seasons 2 and 4 ofWestworld, and Season 6 ofLost.
The main cast ofShōgunalso featuresCosmo Jarvis(Raised by Wolves) as John Blackthorne,Anna Sawai(Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) as Toda Mariko,Tadanobu Asano(Thor) as Kashigi Yabushige,Hiroto Kanaias Kashigi Omi,Takehiro Hira(Gran Turismo) as Ishido Kazunari,Shinnosuke Abe(13 Assassins) as Toda Buntaro,Moeka Hoshias Usami Fuji,Tokuma NishiokaasToda “Iron Fist” Hiromatsu,Yasunari Takeshima(Silence) as Muraji,Yuki Kuraas Yoshii Nagakado,Fumi Nikaidoas Ochiba No Kata,Tommy Bastow(EastEnders) as Father Martin Alvito,Yuka Kourias Kiku,Yoriko Dōguchias Kiri No Kata, andAko(30 Rock) as Daiyoin / Lady Iyo.
The recurring cast includesToshi Toda(Letters from Iwo Jima) asSugiyama,Hiro Kanagawa(Avatar: The Last Airbender) asIgurashi,Junichi Tajirias Uejiro,Néstor Carbonell(The Dark Knight) as Vasco Rodrigues,Nobuya Shimamoto(Midway) as Nebara Jozen,Yuki Kedoinas Takemaru,Mako Fujimotoas Shizu No Kata,Haruno NiiyamaasNatsu No Kata,Hiromoto Ida(The Man in the High Castle)asKiyama ukon Sadanaga,Takeshi Kurokawaas Ohno Harunobu,Yuko Miyamotoas Gin, andYoshi Amaoas Sera.
What Is ‘Shōgun’ About?
Shōgunis set in 17th-century Japan, during the era of the samurai warrior. While the story is dramatized, it is largelybased on a true story. The English sailor John Blackthorne (Jarvis) winds up shipwrecked in Japan only to find himself stranded during a time of war. His character is based on William Adams, who learned Japanese culture and developed the skills to become the first foreign samurai. Meanwhile, Lord Yoshii Toranaga, who was once the most powerful man in Japan, is at odds over political rivalries and learns from Blackthorne that Spain and Portugal intend to become the next world superpowers. As Toranaga unravels more hidden truths, he realizes that his leadership is in question and there are saboteurs within his cabinet.
The official synopsis reads:
FX’sShōgun, an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Producer Hiroyuki Sanada stars as “Lord Yoshii Toranaga” who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, “John Blackthorne” (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, “Toda Mariko” (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.
Who Is Making ‘Shōgun’?
Shōgun was created byJustin Marks, who previously penned the scripts for the live-actionThe Jungle Bookremake andTop Gun: Maverick, alongside his wifeRachel Kondo. It’s produced byEriko MiyagawaandHiroyuki Sanadawith executive producers likeEdward L. McDonnell,Andrew Macdonald,Allon Reich,Michael De Luca, andMichaela Clavell.Jonathan Van Tulleken(The Changeling) directed Episodes 1-2,Charlette Brändström(The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) directed Episode 3,Frederick E.O. Toye(The Boys) directed Episodes 4-5 and 9-10,Hiromi Kamata(Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) directed Episode 6,Takeshi Fukunagadirected Episode 7, andEmmanuel Osei-Kuffour(The Recruit) directed Episode 8.
Shows Like ‘Shōgun’ You Can Stream Right Now
‘Marco Polo’ (2014-2016)
Marco Polois another historical drama that follows a Venetian explorer in the 13th century who finds himself at the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol Emperor of China. As he becomes accepted by the Mongolians, they begin to teach him their ways, at first as entertainment but later as a valuable asset. In a time of war with China, Polo brings a foreign perspective to their strategies and helps guide the leader, Kublai’s, decisions. With a great cast, includingLorenzo Richelmy(The Third Half) starring as Marco Polo,Benedict Wong(Doctor Strange) portraying Kublai Khan,Joan Chen(The Last Emperor) as Empress Chabi,Remy Hii(Crazy Rich Asians) depicting Prince Jingim and more, the show featured amazing set designs that draw fans into the amazing story.
Watch on Netflix
‘Vikings’ (2013-2020)
Vikingstells the legendary stories of Ragnar Lothbrok who was a farmer in Norway that set off to explore the world, though sometimes with brutal force. During the Viking era, these “explorers” would raid villages or make trades as they searched for new discoveries around Europe. His leadership would grow into tyranny and his family as well as allies would begin to question his motives, leading to epic clashes. It’s a grand display of Norse culture with a cast of suitable Vikings likeTravis Fimmel(Warcraft) as Ragnar Lothbrok,Katheryn Winnick(The Dark Tower) as Lagertha, Ragnar’s first wife,Clive Standen(Taken) playing Rollo, Ragnar’s ambitious brother,Gustaf Skarsgård(The Way Back) depicting Floki, andAlexander Ludwig(The Hunger Games) portrays Bjorn Ironside, Ragnar’s eldest son. The series gained critical acclaim and even sparked a spinoff calledVikings: Valhallacontinuing the epic saga.
Watch on Prime Video
‘The Last Kingdom’ (2015-2022)
FromThe Saxon Storynovels byBernard Cornwell,The Last Kingdomfollows the Saxon nobleman, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Uhtred was captured and raised by the Vikings at a young age, growing up in 9th-century England during a time of warfare. The conflict put him in a complicated position as a Saxon-born Viking, deciding which side to take and becoming a true warrior. The violent drama, which can only be compared toGame of Thrones, in the series garnered critical acclaim. It was first produced by BBC and later picked up by Netflix then after its conclusion, inspired a sequel calledSeven Kings Must Diewhich was based on Cornwell’s 13th novel in the series,War Lord.
