After his ship is wrecked on the alien shores of Japan, English Pilot-Major John Blackthorne and his men are captured and threatened with execution. However, Blackthorne holds secrets of the West, knowledge that Toranaga, a powerful warlord, is keen to share. With Toranaga’s protection, Blackthorne is initiated into the ways of Japan and rises to the heights of trusted advisor and, eventually, Samurai. But the fragile country is on the brink of civil war and Toranaga intends to use every man, woman and weapon he has in his struggle for power. Blackthorne must use all his wits to stay alive.