Fun Trivia : Did you know Catfish exist in Japanese mythology called Namazu?
Legend has it that there was a giant underground catfish which causes earthquakes and lives under the islands of Japan.
It was believe to be have been spotted at Lake Biwa and there is an Otsu-e painting depicting the creature in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture.
So the producers of Shogun knew what they were doing when they created this scene of Yabu and Ishido about the supersition.
It happened when an eel fisherman reportedly spotted unusual active catfish in a river, followed by an earthquake.
Namazu was considered by the people to be "Yanaoshi Daimyojin" (God of World Rectification), an avenger of social injustice.
They believed the rich hoarded their wealth but were disgorged due to earthquake and redistribute to the people in rebuilding efforts.
Although Ishido repeatedly tries to deny it but you can tell that he is actually terrified knowing that his recent actions were "immoral".
Being born a peasant, he would believe the Namazu but pretend not to care to show his followers that he is not a peasant but a Samurai.
And the fact that Toranaga survived the earthquakes thrice implies that the Gods or Namazu have favored him over Ishido.
Toranaga probably believe in it to, thinking that Anjin is sent by the Gods to protect him. One reason he decides to keep him by his side.
Toranaga, being an opportunist and strategist, takes the earthquake as an omen that those who follow Ishida would be doomed.
Not only is he now a "rebel", being abandoned by the Taiko's heir and consort, Ochiba but also abandoned by the Gods.
Japanese religion and folklore brim with an astounding variety of deities and creatures, products of a polytheistic belief.
Richly varied in appearance and behaviour, this pantheon laid the groundwork for the Kaiju culture of modern era like Godzilla.
Some believe Godzilla to be simply a demonic but some believe it to be a wrath of the Gods sent to punish humans, like the Namazu.
A reason that I've always loved watching Japanese films is that there's always a mix of legends which adds to the mystery.
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A sneak peek at something I'm working on that reveals absolutely nothing.
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SHEARED THE NAMAZU, YES YES!!
I plan on taking pre-orders for these hopefully within the next two months!
Edit: I'll also be sure to wear a mask while shearing in the future, and if you pick up this hobby, you should too! 😊💚
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