Anna Sawai’s Shogun Fight Is “Very Good” In High Accuracy Rating From Samurai Expert

Shōgun star Anna Sawai earns an impressive accuracy grade for her fight as Mariko. Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, the FX historical drama adapts the events of James Clavell’s seminal 1975 novel. Shōgun earned glowing reviews for its chronicling of the power struggles between various lords and ladies of feudal Japan, with the story focusing on Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), and Lady Mariko. Mariko gets one standout action sequence in the show, which arrives in episode 9 as she demands to leave Osaka and faces off against a handful of soldiers.

In a recent video for Insider, martial arts and katana expert Seki Nobuhide Sensei analyzes Mariko’s fight sequence from Shōgun episode 9. Though aspects of the larger sequence are incorrect, such as one samurai not stepping backwards as he removes the blood from his sword and sheathes it, Mariko’s fight technique and the depiction of the naginata and the yari, two spear-like weapons, earns the sequence an impressive score of eight out of 10. Check out Seki’s comments or watch the video below (relevant section begins at 3:19):

“The difference between a naginata and yari is that the shape of the blade is completely different. The yari has a straight blade with a triangular or rhombic shape. On the other hand, the blade of a naginata has a larger curve than a katana. The spear is able to stab enemies in a straight line with great momentum. On the other hand, the naginata can also be used like a yari, but in principle it is used to slice the opponent.

“If all she wanted to do was to keep a safe distance while holding a position, it might be better to hold the naginata in front of you like this, but raising it up in the air means that if the opponent closes the gap she can be ready to attack without any change of direction.

“I do think this is the correct way of posing with the naginata. This scene is showing her swinging around, changing the hand that holds the naginata. In reality, she would have killed two people at once. However, the soldiers are instructed to avoid hurting Mariko in this scene. Also, if Mariko were an expert with the naginata, she would have struck her enemies with the ishizuki, the iron butt end of a spear.

“If I had to rate it, I would give it an eight [out of 10]. In terms of reality, it is very good and conventional.”

What Shōgun’s Accuracy Means For The Show’s Reception & Future

How Historical Authenticity Helped The FX Epic

Shōgun was remarkably well-received by audiences and critics alike. The series, as of writing, enjoys a strong 99% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 91% from audiences. The show was such a viewership hit that Shōgun season 2 and season 3 are now confirmed to be moving forward at FX, continuing the story of Lord Toranaga as he takes the throne and leads Japan to peace.

Though strong storytelling and performances are undoubtedly reasons for Shōgun‘s success, its historical authenticity has also played a role. Aspects of the show are obviously heightened for entertainment value, but the show draws from real historical events and people, focusing on complex human relationships and power struggles over manufactured battles. The action in the series is hard-hitting and brutal, but it also serves a purpose, and intense but restrained sequences like Mariko’s in Osaka are part of why the show succeeded.

Our Take On Shōgun’s Historical Accuracy

Can Seasons 2 & 3 Be As Successful?

The goal of any movie or TV show should be to entertain. Those looking for one-to-one recreations of history are probably better off turning to documentaries or non-fiction books. That being said, Shōgun‘s commitment to historical authenticity is commendable, and it helped give the show its unique tone and storytelling style. It helped, too, that the series is chronicling a particularly eventful time in Japanese history.

Historical accuracy is also why Shōgun seasons 2 and 3 could face up an uphill battle. There’s a reason, after all, that Clavell’s novel begins and ends where it does, and it’s not clear whether real historical events will offer up as much excitement for future seasons. That being said, Kondo and Marks have certainly earned the benefit of the doubt after Shōgun season 1, and Mariko’s action sequence is surely a taste of the stunning moments to come.

Source: Insider