Shogun the Mini Series

I was raised in rural South Africa in the 1980s, and reading became a way for me to pass the time on long bus rides to school.  In one room, my parents had hundreds of paperback fiction volumes stacked floor to ceiling in shelves covering an entire wall.  I was permitted to read any book, with the exception of James Clavell’s one banned book, “Shōgun.”  I could read Stephen King horror stories, which terrified me to death, but I wasn’t allowed to read Shōgun.

Our national broadcaster aired the television series ” Shōgun,” starring Yôko Shimada as Mariko and Richard Chamberlain as Anjin-san, in 1980.  There was just one television channel available back then.  We never missed the sacred evening hours of the “Shōgun”!

And 44 years later, Shōgun is back in 2024!  Although we don’t watch much TV these days, the latest “Shogun” is excellent.  We no longer need to plan our schedules to watch television at 7 PM on Thursdays, thanks to streaming services such as Disney + where it is available in South Africa

The original Toranaga

The Shōgun

The title refers to the hereditary military dictators who effectively ruled Japan from 1192 to 1867.  The word ” Shōgun ” comes from the Japanese “sei-i-taishōgun,” which means “great general who subdues barbarians.”

Historical resilience strategies

I was really touched by episode 4 where Mariko explains the principle of the eightfold fence to John Blackthorn.

In the series, the concept of the Eightfold Fence is portrayed as a significant cultural and psychological tool taught from a very young age.  It serves as a coping mechanism, particularly for characters such as Mariko, Fuji, and Lord Toranaga.  This metaphorical fence represents an internal barrier that individuals build to protect their emotional and psychological state in times of stress or challenge.  Mariko, for instance, uses this concept to maintain her composure and resilience, educating others about its importance in navigating the complex social and political landscapes of feudal Japan.  The Eightfold Fence symbolises a way of compartmentalising personal distress or duty, thus allowing characters to act with poise and strategic foresight in difficult situations.

Japanese philosophy in Western therapy

Hearing Mariko’s explanation, I thought that there are parallels to be drawn between Viktor Frankl’s philosophy and the principles of the Eightfold Fence, particularly in how both concepts deal with coping mechanisms and finding inner strength in the face of adversity.

Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy is centred on the belief that the primary human drive is not pleasure, as Freud had suggested, but rather the pursuit of what we find meaningful.  Frankl’s experience as a Holocaust survivor led him to conclude that even in the most absurd, painful, and dehumanised situation, life has potential meaning and therefore even suffering is meaningful.  This philosophy is encapsulated in his famous book, “Man’s Search for Meaning”.

The Eightfold Fence, as depicted in the series “Shōgun,”  is a metaphorical concept representing an impenetrable wall within oneself, a mental barrier that individuals are taught to build from an early age.  It serves as a coping mechanism, allowing people to compartmentalise feelings and separate personal and professional views, thus enabling them to retain control over themselves even in tough situations.

Reviving a Classic: Reimagining ‘Shōgun’ for a Modern Audience

As one of the most significant adaptations in television history, “Shōgun” has captivated audiences across generations.  This comparison explores various aspects such as viewership trends, critical ratings, and production budgets, offering insights into how the portrayal of early modern Japan has been reimagined for a new generation of viewers.  Whether you’re a fan of the original series or curious about its modern interpretation, this table provides a snapshot of how both series have made their distinct marks on the landscape of television drama.