When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby Japanese fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies.

Set in the 17th Century, the story is told from the perspective of British hero John Blackthorne, a sailor who rises from outsider to samurai, while being used as a pawn in Japanese leader Toranaga's struggle to reach the top of the ruling chain, or Shogun.—Fox

Pilot Major John Blackthorne and what remains of his crew arrive in Japan in May 1600. The Pilot, whom the Japanese call 'Anjin-san', is thrust into a world of dangerous politics and intrigue between rival Japanese Warlords, the Regency, the Catholic Church, and the Empires of Spain and Portugal. With the help of a beautiful young lady, he navigates the treacherous waters under the auspices of one of the most powerful men in the world; Yoshi Toranaga.

When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne, comes bearing secrets that could help Lord Yoshii Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne's own enemies - the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants.—adriecla

It is the year 1600. A Dutch ship runs aground on the shores of Japan. Leader of the few survivors of its starved, diseased crew is Englishman John Blackthorne, the pilot. The crew soon become prisoners of the Japanese who, influenced by the local Portuguese priests, enemies of the English and Dutch, treat them as savages and pirates. Unbeknownst to Blackthorne he has arrived at a crucial juncture in the history of the land, with political machinations shaping power. His path is soon crossed with that of Lord Yoshii Toranaga, one of the five rulers of Japan and a man that will have a significant bearing on Blackthorne's fate.—grantss