Unveiling the White Male Gaze in Hulu’s “Shogun”: A Reflection on Cultural Representation

Hulu’s “Shogun” has been praised for its captivating portrayal of ancient Japanese culture, offering viewers a glimpse into the beauty and complexities of a bygone era. However, beneath the surface of this visual tapestry lies a troubling undercurrent — the pervasive presence of the white male gaze, which subtly shapes and distorts the narrative, particularly through the character dynamics between English protagonist John Blackthorne and Japanese translator Mariko.

From the moment translator Mariko casts her gaze upon the English main character John Blackthorne, a familiar trope unfolds before our eyes. The introduction of the white male protagonist triggers a narrative trajectory that centers his experiences, desires, and perspectives, often at the expense of authentic and nuanced portrayals of the Japanese characters and culture. Toda Mariko’s portrayal as a character who becomes enamored with John Blackthorne reinforces the dynamics of the white male gaze, positioning her as an object of desire through the lens of the male protagonist.

This narrative choice not only perpetuates a historical pattern of exoticization and fetishization of Asian women but also diminishes the agency and complexity of Mariko as a character in her own right. By reducing her to a romantic…