Embracing Authenticity: Hiroyuki Sanada's Journey with 'Shogun'
Follow the lead actor and producer of the acclaimed FX series as he champions genuine Japanese representation in the heart of Hollywood.
Editor’s Note: This interview was aired on CNN’s “First Move With Julia Chatterley.”
With “Shogun,” Hiroyuki Sanada wanted to get things right.
The actor, one of Japan's most famous movie stars, shared with CNN that Hollywood sometimes misinterprets our culture. He expressed his desire to showcase our culture accurately to the world.
In the acclaimed FX miniseries, he portrays the character Lord Yoshii Toranaga from James Clavell's popular 1975 novel.
The epic historical drama is set in feudal Japan in 1600, with Toranaga (based off the real-life shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu), fighting for his life as his enemies unite against him. He described his character as mysterious and strategic. “But also, a human being and family man as well. Not a stereotypical samurai.”
While Sanada, 63, has been acting for close to six decades, this is the first time he’s taken on a producer role. He has relished in the opportunity, hiring Japanese experts in samurai drama-making, costume, hair and makeup, to even a “master of gesture” to work together with Western crew members, creating a meticulously crafted world rooted in authenticity.
Actor Anna Sawai as Lady Mariko in "Shogun."
Actor Anna Sawai as Lady Mariko in "Shogun."
Each department had its own Japanese consultant. Sanada took on the responsibility of coaching the show's younger actors in the "Shakespeare Japanese" dialogue of the period.
"We included more Japanese lenses in the script this time," he mentioned, comparing the 2024 show to a 1980 TV series. The previous adaptation, similar to the book, centered on shipwrecked Englishman John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis).
"In addition to blue eyes," he continued, "perhaps that's why people find it easier to understand and enjoy the show."
There is a strong focus on showcasing the story from a Japanese point of view in the show. This is reflected in the fact that the majority of the cast was recruited from Japan, and a large portion of the dialogue is in Japanese, with English subtitles provided for viewers.
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Watch: Hiroyuki Sanada speaks to CNN's Julia Chatterly on how "Shogun" has become a global hit.
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Justin Marks, the co-showrunner and executive producer of the series, mentioned in an interview released by Disney (FX’s parent company) that in today's global television landscape, they aim to create content that caters to a diverse audience, rather than focusing on just one culture.
As an American like Rachel (Kondo, co-showrunner and writer), I approached the project with a Western perspective. I never felt we could ignore our own cultural background and influences. Our goal was to embrace our perspective while also finding ways to bridge cultural differences.
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The miniseries has been very popular since its debut. Disney announced that the first episode received 9 million views worldwide on Hulu+, Disney+, and Star+ just a week after its release, making it the company's most-watched scripted general entertainment series premiere globally.
"Shogun" is another example of the increasing Asian representation in Hollywood. This reflects a shift towards more diverse storylines being showcased on screen. Additionally, "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" with Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan dominated the 2023 Oscars, winning Best Picture. Similarly, Netflix's "Beef" with Ali Wong and Steven Yeun earned six Emmys earlier this year.
There is uncertainty surrounding the possibility of a season two for "Shogun," as the show concludes where the novel ends. However, when asked about it, Sanada mentioned that there is still "real history" to draw from. So, there is a chance for a continuation. Additionally, "Shogun" is just one of six novels in Clavell's "Asian Saga," so fans may have something to look forward to in the future.
Editor's P/S:
"Shogun" is a testament to the importance of authenticity in storytelling. By bringing together Japanese experts and Western crew members, the series has created a meticulously crafted world that showcases Japanese culture with accuracy and respect. The fact that the majority of the cast is Japanese and that a significant portion of the dialogue is in Japanese reflects the show's commitment to telling the story from a Japanese perspective.
The success of "Shogun" is also a sign of the growing demand for diverse representation in Hollywood. Audiences are increasingly seeking out stories that reflect their own experiences and cultures. By embracing diversity, both in front of and behind the camera, the entertainment industry can create more inclusive and engaging content that resonates with a global audience.
