This Shogun article explains who the Anjin is and contains minor spoilers.
Before its release, few people were talking about Shogun. But the new Hulu and FX series (released on Disney+ in the UK) has become a hit.
This historical drama tells the story of English sailor and navigator John Blackthorne. After he is shipwrecked in Japan, Blackthorne becomes embroiled in a bitter and deadly battle for supremacy among the country’s feudal lords.
Eventually, he is caught up in the political affairs of one lord in particular – Yoshii Toranaga. Blackthorne also meets Portuguese translator Toda Mariko, who helps him navigate his interactions with Toranaga and other Japanese people.
While the show is undeniably excellent, its narrative is complex and political. This can make it difficult to follow if you aren’t paying close attention.
Likewise, characters in Shogun tend to refer to others using titles and nicknames. The perfect example of this is the word “Anjin”, which is repeatedly mentioned. But who is the Anjin, why are they always mentioned, and what does the name mean?
Who is the Anjin in Shogun?
The Anjin is Pilot-Major John Blackthorne (played by British actor Cosmo Jarvis).
When the characters in Shogun mention the Anjin, they are specifically referring to Blackthorne.
The reason he is called Anjin is because it’s the Japanese word for pilot. As the Erasmus’ chief navigator, his official title is Pilot-Major and the Japanese characters use this title in place of his name.
So, there you have it. Now you know what the word means and who the characters are talking about, hopefully you can follow the show’s plot easier.
The series debuted on 27 February 2024 and has so far received critical acclaim. It is set to conclude in late April with its tenth episode.
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