The lead actor and producer of the popular FX series is in pursuit of real Japanese representation in the film industry.

The cinematic journey of Hiroyuki Sanada and his contribution to the fusion of Western and Eastern storytelling have been nothing short of remarkable. Fresh off the heels of his presence in John Wick: Chapter 4, Sanada’s Shōgun success has been a cultural touchstone. But does this success guarantee his quick return to the producer’s chair?

Sanada is involved as a producer and cast member of the acclaimed FX limited series. With a career as dynamic as the Japanese actor’s, his keen sense of storytelling speaks volumes. Indeed, his dedication to cultural integrity and his case-by-case approach to production roles serve as a deliberate blueprint for his future endeavors in the film industry, as he enjoys shaping narratives.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in Shōgun
But, despite his success with Shōgun, Sanada’s desire to create from scratch as a producer may not be realized in the near future.

Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shōgun Success: Will it Lead to More Producing Opportunities?

Hiroyuki Sanada has delivered notable performances in films like Bullet Train and John Wick. His ability to excel in action-packed roles has bolstered his place as a popular Hollywood actor. Notwithstanding his success on the big screen, his desire to shape the film from “zero” as a producer may not be fulfilled anytime soon, as he recently told THR:

“Being able to shape the creation from zero is so much fun. But, you know, there are a lot of ways to tell stories involving Japan.”

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Sanada further shed light on his experience working on Bullet Train and John Wick, where he explained how important it was to tell the story of Japan’s feudal era with authenticity. He conveyed his enthusiasm for working on initiatives that accurately and respectfully represent his culture:

“Being able to shape the creation from zero is so much fun. But, you know, there are a lot of ways to tell stories involving Japan. If it’s more modern or futuristic, it’s may not be necessary to be this authentic. I was in Bullet Train and John Wick and I didn’t say too much, because those projects are set in their own worlds.”

Hiroyuki Sanada in the FX series
The actor’s commitment to storytelling authenticity is admirable, and it makes sense that he would like to work as a producer on more projects in the future. However, he did admit that not all projects call for the same degree of authenticity:

“It’s not the real Tokyo or the real Osaka. But for this series, where we were doing historical Japan, we needed to make it authentic. If I’m involved in a project like this again, I’m probably going to want to be a producer, and I’m going to push very hard again to get it right. But if it’s not a story that’s supposed to be carrying our culture, I’m happy to just enjoy being an actor on set. So, it’s going to be case by case.”

The Shogūn star, 63, is keen to take on more producing roles in the future, indicating that his time on the FX series clearly had a lasting effect on him. He does, however, also understand how important it is to have fun while working as an actor, particularly in roles where cultural accuracy is not the main goal.

Hiroyuki Sanada’s Views About Joining The John Wick Universe

Keanu Reeves and Hiroyuki Sanada in 47 Ronin
With action roles in flicks like Mortal Kombat, Avengers: Endgame, and John Wick 4, as well as subtle character turns in Minamata and 47 Ronin, Japan’s Hiroyuki Sanada has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most well-known Asian actors.

Director Chad Stahelski and John Wick star Keanu Reeves specifically wrote a role for Sanada to enter the action-packed world. Speaking with Men’s Journal, the latter discussed his study of martial arts and his reunion with Reeves:

“Keanu first told me about John Wick when we were doing 47 Ronin together over a decade ago, and I was instantly curious about it. I remember going to opening day in theaters and being excited for him.”

He went on to express his excitement about receiving a call from Stahelski, who brought along a character that he felt was “perfect for me”. In his words:

“I was very excited to get a call from Chad [Stahelski] when they started making this one. He said they had a character who was perfect for me—an old friend of John Wick’s, Shimazu, who’d trained with him.”

Joining the cast of Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, and Scott Adkins, Sanada portrayed Koji Shimazu in John Wick: Chapter 4.

Shōgun is streaming on Hulu, while John Wick: Chapter 4 can be rented on Apple TV.