As Hiroyuki Sanada basks in the success of FX’s acclaimed miniseries “Shōgun,” he reflects on his journey portraying Lord Yoshii Toranaga and the profound message of peace embedded in the story.
Sanada, a veteran actor with a career spanning nearly six decades, sees parallels between his own tireless pursuit of excellence and Toranaga’s patient, masterful strategizing. Both have achieved their respective triumphs through unwavering dedication and perseverance.
For Sanada, “Shōgun” represents the culmination of a lifelong dream to bridge his Japanese and Hollywood careers. As both producer and star, he spearheaded a project that seamlessly blended Hollywood production values with cultural authenticity—a feat he considers nothing short of miraculous.
The series’ finale, “A Dream of a Dream,” captures Toranaga’s ultimate goal: to bring about peace and stability to Japan, a vision he tirelessly pursued despite numerous challenges. Sanada believes Toranaga’s resilience and determination to create a peaceful era resonate deeply in today’s world, where conflict persists on many fronts.
Reflecting on Toranaga’s character, Sanada emphasizes the complexity of his motivations, acknowledging that while Toranaga may not have initially sought power, he ultimately realized its necessity to achieve his goal of peace. Sanada draws parallels to his own journey on the production, where he initially hesitated to assume the role of producer but ultimately embraced the opportunity to shape the project’s direction.
Sanada’s portrayal of Toranaga prioritizes humanity over stereotype, depicting him as a multifaceted character with strengths and vulnerabilities alike. Through Toranaga’s evolution, Sanada explores themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the pursuit of peace—a message he hopes resonates with audiences worldwide.
The series’ chronological shooting schedule allowed for organic character development, deepening connections between cast members over time. Sanada’s approach to building chemistry with his co-stars varied, from maintaining distance to foster authenticity with some, to offering guidance and support to others.
Sanada’s extensive experience in samurai films and series has made the genre a familiar and comfortable space for him. He views the kimono, sword, and dialogue of jidaigeki Japanese as second nature, allowing him to fully immerse himself in his performances.
Reflecting on the Bushidō code, Sanada acknowledges its complexities and acknowledges its potential for violence. However, he believes its core principles of self-discipline, sacrifice, and the pursuit of peace offer valuable lessons for contemporary society.
As “Shōgun” concludes its journey, Sanada hopes its message of peace will resonate with viewers, inspiring them to strive for harmony and understanding in their own lives. With his indelible portrayal of Toranaga, Sanada continues to exemplify the timeless values of perseverance, integrity, and compassion.