For actor and martial artist Hiroyuki Sanada, FX’s forthcoming epic historical drama Shōgun, an adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 novel, presented an incomparable opportunity to showcase authentic Japanese culture in a Hollywood landscape. Sanada did not take this responsibility lightly. In fact, Shōgun was more than just a starring role or the first time he’d be credited as a producer — it was the chance for him to be a bridge between East and West.
Sanada has crafted a legendary career in his native Japan and then Hong Kong, appearing in a slew of action films. He landed his first major Hollywood role in 2003’s The Last Samurai alongside Tom Cruise, has twice worked with Keanu Reeves — first on 2013’s 47 Ronin and again on 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4 — and even joined forces with Brad Pitt for 2022’s Bullet Train. The Japanese martial artist is also no stranger to the American television, having nabbed recurring roles on shows including Lost and Westworld.
The 63-year-old actor first realized his potential of bridging the cultural gap between Japan and Hollywood when he finished work on The Last Samurai. Soon after, he moved from Tokyo to Los Angeles.
Shōgun, however, was unique in that it marked the first time in Sanada’s career that he’d be able to take on a leadership role behind the scenes.
The 10-episode limited series, which is spoken primarily in Japanese with English subtitles, is set in feudal Japan in 1600. Following the death of Japan’s ruler, a council of regents is put in control until his heir, who is a child, comes of age to take over. Lord Toranaga (Sanada), a masterful warrior, artful strategist and member of a feared family, is clearly at odds with others on the council — particularly Lord Ishido (Takehiro Hira) — who are actively advocating for his impeachment. After Toranaga learns that a ship carrying English “barbarians” has docked, he takes free-thinking pilot John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) under his wing, in hopes that his presence will cause upheaval in Japan and help him stay in power. Through it all, Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai), a prisoner to her own demons, remains dedicated to Toranaga and his cause — stifling her romantic feelings for Blackthorne in the process.
Screenwriter and Shōgun showrunner Justin Marks and his wife, short story writer Rachel Kondo, who joined the project as his co-creator, endured a lengthy development process that culminated in a 10-month shoot in Vancouver, Canada. Collaboration across cultures and crews, Marks told , was crucial in ensuring that this project accurately and respectfully portrayed Japanese culture.
Their commitment to Asian representation was apparent even prior to production. In fact, the pair made the conscious decision to have the Shōgun writers room consist primarily of Asian American women.