People will ask me, Is it like that in Japan today?
And Im like, No, its pretty different," but it is the roots.
So, I had to learn about wearing a kimono.
You have seven layers of clothing on, so it restricts you from walking.
When you sit down and stand up, all of that is different.
And then, the English accent was also different from how I speak.
When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies.
Getting used to all that, and translating, and riding a horse, I had to learn everything.
Time to brush up on your knowledge, history buffs.
SAWAI: It was ongoing.
It was very meticulously done.
SAWAI: Its really hard.
He made it work, but that would happen.
Image via FX
What was it like to even grasp that mentality?
SAWAI: You just have to know that is what was happening back in the day.
Nothing like that would happen now.
After that, you dont wanna be there alone.
Of course, you would wanna die with them.
It’s a tale of family and loss.
I love the moments when Mariko really thinks about how she wants to translate certain things.
There is quite a bit of humor in how she chooses to relay conversations.
Once you know what you want to do, youre just going straight for that.
It was just so well-written that it wasnt hard for me to channel.
Justin [Marks] was always there, and Rachel [Kondo] showed up all the time.
I would have conversations with them, all the time.
When you talk to them, its not just a showrunner talking to an actor.
Its person to person, and you feel so intimate in that conversation.
I know who she is.
Its such a foreign entity for her.
SAWAI: It is a foreign entity.
Whereas with Japanese men, she had to act a certain way.
I think not really caring about what he thought allowed her to be herself.
Hes accepting of that, and thats how they start to connect.
Its all very complicated.
But I think the connection that they have is very natural.
It just happens out of the blue.
Neither of them wanted it, at first, but it happens.
Do you see Mariko as a hero?
So, I dont think shes a hero.
Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo are satisfied with ending the series where the book concludes.
Who do you see as her biggest villain, or the biggest threat to her existence?
SAWAI: Oh, my God, thats such a good question.
That changes everything.So, its not a who, but a what?
But if you ask me tomorrow, I might say Ishido.
The death of her father impacts her in great ways and it shapes her.
Thats her villain and thats her purpose, at the same time.
Shogunairs on FX and is available to stream on Hulu.
Check out the trailer:
Watch on Hulu
