Shogun : There is more than one blockbuster TV series about battles, intrigues, and warring dynasties. Before House of the Dragon returns to screens this summer, FX is taking viewers to 17th-century Japan for Shogun, a 10-episode limited series premiering this February on Hulu. Let’s unsheathe our katanas and get straight to the heart of everything there is to know about Shogun

Shogun is an adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 historical novel of the same name. Like the book, the series also tells the stories of an Englishman who arrives in Japan in the year 1600, just before the beginning of a catastrophic civil war and the rise of a feudal lord (daimyo) to the powerful position of the shogunate. Here’s the official summary of the series, per FX:

“When a mysterious European ship is found stranded in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), brings secrets that help Lord Yoshi Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) scale the power can and destroy his formidable influence. …Blackthorn’s own enemies – Jesuit priests and Portuguese traders.

Toranaga and Blackthorn’s fate depends on his translator, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and a disgraced Inextricably linked to the last woman of the family.” While serving her master amid this difficult political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound friendship with Blackthorn, her commitment to the faith that saved her, and her late father’s We have to balance our duties towards each other.”

Watch the Trailer for ‘Shōgun’

It depicts Lord Yoshi Toranaga sitting on his throne, wiggling his fingers while watching a collection of strictly arranged examples of Japanese culture, from a kettle of hot tea to sword training. With intense battle scenes and shipwrecks at sea, it seems that the characters will be constantly torn between maintaining honor and facing certain death.

Who Stars in ‘Shōgun’?

Hiroyuki Sanada takes on the title of Shogun as Lord Yoshi Toranaga. Japanese actor and world-renowned martial artist best known for his roles in films such as John Wick: Chapter 4, Bullet Train, Mortal Kombat, and Army of the Dead. Shogun is not his first foray into television, having appeared in Season 3 of The Last Ship, Seasons 2 and 4 of Westworld, and Season 6 of Lost.

What Is ‘Shōgun’ About?

Shogun is set in 17th century Japan during the era of the samurai warriors. Although the story is dramatic, it is largely based on a true story. English sailor John Blackthorne (Jarvis) is shipwrecked in Japan and finds himself trapped in a war. His character is based on William Adams, who learned Japanese culture and developed skills to become the first foreign samurai.

Meanwhile, Lord Yoshi Toranaga, once the most powerful man in Japan, is at odds with political rivals and learns from Blackthorn that Spain and Portugal intend to become the next world superpowers. As Toranaga uncovers more hidden truths, he realizes that his leadership is in question and that there are saboteurs within his cabinet.