An Evening with FX’s Shōgun
Featuring Hiroyuki Sanada

  

*To watch the video in full screen, please click play and then the YouTube icon on the lower right-hand corner.

Join us for an exclusive screening of the first episode of FX’s Shōgun, followed by a conversation with Hiroyuki Sanada and a networking reception at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles.

Program

• 6:00 PM | Opening Remarks
• 6:15 PM | Screening of FX’s Shōgun (ep. 1)
• 7:30 PM | Conversation with Hiroyuki Sanada
• 8:00 PM | Reception
   

FX’s Shōgun, an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Producer Hiroyuki Sanada stars as “Lord Yoshii Toranaga” who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him.

When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, “John Blackthorne” (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, “Toda Mariko” (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line.

While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.

The 10-episode limited series features an acclaimed Japanese cast, unprecedented for an American production, including Tadanobu Asano as “Kashigi Yabushige,” a notorious backstabber and close ally of Toranaga; Hiroto Kanai as “Kashigi Omi,” the young leader of the fishing village where Blackthorne’s ship was found; Takehiro Hira as “Ishido Kazunari,” a powerful bureaucrat who is Toranaga’s chief rival; Moeka Hoshi as “Usami Fuji,” a widow who must find new purpose amidst her lord’s fight; Tokuma Nishioka as “Toda Hiromatsu,” Toranaga’s trusted general and closest friend; Shinnosuke Abe as “Buntaro” (“Toda Hirokatsu”), Mariko’s jealous husband; Yuki Kura as “Yoshii Nagakado,” the brash son of Toranaga with a strong desire to prove himself; Yuka Kouri as “Kiku,” a courtesan renowned for her artistry throughout Japan; and Fumi Nikaido as “Ochiba no Kata,” the revered mother of the heir who will stop at nothing to put an end to Toranaga and his threat to her son’s power.

Shōgun is created for television by Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks, with Marks serving as showrunner and executive producer alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca and Kondo. The series is produced by FX Productions.

About the Speaker

Hiroyuki Sanada
“Yoshii Toranaga” / Producer

Hiroyuki Sanada is an international star, award-winning actor and one of Japan’s most distinguished and celebrated actors of his generation. He has starred in more than 50 films and earned (the equivalent of) a Japanese Academy Award® for his role in The Twilight Samurai. The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. ...  Read more.

Sanada’s stardom continues to rise. He can be seen in the Sony Pictures’ action feature Bullet Train opposite Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock, directed by David Leitch. Sanada also stars in the popular action franchise John Wick: Chapter 4.

In 2021, Sanada appeared in Zack Snyder's highly anticipated film Army of the Dead for Netflix, playing the casino boss “Bly Tanaka.” He also appeared in the James Wan-produced fantasy-action film Mortal Kombat for Warner Bros., playing the part of “Scorpion,” the most iconic role in the franchise. Both films were incredibly successful and have since announced sequels. Sanada appeared in MGM’s Minamata opposite Bill Nighy and Johnny Depp, directed by Andrew Levitas.

Sanada’s first major Hollywood appearance was in The Last Samurai opposite Tom Cruise. He later appeared in such blockbuster films as The Wolverine, 47 Ronin and Avengers: Endgame. Sanada’s career is just as impressive on the small screen, having appeared in dozens of shows, including the critically acclaimed series Lost for its sixth and final season as well as Westworld in season two.

He is also an established stage actor, working in both Japanese and British plays and theater. His role as “The Fool” in Shakespeare’s King Lear gave him notable theatrical praise and awarded him an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for being the first Japanese actor to perform with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

Sanada’s career in film, television and theater has spanned more than 50 years, and he has garnered the attention of both American and foreign audiences alike. His unique ability to embody the roles he takes on has made him one of Hollywood’s most respected and sought-after Asian-American actors working today.

Photos: Courtesy of FX Networks

Co-Presented by