Shogun episode 3 is marked by John Blackthorne's promotion to hatamoto. But what does hatamoto mean in Shogun?
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John Blackthorne's Shogun Promotion Explained
Shogun's second episode ends with an attempt at Blackhthorne's life.
In episode 3, Toranaga has already understood that the Englishman and Lady Mariko might be key in his survival.
While Blackthorne started off extremely confused about life in Japan, he is adapting and slowly figuring out ways to survive.
Initially, Blackthorne was known as "Anjin" to the Japanese among whom he found himself. The word means "pilot" and refers to his abilities as a captain.
After helping Toranaga pull off a daring escape, however, John Blackthorne is promoted to Hatamoto.
What Does Hatamoto Mean in Shogun?
In Japanese, the term "hatamoto" refers to a high-ranking samurai who acts as a liege vassal of the shogunate.
The title literally translates to "guardian of the banner," which indicates a hatamoto's importance for his liege lord.
For Blackthorne, this means that he is now under the protection of Toranaga, with whom his loyalties now lie.
In return, he must serve Toranaga as an official under his banner. His quick and unconventional thinking allowed Toranaga to survive, and the samurai lord will undoubtedly need more of it in the coming episodes.
As you might have imagined, it was very uncommon for a non-Japanese man to become a hatamoto, even if he legally lived in Japan.
However, Blackthorne's case isn't completely unheard of, and it even has a real-life equivalent.
In 1600, William Adams became the first Englishman to reach Japan. For over a decade, he wasn't allowed to leave even though he was married and had a family back home.
Adams became known as Miura Anjin (pilot of Miura) and later acquired the title of hatamoto in the shogun's court.
His story is what inspired James Clavell's novel, Shogun, on which the FX series is based on.
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