It is mentioned that the use of wheels is forbidden in Japan. When Father Alvito and his followers split off from Blackthorne and Mariko they take a road that clearly shows signs of wear by wheels.
Jet Contrail Visible at very top of screen in opening shot.
When Blackthorne is talking in the garden of Osaka Castle, the top of a telephone pole can be seen behind Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko.
After nearly drowning after falling overboard, Vasco Rodriguez tells Blackthorne about a bottle of grog.
Grog wasn't invented until about 1840, more than a century later.
Grog wasn't invented until about 1840, more than a century later.
Helicopter shadow on the water in the opening scenes.
All shots said to be of Osaka Castle are in real life of Himeji Castle.