Hiroyuki Sanada, the star and producer of the Emmy-winning historical drama Shōgun, has teased the possibility of relocating production to Japan for the show’s highly anticipated second season. Speaking ahead of the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, Sanada revealed discussions about shooting in Japan are underway, a significant shift after Season 1 was filmed in Canada due to pandemic restrictions.
Potential Move to Japan for Season 2
During the red carpet interview, Sanada shared his excitement about the potential relocation, explaining that the pandemic had initially prevented the production team from filming on location in Japan. However, with restrictions eased, the opportunity to shoot in the series’ homeland has opened up. “We are discussing it. Because last time, because of the pandemic, we couldn’t shoot any scenes in Japan, but now we can plan,” Sanada said, hinting at the possibility of a more authentic setting for the upcoming season.
Season 1 Success and Authentic Representation
Shōgun, based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, is set in 1600s feudal Japan and chronicles the political rise of Lord Yoshii Toranaga, played by Sanada. The show follows his journey as he battles enemies on the Council of Regents, with the story enriched by the arrival of John Blackthorne, a shipwrecked English pilot, played by Cosmo Jarvis. The intricate relationship between Toranaga and Blackthorne is further complicated by their translator, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), a disgraced noblewoman navigating her own path.
Sanada emphasized the show’s dedication to authenticity, sharing his pride in assembling a team that included both Japanese actors and experts in Samurai culture. “We tried to make it as authentic as possible, so as a producer, I could hire Japanese actors for Japanese roles, bring the Japanese crew who was the specialist for the Samurai drama, so we had a great team,” Sanada explained. The collaboration between Western and Japanese teams was a dream come true for the actor and producer.
A New Direction for Future Seasons
While the first season of Shōgun stayed true to Clavell’s novel, Sanada confirmed that future seasons will venture into new territory. With no more material from the original novel to adapt, the show will draw on real historical events and figures to create original storylines. “We finished at the end of Season 1, but we have the real history and real models, and we know what happened so we can create original, fictional entertainment with a Shōgun taste and quality,” Sanada said, promising fans more captivating narratives in the series’ future.
Emmy Success and Critical Acclaim
Shōgun has already made Emmy history, breaking the record for the most wins in a single season with 14 awards, even before the main telecast. The series is also in the running for additional accolades, including writing, directing, lead actor, and Best Drama Series. This commercial and critical success has led FX to renew the show for two more seasons, giving Sanada and his team ample opportunity to explore Japan’s rich historical landscape while maintaining the high-quality storytelling fans have come to expect.
As the series gears up for its next chapter, the possibility of filming in Japan promises to bring an even deeper level of authenticity and excitement to Shōgun, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.