With the release of FX’s new series Shōgun on Disney+, Japan’s intriguing history has been pushed into the spotlight, captivating audiences globally. The limited series has reignited interest in Japan’s Shogun culture, prompting viewers to seek a deeper understanding of the history behind the story.
Coinciding with the release of the limited series, Explore Shizuoka has launched a set of educational videos that highlight the Prefecture’s central role in Japan’s seven-century-long Shogun culture. Situated along Japan’s South Coast, Shizuoka is the home of Japan’s esteemed shogunate culture, with three notable Shoguns, including Tokugawa Ieyasu the central figure in FX’s Shōgun series, calling the Prefecture home.
The First Shogun, 12th Century
The protagonist of the first video in Explore Shizuoka’s educational series is Minamoto Yoritomo, who spent his formative years in the Izu Peninsula in the Eastern end of the modern-day Shizuoka Prefecture. Here, he met his beloved wife – Hojo Masako. When visiting the Izu Peninsula, travellers can visit the Izusan Shrine in Atami City where the couple were married centuries ago. The power couple went on to establish the first Shogunate in Japanese history – dubbed the Kamakura Period.
Please view the full story here: https://youtu.be/YkMLmk9ydrE
The Most Famous Shogun, 16th Century
The second video focuses on Japan’s most prominent Shogun and central character in FX’s Shōgun series – Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu grew up and spent his final years in what is now known as Shizuoka City, the central hub of the Shizuoka Prefecture. Presiding over Hamamatsu Castle for 17 years, the castle was the base of Ieyasu’s operations and played a pivotal role in shaping modern Japan and Tokyo’s emergence as the capital. Today, travellers can visit the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine which is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Built by the best artisans from across the country, the shrine has been beautifully maintained and is registered as a National Treasure.
Please view the full story here: https://youtu.be/C8b_fzwjpR4
The Last Shogun, 19th Century
The final video in the series centres around the life of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, Japan’s last Shogun. Similar to Ieyasu 250 years earlier, Yoshinobu peacefully retired to Shizuoka City after being expelled from Edo Castle. Yoshinobu’s decision to step down from the Shogunate paved the way for Japan to establish its inaugural constitutionally elected government. Conveniently located a short stroll from the Shizuoka bullet train station, Yoshinobu’s 19th Century residence, Fugetsuro, welcomes guests year-round, offering visitors a chance to indulge in a traditional Kaiseki (multi-course) meal and walk through the stunning garden grounds.
Please view the full story here: https://youtu.be/B-jnwV-Ld-A
For more information on the destination, please visit: https://exploreshizuoka.jp/en/
