Hiroyuki Sanada strives for authenticity of feudal Japan in ‘Shogun’; Advocated for detailed representation of characters

Hiroyuki Sanada, who showed the world the heart of a typical samurai in the 2003 film “The Last Samurai,” took up the challenge of repeating his feat in another Hollywood production: the ten-episode miniseries “Shogun.” The critically acclaimed historical drama has been streaming on Star on Disney+ since the end of February. This time, Sanada not only played the lead role, but also served as a producer to ensure that the portrayal of Japan during the tense aftermath of the Sengoku period (late 15th century to late 16th century) was true to life.

‘I told them [the creative team] my conditions, saying: ‘If you accept my conditions that Japanese actors play Japanese characters and that specialized personnel come over from Japan, then I accept the offer,’ Sanada said, recounting his reaction to an offer to star in the film . main character, Lord Yoshii Toranaga. It was around 2016 and the new ‘Shogun’ was still in the planning stages.

The drama is based on the novel “Shogun” (1975) by James Clavell, which depicts a hegemonic struggle inspired by real-life warlords, such as Tokugawa Ieyasu (on whom the character Toranaga is based), culminating in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 .The novel also features an Englishman involved in the battle. It was adapted into a TV miniseries in the United States in the 1980s, starring Toshiro Mifune as Toranaga. It was a big hit, and an edited version was also broadcast in Japan.

Sanada said he felt it was his mission to remake “Shogun” after more than 40 years.

“Ieyasu has been my hero since childhood,” the actor said. “I was motivated to introduce the path of his life to the world simply because there is a need today for a hero who can end warfare and make the world a peaceful place.”

In addition to playing the lead role, Sanada worked as a producer and was responsible for matters related to Japanese culture and thoroughly pursued authenticity.

“Now you can tell what’s fake and what’s not, just by doing a little research. We had to make it as realistic as possible so that viewers can focus on the story,” said Sanada.

He first booked creative staff and called upon the Japanese specialists in wardrobe, wig making and set design, with whom he had produced historical dramas and films for almost forty years. He also ensured that every Japanese actor was taught in his role by a specialized instructor, whether it was a samurai or a lady-in-waiting. Props and wigs were brought from Kyoto. Some of them were produced in eclectic styles, combining Japanese and Western methods.

Sanada was also involved in creating the script and followed meticulous steps in the process.

“I checked the first draft [in English] to see if there is something culturally wrong. After the concept was translated into Japanese and examined for authenticity by history experts, a screenwriter created the dialogue. I then adapted them to each character, which was then translated back into English and polished before being approved as the final version,” Sanada said, adding that he always made sure that the script would sound neither Westernized nor modern.

Toranaga and his rivals are fictional characters modeled on real historical warlords. Sanada has played some of those warlords, such as Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari, who fought Ieyasu in the Battle of Sekigahara. Having played the role of these warlords in the past, Sanada understands their backgrounds very well.

“Because I also got involved in scriptmaking, I knew Toranaga’s personality and role inside and out. I had no problem concentrating on playing the character. It was like I was being told, ‘Okay, now you can act. That’s the most important thing, right?’ as a reward for making all the preparations. “I really enjoyed the acting process,” he said.

The global streaming service’s generous budget allowed him to work on the production as he pleased.

“I have my own obsession with films [for theatrical release]but as a producer and actor I want as many people to watch as possible [my work]. It’s probably a matter of how to go with the flow of changes in society and continue to make better work,” says Sanada, who seems to be flexible in accepting changes in the media.

Sanada moved to Hollywood shortly after appearing in ‘The Last Samurai’.

“In my time, I wanted to end the era of Japan being misrepresented on screen,” he said. Yet there was a limit to what he could say as an actor. That’s why I took on the role of producer this time and was able to put all my experience into the business, he said, looking completely satisfied.

Praise upon praise

Sanada received high praise from fellow actors when ‘Shogun’ was shown at an official preview in Tokyo. Cosmo Jarvis, who played Englishman John Blackthorne, said Sanada was always by his side whenever he wanted to ask him something about his character, who becomes Toranaga’s loyal vassal in the series.

“Even on the days when he [Sanada] had no scenes to film, he was on set from start to finish and even fixed the hair and costumes of extras,” said Takehiro Hira, who played Ishido Kazunari.

Hira recalled shooting a scene in extremely cold weather in Canada, in which Hira spoke to Ishido’s servant while on horseback. Sanada went back and forth between them and the director, who gave instructions from a warm place far away, conveying the director’s words, Hira said.

“It was so awe-inspiring I could barely think about acting!” the actor said with a chuckle.

Tokuma Nishioka played a warlord under the control of Toranaga.

“Shots were fired in the middle of the [COVID-19] pandemic,” he said. “Hiro [Sanada] wore two masks and goggles on his face and came to all scenes and took thorough measures against infection. We were all moved by his acting spirit.”

Hiroyuki Sanada: Born in 1960 and raised in Tokyo, he starred in many historical plays, such as “Taiheiki,” the 1991 NHK annual epic historical drama, and the film “Tasogare Seibei” (“The Twilight Samurai”). . Since ‘The Last Samurai’ in 2003, he moved his work base abroad and appeared in films such as ’47 Ronin’ and ‘Bullet Train’.

‘Shogun’: After the death of Taiko, the imperial minister who unified Japan, his five regents are charged with the country’s future. One of them, Toranaga, is suspected of treason by Ishido, who brings Catholic daimyo-feudal lords to his side. Toranaga joins forces with the non-Catholic English pilot John Blackthorne, who is thrown ashore in Japan after a shipwreck. Together they confront Ishido.