Hiroyuki Sanada gives the thumbs up to his new FX series, “Shogun.”
Photo by Amanda Moses
Japanese mega star Hiroyuki Sanada recently joined FX’s showrunners in SoHo to discuss his upcoming period drama Shōgun and the importance of Asian representation on television.
At a private screening in the Crosby Hotel, which was kept under wraps by FX since the show is set to premier on Feb. 27, 2024, New Yorkers were treated to a sneak peek at the first two episodes of the limited series based on James Clavell’s novel.
Sanada, both the star and executive producer of the FX series Shōgun, is known for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters like Last Samurai, John Wick 4, Mortal Kombat, and Bullet Train to name a few.
While the 63-year-old actor and martial artist has been working in Australia to film the second iteration of Mortal Kombat, he proudly showcased his latest work on the new limited series that explores the cultural and religious history of Japan, its relationship with Portuguese and Spanish missionaries, and the power struggle between a Council of Regents.
After the private screening, Sanada along with the showrunners Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo (co-creators/executive producers), Eriko Miyagawa (producer), and Michaela Clavell (executive producer) participated in a Q&A moderated by ABC Good Morning America’s anchor Juju Chang.
Sanada says he believes it is important to speak up regarding his culture and utilize Japanese specialists and craftsmen in regard to costume design – how samurai moved and performed gestures in battle, and more.
“The Last Samurai was my first Hollywood movie. It was 20 years ago, so after that I continued shooting and sometimes consulting on things for Japanese culture. As an actor I felt the limit to say something. This time, the first time, I was involved as a producer so I can say anything about our culture without hesitation,” Sanada said.
“So, what I thought was so important to the concentrate on the…
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