“Shogun” Achieves Popularity With Japanese Cultural Accuracy in Clavell Adaptation Amidst Rising Tide of Diverse Storylines on Screen

In an interview with CNN, Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada discussed his role in “Shogun,” the acclaimed FX miniseries based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name set during feudal Japan in 1600. Sanada wanted to ensure accuracy and authenticity in portraying Japanese culture, hiring experts for costume, hair, makeup, and gestures while coaching younger actors in dialogue from the period. With more emphasis on telling the story from a Japanese perspective than previous adaptations, “Shogun” has proved popular with Disney reporting 9 million views globally across its streaming platforms after just one week of release. Sanada expressed uncertainty about whether there will be a second season but noted that real history still remains to reference in Clavell’s six-novel Asian Saga series. The success of “Shogun” is part of an increasing trend for increased Asian representation and diverse storylines on screen, following the Oscars win by Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan’s Everything Everywhere All at Once and Netflix’s Beef starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun.