Steven Prusakowski
You cannot say that Hiroyuki Sanada doesn’t fully immerse himself in his work. With a career spanning sixty years, starting at the age of five, he has taken on countless roles, gaining invaluable experience with each one. Along the way, he has contributed this expertise both in front of the camera and as a consultant on various productions. It is only fitting that after six decades in the industry Sanada officially took on a new role, that of producer for FX’s event drama series, Shōgun.
Producing one of the biggest television productions in decades would certainly be enough of a challenge for most, but not Sanada. The “new face” producer immersed himself further into the series by taking on a starring role as well, taking on the role of the feudal Japanese warlord Yoshii Toranaga. The challenge of serving as actor/producer is a remarkable achievement on its own, made only more impressive when honored with two Emmy nominations — one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and another for Outstanding Drama Series for his work as producer.
Sanada spoke with Awards Radar providing some tremendous insight as to how his life experience served him well when taking on double duties for Shōgun. The conversation delved into the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the ambitious project and immense dedication required to bring such an epic vision to life. He discussed the challenges and triumphs of serving as actor/producer, plus the complete dedication to authenticity for the historical masterpiece, His reflections offer a captivating look into the artistry and effort that shape Shogun, as well as the working with co-stars Cosmos Jarvis, Anna Sawai, and Tadanobu Asano.
Below are some excerpts from the conversation that cover his creative journey both in front of and behind the camera. (You can listen to complete and fascinating conversation, above.)
On his 60 journey to producing:
“In Japan, I started acting when I was five. So I’ve done so many samurai period drama or movies. A lot of masters or, you know, crew taught me a lot. So luckily, I know the background of this show and for every single department. So I could advise for them or, you know, for the preparation and on set, checking monitor, gave them the pointers.
Then first time ever I had a title producer. So it’s easier than before. You know, after The Last Samurai, I always consulted for the movie or TV when I play in the Japanese role. But I had to do everything by myself: extras, movement, dialogue, costume, or prompts, decoration. But this time, I had a team.
So much, much easier than before. And also, I have right to say something as a producer and then they listen to me. So no need to hesitate the timing or nuance to tell something, correct something, you know, try to avoid, you know, their pride is going to be. So I put all my experience in my life into the Shōgun.
On his less-is-more approach to playing Toranaga:
In front of the camera, be there as a character, don’t do too much, you know, just react to others and then try to hiding my. Emotion as much as possible and I always told myself, less is more, less is don’t show too much, don’t explain too much, don’t use your technique, just be there as a character with emotion.
That was my stance. And before I acted in front of camera, I prepare everything with the team. So when I acting as an actor, I could relax more, you know, and then. From making a script, casting, staffing, everything I’ve done already, so no need to think about much when I’m acting, just focus on, concentrate and enjoy the collaboration with others. So, yeah. Less is more. That was my theme.
On how all his preceding experience went into Toranaga:
Since I was five years old. So many roles I’ve done. So many lessons I took. And all experience connect to the next one. So I played each single role. Felt like an audition. Every time. This is going to be an audition for the next.
And then next generation’s role. And then we cannot skip Romeo, Hamlet, you know, then Richard III, and King Lear or something. I’ve done a lot of different samurai roles. But I needed to be a correct age to play him . And then finally, I reached to play this role.
So, yeah, that’s why I’m saying all the project experience led me and brought me here to play another role. And then maybe this role joined to the next generation’s role. So it was another audition as well.
Watch all of Hiroyuki’s work from season one of Shōgun streaming now on FX.
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