This book was also mentioned by Edward Norton as a major inspiration for him moving to Japan for a summer in the Tim Ferriss podcast that's on Product Hunt today.
I'd love to read an expert in Japanese history review/critique Shogun. As a kid I read this book a few times, I loved the story. I don't know if it holds up 25 years later.
Also liked the miniseries with Richard Chamberlain as Blackthorne. Worth a try.