What is a Taiko in Shogun?

In Shogun, Taiko is a term used for a retired regent who ruled Japan.

Shogun explores the cultural and political dynamics of feudal 17th century Japan through the experiences of an English navigator and pilot, John Blackthorne, who after being shipwrecked on the shores of Japan, becomes entangled in the intricate and often volatile world of samurai culture, political intrigue, and power struggles.

The series revolves around our protagonist Blackthorne’s journey as he adapts to Japanese customs, learns their language, and navigates alliances with influential figures, including the ambitious samurai lords like Toranaga. The Shōgun story and plot are based on the historical fiction novel by James Clavell, first published in 1975. Created by Rachel Kond and Justin Marks, the series has a total of 8 episodes in its 1st season and is directed by Jonathan van Tulleken.

What is a Taiko in Shogun?

Taiko is a term used for the current or the retired ruler of the land of Japan in Shogun. The Taiko is a highly respected individual who stands at the top of the hierarchy when it comes to ruling and defending the city. In Shogun, the Taiko went by the name of Nakamura Hidetoshi. While the Taiko's journey has not been depicted in the series, according to FX’s official page, the Taiko began his journey as a low-living peasant in the streets of Japan, until he got the opportunity to work under Kuroda Nobuhisa, climbing in ranks through sheer determination eventually becoming the ruler of Japan.

Not much has been talked about Hidetoshi’s background, but it is known that he had great connections with Toranaga and had asked him to oversee the regent’s activities until his son came of age. The plot of Shogun was set one year after the character’s death.

Who was Taiko's character based on in Shogun?

In the series of Shogun, the Taiko’s character is based on the legendary warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi who was a key figure in Japan’s Sengoku period from 1537 to 1598. It is known that Hideyoshi was part of a peasant family in Owari Province, and started his journey as a servant for the daimyo Oda Nobunaga who was one of the powerful figures in Japan at the time. Being intelligent and resourceful, Hideyoshi quickly grabbed Nobunaga's trust, leading to successive military promotions under the soldier ranks.

Hideyoshi proved his strength and will during the Siege of Inabayama Castle in 1567, where his construction and fortification tactics played a pivotal role in their victory. Following Nobunaga's assassination in 1582, Hideyoshi avenged his lord by defeating Akechi Mitsuhide at the Battle of Yamazaki and used this victory as leverage to establish himself as Nobunaga's successor.

By 1590, Hideyoshi successfully unified the entirety of Japan through a series of strategic campaigns, including the Siege of Odawara. As the ruler, he implemented reforms to stabilize the nation, such as tax restructuring and the restriction of samurai status.

Also read: What is Shogun about?