One thing that makes Shōgun so interesting is that it is a novel adapted from real historical events and people. We meet the House of Minowara in Shōgun, the most powerful and important clan in Imperial Japan.
Let's take a look at the Genji (Minamoto clan) and its influence in the FX series, Shōgun.
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for Shōgun, so proceed with caution.
What is the House of Minowara in Shōgun?
The House of Minowara is considered one of the oldest Great Houses with its roots dating back to the First Dynasty.
They were an important supporter of the Jade Throne and notable for contributing to various Empresses during this dynasty.
In the second episode of Shōgun, we learn that Lord Yoshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) is part of this clan, comprised of a long line of military dictators (or Shōgun).
We also learned that a Shōgun was considered "the ultimate rank a mortal can achieve."
Why is the Minowara Bloodline in Shōgun Important?
As explained by Father Domingo (played by Joaquim de Almeida) in the second episode, the House of Minowara in Shõgun holds real power in Japan.
The lineage has been rulers (or Shōguns) for many years in the country. Although there is an Emperor or Empress, it is the Shōgun who rules from behind and is even considered as the true power.
A Shōgun is not something that you can be appointed to. Instead, it is a hereditary position. Even though this position holds a lot of power, it can be tempting to use it for evil.
Despite this, everyone respected Shōguns. Their enemies feared them for the glorious power they held.
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Who is Lord Yoshii Toranaga in Shōgun?
In the FX series, Shōguns have been non-existent for quite some time.
Despite this, Toranaga's lineage as a Minowara allowed him to claim his right to become one. If he wanted to, he could pursue his birthright and rule Japan.
However, Toranaga did not show interest in pursuing his family's lineage.
As a young boy, Toranaga grew up away from his family. He gained the learnings of a samurai, which taught him to keep his true feelings hidden from everyone. He is also a brilliant strategist, who made calculated decisions.
As it is in his bloodline, Toranaga was a natural leader. His victories grew larger and larger, and soon, he became a lord.
Despite all these, Toranaga is painted in the show as a good person. If he were to use his bloodline and claim his status as a Shōgun, it would only be because it would allow him to help Japan as a nation.
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Meanwhile, all episodes of FX's Shōgun series are available to stream on Hulu.
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