Collider: This show definitely would not be the same without you playing this character.
Did this feel as epic as it looks, when you were there on set on the day?
They created the Osaka Harbor.The buildings were real.It was amazing.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
Do you feel like this series finally got it right?
SANADA: Yeah, I think so.
I got involved with this show a long time ago, seven years or more.
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.
I just took the role as an actor.
That helped us a lot, in making it authentic.
Tensions are high between these rival groups vying for control.
SANADA: Making the script itself was so much fun.
I checked every process and put in the notes and changes.
We tried to choose the best words that were historical, but not too difficult to understand.
We wanted the best balance.
Did you want to be as involved as you could?
That was the only time I used a stunt double.
Image via FX
I did all the fighting by myself.
Do you still enjoy doing that?
The responsibility is so big on my shoulders, but happiness and joy were much bigger than pressure.
Thats why I could enjoy it the whole time.
What sets ‘Shogun’ apart from other historical novels is the inspiration its author drew from.
Did you have a favorite moment that stands out as really representative of what you did in the series?
SANADA: I was on set every day, so its hard to pick something.
We used a lot of extras in Vancouver.
The ladies had to learn how to serve.
For modern people, its hard to understand.
But we had time for training, and they did very well.
Id like to say thank you to all the extras in Vancouver.
The shoot was six months and I was so moved watching them.
It was so interesting to teach them, and then they did a great job.
I felt like a parent.
Thats why he became a hero.
Thats why I wanted to play this role, especially for now.
We need that kind of hero in the world.
That was a big motivation when I started this project.
Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo are satisfied with ending the series where the book concludes.
Shogunairs on Tuesday nights on FX and is available to stream at Hulu.
Check out the trailer:
Watch on Hulu
