The 13 Lords of the Shogun

When Taira no Kiyomori rises to power and the Minamoto are sent away, the political landscape of Japan shifts violently. The series follows the aftermath as Minamoto no Yoritomo crosses paths with Masako, sister to Hōjō Yoshitoki, and their marriage alters loyalties and ambitions across rival families. Rather than focusing on battlefield spectacle, the show watches alliances form, household strategies tighten, and quieter decisions create far-reaching consequences. Central figures like Yoshitoki, Masako, Tokimasa and others maneuver through court intrigue and family duty, setting up a slow-burning succession of events without revealing later surprises or final outcomes.

Created by Koki Mitani and released in 2022, the production brought together directors Hosaka Keita, Teruyuki Yoshida and Suenaga Hajime. The cast includes Shun Oguri as Hōjō Yoshitoki and Eiko Koike as Hōjō Masako, anchoring a production that blends historical material with dramatic staging.

There are no widely reported major international awards tied to the series. It did attract attention in reviews for its performances and production values, but any domestic nominations or prizes should be checked against local Japanese award records for confirmation.

Among viewers of historical drama, the series renewed interest in the Kamakura period and the Hōjō clan, prompting discussion online about lesser known power players beyond the headline samurai. Its portrayals of family politics and the role of women in elite households encouraged social media threads and commentary, and performances by established actors raised the profile of the story for audiences who follow period pieces.

Critical reception skews positive, reflected in an 8.5/10 user vote average, with praise aimed at acting, pacing and the ménage of political detail. The show leans into themes of loyalty, the mechanics of influence, and how private relationships shape public power. Viewers who like measured, dialogue-driven drama focused on political maneuvering and interpersonal consequences will find its tone steady and richly textured.