Latest news with #BattleofSekigahara
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
'Shogun' star just potentially revealed a major season 2 spoiler — here's what we know
We know some things about "Shogun" season 2: It takes place 10 years after season 1 and filming won't start until 2026. But we don't know who is starring alongside Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga and Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne. At least, not officially. Unofficially, though, one "Shogun" star might have just spilled the beans on their season 2 involvement. In an interview with MovieWeb, show star Takehiro Hira revealed that, shockingly, they're going to be in season 2. "It's going to be shot next year," Hira told MovieWeb's George Edelman. "And I am going to be in it, I think, as far as I know." That wasn't all Hira revealed, though. After dropping that surprise, unofficial casting announcement, he followed up with an absolute bombshell. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "And then, you know, my character, Ishido, loosely follows an actual historical figure," Hira continued. "So I know he's going to die, but, um, I guess the creators, show runners are doing something creative to shed some light on different aspect of that character later on." First of all, dropping a surprise casting announcement is a bit of a spoiler in its own right. Especially since I wasn't expecting Hira's Ishido to appear in season 2 at all (more on that in a bit). But then, casually mentioning you're going to die in season 2 is a shocking reveal, and one I'm truly stunned Hira made. The biggest reason I'm stunned? ... Ishido should already be dead. As Hira correctly points out, "Shogun" follows historical events, and his character is based on a real historical figure from the Sengoku period. But he's not the only character with a grounding in historical fact. Fan favorite Toda Marino (Anna Sawai) is also based on a historical figure, and her character's fate and the fate of Hira's Ishido should be closely intertwined. Mariko is based on Hosokawa Gracia, and like Gracia, she died rather than being used as a political hostage, and her death was a major setback for Ishida Mitsunari, the real-life figure Hira's Ishido is based on. In both the show and the movie, this event contributes to the defeat of Ishido/Ishida at the Battle of Sekigahara, which occurs mere months after Mariko/Gracia's death. In real life, that battle ends with Ishido/Ishida's death, but in the show, we only see the warlord defeated, leaving his execution implied rather than explicit. Leaving Ishido alive in general would be a surprising deviation from historical events, even for a work of historical fiction. Keeping him alive for a further 10 years would be genuinely shocking. Hira's comments indicate that showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have a detailed plan for Ishido in season 2, which leads me to believe his comments about Ishido returning for season 2. I'm not convinced the appearances won't ultimately be as flashbacks, but it certainly seems like Ishido will make an appearance in some form in "Shogun" season 2. Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made. Here's what he's been watching lately:
The Mainichi
05-05-2025
- The Mainichi
Easy Japanese news in translation: Post town festival in Shiga Pref. brings history to life
The Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, depicting the liveliness of the past, was held in the city of Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, on April 27. This place is where the Tokaido road and the Nakasendo road, which connected various parts of Japan, split. It was a post town with many inns. A procession of famous historical figures passing through was also reenacted. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who won the Battle of Sekigahara, Kazunomiya, who married a shogun, and others appeared. Japanese original Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension. A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments. Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vagabond: The timeless manga masterpiece that deserves an anime
Credits: VIZ Vagabond, the critically acclaimed manga by Takehiko Inoue , stands tall as one of the greatest stories ever told in the samurai genre — and arguably, in all of manga. Based on Eiji Yoshikawa's novel Musashi, the manga adapts the life of Japan's legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi , with breathtaking artwork, deep philosophy, and brutal honesty. Even though it hasn't yet received an anime adaptation , fans across the globe continue to hold out hope. With a story that balances intense swordfights and emotional introspection, Vagabond could redefine anime storytelling if ever brought to screen. A samurai's journey like no other Vagabond begins with a young and hot-blooded Takezō Shinmen, who later takes the name Miyamoto Musashi. After surviving the Battle of Sekigahara, he sets out on a path to become 'invincible under the sun.' But Vagabond isn't just a tale of swordplay and conquest. It's a human story. As Musashi challenges powerful opponents and walks the bloodied path of the sword, he also faces himself — his fears, regrets, and search for meaning. Credits: VIZ The manga masterfully contrasts Musashi's journey with that of Kojirō Sasaki, a deaf-mute swordsman with a natural grace and silent strength. Their parallel development builds toward one of the most anticipated duels in manga history, all while questioning what true strength really means. Takehiko Inoue's art elevates the storytelling to another level. His brushwork, reminiscent of classical Japanese ink paintings, captures stillness and motion with haunting beauty. From detailed battle sequences to quiet moments of reflection, each panel is a work of art — raw, expressive, and timeless. Why an anime adaptation could be historic Credits: VIZ Despite its global success, Vagabond has never been adapted into an anime. Many believe it's because of the manga's complexity, mature tone, and irregular publishing schedule — Inoue has taken multiple hiatuses, and the story remains unfinished as of 2025. But that hasn't stopped the fanbase from growing. The emotional depth, philosophical themes, and rich historical setting make it ideal for a prestige anime series. A faithful anime adaptation could change the way people view action-oriented historical anime. In a time when stories like Vinland Saga and Kingdom have found success, Vagabond could be the next big leap — not just as a samurai epic, but as a profound visual meditation on life, war, and peace. Studios like MAPPA , Ufotable, or even Studio Ghibli (for its mature themes and grounded visuals) would be ideal candidates to bring this tale to life. The legacy of Vagabond Even without an anime, Vagabond has already influenced a generation of artists and storytellers. It isn't just about duels and swords — it's about evolving as a human being. Musashi's journey from an angry youth to a mindful warrior is something readers across cultures connect with. Credits: VIZ The manga's ability to blend action, art, and introspection makes it one of the few titles that feels both epic and deeply personal. It's the kind of story that lingers in your thoughts long after you've put it down. And if it ever comes to screens, it could become one of the most important anime of its time. Until then, Vagabond remains a quiet giant — a reminder that some of the most powerful stories are the ones still waiting to be told.
