The first few hundred pages of the book show Blackthorn struggling to communicate basic ideas. There are also many moments where both cultures are perplexed by the other values.
Much of the book centers around linguistic misunderstandings. This constant source of conflict helps make Blackthorn’s development feel more satisfying.
The change gives viewers an idea of what the show will be about. However, the book slowly builds up to the uneasy alliance between Blackthorne and Toranaga.
The act of Seppuku — a Samurai committing suicide to atone for a shameful mistake — is done frequently in the book, but the show places less emphasis on it.
Seppuku is another example of the show’s downplayed culture clash. In the book, Blackthorn sees this as the Samurai’s apparent lack of regard for their lives.
In the novel, Blackthorn allows the priest to believe that he’s a fellow Spaniard and, through this deception, learns much about the political situation in Japan.