What is Fief in Shogun?

In Shogun, the term Fief is used to indicate a part of property or land that is handed to a vassal by his lord or ruler of the region.

Shogun is a historically acclaimed series that is adapted from the book of the same name. Shogun is set in 17th-century Japan where the region was ruled by shoguns, lords, or daimyos. In this era, we see the protagonist John Blackthorn in search of Japan to establish trade grounds, but after a shipwreck, he and his crew are taken in as captives by the locals.

As the story continues, John Blackthorne develops new friendships and relations with various notable characters, including one being the lord of Kanto, Yoshi Toranaga. While John's end goal is to reconstruct his ship and travel back home, Toranaga, on learning the English ways to fight, does not want John to leave the lands. The series has been given various awards and accolades, like multiple Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.

What is Fief in Shogun?

Fief is a word used to indicate a piece of land or property given to any individual by the region's lord or ruler. This practice was usually done in the early shogunate era to seal allegiance and loyalty between the vassals and the feudal lords. Receiving a fief was considered to be a sign of respect and status from the lord to his vassal. In Shogun, we have seen 5 feudal lords who have control over property in their 5 nations which they run peacefully and ensure the safety of their vassals. While the rulers had the last say in giving out the properties, they also had smaller lords under their allegiance who were also eligible to provide fief to any local trustworthy individual.

Had John Blackthrone received a fief in Shogun?

John Blackthorne came into contact with Lord Toranaga, who was one of the Lords of the region and wanted to understand John’s reason for entering his land, fearing an attack from the British. While John explained that he only came with the purpose of trading with the Japanese market, he expressed his wish to do anything to leave the lands and go back to his hometown. Looking at this as an opportunity, Toranaga asked John to be an advisor and a trainer to his forces, teaching them the ways of the British and forming a navy unit under his force.

As the series goes on, there are many instances where John earns Toranaga’s respect and comes to be one of the trusted men of the Lord. John was rewarded with an estate in the fishing city of Ajiro and was titled Hatamoto, which is a rank given to one of the advisors of the ruler.

Also read: What is Shogun about?