

Air Date
September 15, 1980
Episodes
5 episodes
Shōgun
Season 1
Overview
John Blackthorne, an English ship pilot, whose vessel wrecked upon the Japanese coast in the early 17th century is forced to deal with the two most powerful men in Japan in these days. He is thrown in the midst of a war between Toranaga and Ishido, who struggle for the title of Shogun which will give ultimate power to the one who possesses it.
Episodes

1. Part 1
Set in early 17th-century Japan, shipwrecked English navigator John Blackthorne finds intrigue and culture shock in a feudal society that puts a premium on honor. A rival Lord sentences Blackthorne to death.

2. Part 2
After Lord Toronaga rescues Blackthorn from prison, he enlists him as his aide and names him, 'Anjin-san'. Mariko is directed to tutor Anjin-san in the language and customs of Japan.

3. Part 3
Blackthorne and Mariko begin a romance; Toronaga continues to build his army for a battle with Ishido. Anjin-san proves his mettle during an earthquake and is honored by Toranaga for bravery. Mariko's husband Buntaro, arrives in Anjiro.

4. Part 4
Anjin-san's assimilation of Japanese ways is evident in his exemplary conduct. Toranaga decides to return the Erasmus to Anjin-san. Mariko tells Father Alvito of a plot to murder a Christian lord on the Council of Regents.

5. Part 5
Treachery, tragedy and turns of events occur. Toronaga becomes SHOGUN after the defeat of Lord Ishido. Mariko is killed in the final battle at Osaka Castle. Heartbroken, but resolute, Blackthorne begins construction of another ship.

Richard Chamberlain
Pilot-Major John Blackthorne / Anjin-san

Toshirō Mifune
Lord Yoshi Toranaga

Yoko Shimada
Lady Toda Buntaro - Mariko

John Rhys-Davies
Vasco Rodrigues

Damien Thomas
Father Alvito

Frankie Sakai
Yabu

Yūki Meguro
Omi

Hiromi Senno
Fujiko

Alan Badel
Father Dell'Aqua

Miiko Taka
Kiri

Vladek Sheybal
Captain Ferriera

Nobuo Kaneko
Ishido

Hideo Takamatsu
Lord Buntarō

Michael Hordern
Friar Domingo

George Innes
Johann Vinck

Leon Lissek
Father Sebastio

Takeshi Ōbayashi
Urano
Hiroshi Hasegawa
Galley Captain
Akira Sera
Old Gardener
Atsuko Sano
Lady Ochiba