The Importance of Political Aspirations

Political aspirations drive the majority of this story in one way or another. While Blackthorne's arrival in Japan could be viewed as an act of God because it is a storm that causes the ship's landing on the shores of the country, it is political aspirations by the Queen of England that prompts Blackthorne's voyage in the first place. Trading is an important form of wealth in England in this time period and Blackthorne's efforts are aimed at making money for himself and his crew, but also for earning wealth for England to support the Queen. Blackthorne's arrival in Japan causes a stir because Omi realizes that he can climb politically by telling his overlord, Yabu, about the wealth of the ship's cargo and Yabu gives up the cargo to Toranga for the same reason.

Even more evident is the political wrangling by Toranga...