HIROYUKI SANADA HOPES 'SHOGUN' SUCCESS WILL INSPIRE YOUNGER GENERATION OF ASIAN ACTORS

THE GLOBAL MOMENTUM OF “SHOGUN” IS FAR FROM SLOWING DOWN, going by how Disney+ successfully drummed up excitement for the megahit's Season 2 during the Disney+ Originals Preview 2025 recently held at Hong Kong Disneyland.

- NATHALIE TOMADA

The STAR joined close to 400 journalists and influencers at the event, where Japanese lead star and executive producer Hiroyuki Sanada spoke about the “incredible” impact of the series, not just on audiences but also on his own life and career.

“Shogun,” produced by FX under Disney and based on James Clavell’s bestselling novel, brought the gripping turbulence of Japan’s warring states period to screens around the world. Its first season swept a record 18 awards at the 76th Emmy Awards and secured four more wins at the 82nd Golden Globes, a feat that still feels surreal to the veteran Japanese actor.

“That was a tremendous surprise. We received so many awards. For me personally, being recognized both as a producer and as the lead actor — receiving trophies in both capacities — was astonishing. When we were filming in Vancouver a few years ago, I could never have imagined this,” Sanada said.

But more than the award recognition, Sanada sees the show’s success as an opportunity to honor everyone who shaped his six-decade journey in the industry.