To tie in with the release of the first two episodes of FX’s “Shōgun” on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States and on Disney+ around the world, a brand new Companion Podcast has also been released on Apple and Spotify Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

The podcast episodes can also be found on Disney+ within the Extras tab of the show.  Each additional episode will become available one hour after its respective episode of “Shōgun” premieres each week.  

“Shōgun”, an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Producer Hiroyuki Sanada stars as “Lord Yoshii Toranaga”, who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, “John Blackthorne” (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, “Toda Mariko” (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.

“Shōgun: The Official Podcast” explores the vision and artistry behind the FX groundbreaking series Shōgun, an epic saga of war, passion, and power set in feudal Japan. Join host and staff writer Emily Yoshida as she sits down with the creators, cast, and crew that brought Sengoku Period Japan to life. In this exclusive companion podcast, each episode will break down the twists and turns of the plot, the top-of-the-line craft behind the scenes, and the real-life history that informed it all.

The podcast features showrunner Justin Marks, executive producer and co-creator Rachel Kondo, actor, and producer Hiroyuki Sanada “Toranaga”, actor Cosmo Jarvis “Blackthorne”, and actor Anna Sawai “Mariko”.

Podcast Episode 1, “Anjin”

• A barbarian ship washes ashore. Host Emily Yoshida and guests break down episode 1 of FX’s Shōgun. Featuring showrunner Justin Marks, actor Hiroyuki Sanada (“Toranaga”), historian Frederik Cryns and costume designer Carlos Rosario. From cultural bonding and falcon training to dressing samurai and Dutch sailors, join them as they discuss the first chapter to the epic tale.

Podcast Episode 2, “Servants of Two Masters”

• A Taikō leaves his legacy. Host Emily Yoshida and guests break down episode 2 of FX’s Shōgun. Featuring executive producer and co-creator Rachel Kondo, actor Cosmo Jarvis “Blackthorne,” producer Eriko Miyagawa and director Jonathan Van Tulleken. Creators and cast discuss why some characters’ names in the original book had to be changed for the show, why Ishido might be a sympathetic villain and what “Blackthorne” sees in “Yabushige.”

“Shōgun” features an acclaimed Japanese cast, unprecedented for an American production, including Tadanobu Asano as “Kashigi Yabushige,” a notorious backstabber and close ally of Toranaga; Hiroto Kanai as “Kashigi Omi,” the young leader of the fishing village where Blackthorne’s ship was found; Takehiro Hira as “Ishido Kazunari,” a powerful bureaucrat who is Toranaga’s chief rival; Moeka Hoshi as “Usami Fuji,” a widow who must find new purpose amidst her lord’s fight; Tokuma Nishioka as “Toda Hiromatsu,” Toranaga’s trusted general and closest friend; Shinnosuke Abe as “Toda Hirokatsu” (“Buntaro”), Mariko’s jealous husband; Yuki Kura as “Yoshii Nagakado,” the brash son of Toranaga with a strong desire to prove himself; Yuka Kouri as “Kiku,” a courtesan renowned for her artistry throughout Japan; and Fumi Nikaido as “Ochiba no Kata,” the revered mother of the heir who will stop at nothing to put an end to Toranaga and his threat to her son’s power.

“Shōgun” is created for television by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, with Marks serving as showrunner and executive producer alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca, and Kondo. The series is produced by FX Productions.

Are you going to check out the “Shōgun” podcast?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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