In 2024, FX/Hulu’s grand historical drama, “Shōgun,” made its highly anticipated debut with a two-part premiere on February 27. Garnering a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series appears poised to become a formidable contender in the awards circuit.
Adapted from James Clavell’s bestselling 1975 novel, “Shōgun” transports viewers to the late 16th century, delving into the collision between two ambitious men from vastly different backgrounds and a mysterious female samurai. These central characters include John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), an English sailor who finds himself shipwrecked in Japan; Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a cunning and influential daimyo; and Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai), a skilled woman with enigmatic family ties, determined to prove her worth.
This iteration marks the second screen adaptation of Clavell’s novel, following the 1980 miniseries of the same name. “Shōgun” captivates audiences with its breathtaking visuals and meticulous portrayal of feudal Japanese culture. However, for those less familiar with this rich cultural tapestry, it’s easy to get lost amidst the various designations and their significance. Take, for example, the term “rōnin.”
In essence, a rōnin refers to a masterless samurai. Translated literally as “wave man,” it more accurately conveys the notion of a “drifter” or “wanderer.” Within the feudal Japanese system, samurai served the local lord or daimyo of the lands. A samurai could become a rōnin through circumstances such as the death of their master, perhaps in battle, or through expulsion.
Traditionally, a samurai was expected to uphold their honor by committing seppuku, or ritual suicide, upon the death or loss of their master, as dictated by the samurai code of bushido. Failure to do so brought immense dishonor, relegating the rōnin to the lowest rungs of society. Historically, the term “rōnin” carried connotations of disdain, originally applied to slaves who had fled their master’s lands.
During the tumultuous Sengoku period, rōnin often found employment as fresh warriors were constantly in demand due to the ongoing civil wars. However, with the unification of Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the need for rōnin diminished. Forbidden from seeking alternative occupations, rōnin faced lives plagued by dishonor, poverty, and hardship.
The archetype of the rōnin, with its tragic anti-hero appeal, has remained a popular fixture in portrayals of feudal Japan in media, from Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai” to the contemporary “Samurai Jack” animated series. In modern Japanese society, the term “rōnin” has evolved to describe high school graduates who have yet to enroll in university or college, thankfully without the expectation of ritual suicide.