“Shōgun” is an American historical drama TV series created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel. The series first premiered on February 27, 2024, on FX on Hulu and FX. Even though it’s an American series, most of the cast is Japanese, and the dialogues are primarily in Japanese. The show stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira, Tommy Bastow, and Fumi Nikaido. The series gained immense praise for its direction, writing, visuals, production, cast performances, and its faithful adaptation of the novel. Due to its success, the show is set for a second and third season.
“Shōgun” tells the tale of two ambitious men from different worlds. The arrival of a mysterious European ship in a Japanese fishing village brings with it secrets that could change the balance of power. Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers these secrets, which might devastate his enemies.
Shōgun’s Stunning Filming Locations
Even though the story of “Shōgun” is set in Japan, most of the filming was done in Canada. The makers chose locations in British Columbia, especially Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Ucluelet, to stand in for Japanese settings because of travel restrictions during the pandemic.
The show also filmed in London, England, UK. Principal photography began in Vancouver, British Columbia, on September 22, 2021, and continued until June 30, 2022. Here’s a look at where the magic of “Shōgun” was brought to life.
Port Moody, British Columbia
Port Moody, a charming town just 30 minutes east of Vancouver, was used to film scenes meant to represent the port of Osaka, Japan. The Rocky Point Public Boat Launch in Port Moody was a key filming location for these scenes. This area gave the filmmakers the perfect backdrop to recreate the bustling port life shown in the series.
Coquitlam, British Columbia
Coquitlam, another city in the Greater Vancouver area, was instrumental in the series’ production. Coquitlam’s diversified scenery provided a fascinating historical backdrop for the film “Shōgun.”
Ucluelet, British Columbia
Ucluelet, located on the western edge of Vancouver Island, was another major filming spot. This coastal town’s natural beauty and rugged landscapes were used to depict various scenes in the series. The filmmakers chose Ucluelet for its resemblance to the coastal regions of Japan.
A Touch of Real Japan
Although most filming happened in Canada, some exterior shots were indeed filmed in Japan to capture authentic Japanese scenery. These scenes aimed to show the grandeur and beauty of locations like Osaka Castle. In the series, Osaka Castle is depicted as a center of political power and intrigue.
Exploring Osaka Castle
If you want to experience the real Osaka Castle, consider visiting Osaka, Japan. This historic castle is famous for its impressive architecture and rich history. It has a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the samurai who built it in the 16th century. Visiting the castle will give you a glimpse into the grandeur depicted in the “Shōgun” series.
Real-Life Historical Inspirations
The series also references important historical events and locations. For example, it briefly mentions the Battle of Sekigahara, a crucial event in Japanese history. If you’re interested in exploring this further, you can visit the town of Sekigahara from Kyoto. The town offers insights into this significant battle, enhancing your understanding of the historical context of the series.
Filming in London
London was also used briefly in the series. Some scenes, like Lord Yoshii Toranaga riding a horse by a fire, were filmed here. While our tours to London won’t include horseback riding by fires, London is a fantastic city to explore. You can visit famous sites like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square, and enjoy its rich cultural heritage.
Production Details and Challenges
The series faced some production challenges, including a delay due to the network’s concerns about the production’s readiness. Filming finally began in Vancouver in 2021 and took longer than expected, extending by two months. The writing team was also changed in 2020, with Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo taking over as executive producers and leading the new writing team.
“Shōgun” masterfully blends Canadian landscapes with the essence of Japan to create a visually stunning series. By exploring places like Port Moody and Ucluelet in British Columbia, you can see how these locations doubled for historical Japan in the series. If you wish to experience the real history and grandeur of the locations depicted in “Shōgun,” consider visiting Japan to explore Osaka Castle and other historical sites.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Shōgun
Q: Where was “Shōgun” filmed?
A: “Shōgun” was primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada, due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. Key filming locations included Port Moody, a town near Vancouver, and Ucluelet, on the western edge of Vancouver Island. These Canadian sites were chosen to replicate various settings in Japan. Additionally, some exterior shots were filmed in Japan to capture authentic Japanese scenery, like Osaka Castle.
Q: Why did they choose British Columbia for filming “Shōgun”?
A: The filmmakers chose British Columbia because of the travel and production restrictions caused by the pandemic. The natural landscapes and coastal areas of British Columbia provided an excellent stand-in for Japan. Locations like Port Moody and Ucluelet offered the necessary visual appeal and versatility needed to depict historical Japan in the series.
Q: When was “Shōgun” filmed?
A: The filming of “Shōgun” took place from September 22, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Principal photography began in Vancouver, British Columbia, on September 22, 2021.
Q: What are some specific locations used in the filming of “Shōgun”?
A: Specific locations used for the filming include:
Port Moody: The Rocky Point Public Boat Launch was used to represent the port of Osaka, Japan.
Ucluelet: The coastal town provided a backdrop for various scenes, with its natural landscapes mimicking Japan’s coastal regions.
Japan: Exterior shots, particularly around Osaka Castle, were filmed to add authenticity to the series.
Q: When was “Shōgun” released?
A: Shōgun aired its first two episodes on February 27, 2024, on FX, Hulu, and FX. The rest of the ten-episode series was released weekly. The series was available internationally on Disney+ and Star+ in Latin America, as well as Disney+ in other areas.
