When Shogun first appeared on screens in the early 1980s, the seven-part literary adaptation was a sensation. American audiences in particular were considered prudish up until that point. The open depictions of sex and violence were a novelty. Around forty years later, the popular story of the Englishman who is shipwrecked in feudal Japan and becomes a samurai is being retold by FX/Disney Plus.
The drama series topped its own successes and won record-breaking prizes at the Emmys. To delve even deeper into the history of Shogun, board games that take up the traditional theme are particularly suitable. A total of 18 of the coveted trophies were awarded to the format, including Emmys for the best drama series and awards for the actors.
Shogun is based on the global bestseller of the same name by author James Clavell, who tells his readers the presumably true story of the first European samurai, William Adams. The Disney+ series focuses on the English navigator John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who is stranded off the coast of feudal Japan in the 16th century and becomes caught up in the warlike feud between five corrupt daimyos who, with the help of Portuguese missionaries, are fighting for the rule of the deceased shogun.
Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) is one of the power-hungry princes. In his role as a strategic target of the others, he allies himself with the Briton, now called Anjin, to secure the dominance of his clan. Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai), who speaks fluent English, Portuguese and Japanese, knows how to overcome the language barrier between the nobleman and the sailor.
Exciting Lore with truth content
William Adams, who is considered the model for Clavell's novel, was a seafarer. He was born near London in 1564. As a half-orphaned youth, he began training as a shipwright to support his family. A few years later, he joined the Royal Navy and was given command of a supply ship that provided supplies to the front during the Battle of Gravelines in 1588.
After his deployment, Adams worked as a navigator on merchant ships, married his wife and became a father. In 1598 he was commissioned to set sail for the East Indies (now Indonesia) under the Dutch flag. He was in command of five ships. But the long journey proved to be arduous and full of dangers for the crews. Only one merchant ship reached its destination. Adams and his ship, the Liefde, were shipwrecked in 1600 off the coast of Japan, which was almost completely isolated from the rest of the world. Only Portuguese missionaries were on the island state.
Shogun is based on true events
Adams and his crew were arrested by the local ruling daimyo. The missionaries were ordered to mediate, but turned out to be corrupt and accused the entire crew of piracy. The ship was then confiscated and Adams was sent to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the guardian of the shogun's heir. Impressed by the seafarer's knowledge, the nobleman saw his chance to use Adams to achieve his political power plans. Shortly afterwards, after the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu achieved his goal. He had himself appointed shogun.
A deep intimacy developed between the two men, which went so far that Tokugawa Ieyasu banned his British ally from leaving the country. From this point on, Adams worked under the Japanese flag and managed to establish European trade relations. As a sign of the Shogun's deep gratitude, William Adams was given a fief on the Miura Peninsula. He was also allowed to carry two swords - an honor otherwise only granted to samurai.
Leader of the Samurai in Board Games
Historical themes are not only a basis for literature and film. The lore is also captivatingly implemented in board games. The stories about shoguns, who held the highest position of the samurai in feudal Japan, have often found their way into game boxes and, sometimes more, sometimes less historically accurate, invite you to immerse yourself together in the past worlds and legends of Japan.
Shogun by Queen Games (2006/2024)
The strategy game by author Dirk Henn for three to five players is set in the Sengoku period. Players follow in the footsteps of power-hungry princes (Daimyos) in 16th century Japan. The old Shogunate has collapsed and everyone has the military goal of helping their clan to dominate the provinces. This is the only way players can gain the influence they need to be named Shogun at the end of the game. To do this, battles must be won and provinces must be conquered, governed and expanded. All the while, adversities such as peasant uprisings and famines prevail. Players who earn the Tenno's favor by building buildings receive special advantages that could further pave the way to power.
An expansion “Tenno's Court” is available.
From mid-March to early April this year, a Kickstarter to fund a remastered version of the 2006 board game and an upgrade kit. The project was funded with $103.873 from 843 participants, with a goal of $5.000.
Shogun no Katana by Placentia Games and Post Scriptum (2023)
The Eurogame and worker placement board game by PS Martensen and Federico Randazzo is designed for one to four players and is about the traditional manufacture of katanas. Swords that decided the fate of the ruling noble families in battles during Japan's feudal era. In the role of master blacksmiths, it is up to the resourceful hands of the players to create the perfect katanas. To do this, they accept orders, collect the necessary resources, work with artists and secure the support of the shogun. Step by step, the katanas go through the various stages of their manufacture in order to protect the shogunate in the end.
There are already two expansions to the base game: Wandering Characters – Geisha and Unsuiso.
Nostalgia tip: Shogun by James Clavell (1983)
A Shogun board game list should definitely include the game based on the successful TV series from the 1980s! The visually dated family game by the author duo Ian Bailey and Ian Waddelon for two to five players is based on the novel by the British author. The players take on the role of one of the five possible daimyos in feudal Japan. In addition to fighting battles, they try to increase their influence on the 25 provinces of the island of Honshu in order to become Shogun at the end of the game.
This old board game is based directly on the novel and thus also on the original series from the 1980s with Richard Chamberlain as John Blackthorne ("Anjin-san") in the lead role. Despite some significant changes in direct comparison with the novel, the series format was a success at the time. This was not least due to a simple but ingenious trick: the viewers were on the same level of knowledge as the main character. This meant that viewers were not - as in many other series from that time - omniscient or at least at an advantage with regard to the plot.
Other board games with Shogun theme:
- Shogun/Ikusa
- Expansion to Tannhäuser: Shogunate Troop Pack
- Shogunate
- HeroCard: Rise of the Shogun
- HeroCard: Rise of the Shogun – Miko Expansion Deck
- HeroCard: Rise of the Shogun – Prince Expansion Deck
- Shogun
- Shogun Triumphant
- Shadows of Brimstone: Court of the Fallen Shogun Deluxe Enemy Pack
- James Clavell's Shogun Card Game
- Beyblade Shogun Steel Memo
- Age of Battles: Shogun – Okehazama 1560
- Shogun: Takeda Kawanakajima 1553-1564
- Shogun Showdown
- Way of the Ninja: Capture the Shogun's Enemies!
- Tenka: Shogun Edition
- Twilight of Shogun
- Invictus: the Shogun
- Shogun Tactics
- Shogun Dynasty
- Galactic Shogun
- Epic Shogun
No matter which Shogun board game you choose, a playful journey to ancient Japan is guaranteed and increases your interest in the novel of the same name by James Clavell and the multiple Emmy award-winning Disney+ series.
Shogun No Katana
Strategic board game / Expansions available
Shogun No Katana – Basic Game
