FX’s Shōgun showcases the profound transformation of John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who initially intended to head back to his homeland. However, his journey in feudal Japan took an unexpected turn. So, why did Blackthorne stay in Japan?
Let’s explore what happened in Shōgun’s finale episode that sealed Blackthorne’s fate forever.
Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers from Shōgun’s finale episode, so proceed with caution.
RELATED: Shōgun: Why Was John Blackthorne's Ship Confiscated in the First Place? The Lost Erasmus
Why Did John Blackthorne Never Leave Japan in Shōgun?
In Shōgun Episode 10, A Dream of a Dream, when Blackthorne returns to Ajiro, he sees that his precious ship has been destroyed.
He receives intel that Christians are to blame for the sinister deeds, and Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) has commanded a relentless hunt throughout Ajiro to root out their accomplices.
But it is later confirmed that it was Toranaga who burned Blackthorne’s ship.
The sinking of Blackthorne’s ship is also a result of a pact Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) stuck with the Portuguese, securing the Anjin’s life.
While Blackthorne’s life is spared, he is now bound to Japan indefinitely.
This ensured he would not rally his comrades to Japan, fulfilling the Portuguese agenda, while allowing Toranaga to have Blackthorne close.
Meanwhile, Toranaga also reveals that he will most likely burn down the next ship that Blackthorne builds because he wants to ensure he never leaves Japan.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: What Does a Shinobi Do in Shōgun? Meaning of the Role Explained
What Happened to John Blackthorne in Shōgun?
The finale episode of Shōgun beautifully showcases the growth of each character, but it truly excels in providing a satisfying conclusion to Blackthorne's arc in the series.
Toranaga claims that it is the Anjin’s destiny to spend the rest of his life in Japan.
In James Clavell’s Shōgun novel, Blackthorne never returned to England and spent the remainder of his days in Japan.
From the outset, the Anjin’s fate rested in Toranaga’s hands, a realization that eluded Blackthorne.
The dream scene showcased at the beginning of the Shōgun finale will never materialize because Blackthorne will never depart from Japan.
Shōgun episodes are currently streaming on Hulu.
Did you watch Shōgun’s finale episode? Share your thoughts with us about the finale in the comments section below.
Follow our official Facebook page for more news coverage and other explainer articles! Check out more right here on Epicstream.