Shogun: Everything you need to know about the actors

Get to know the cast of ‘Shōgun’, the highly celebrated, riveting samurai drama series

Arguably the best show on television right now, FX’s Shōgun is a 10-episode limited series based on James Clavell’s 1975 historical fiction novel of the same name and a remake of NBC’s 1980 miniseries.

Set in 1600, it tells the story of a brash English anjin (navigator or pilot) who rose to become a samurai under a powerful daimyō (feudal lord) in Japan. That daimyō was later the founder and first shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ruled from 1603 to his death in 1616.

Above The trailer for FX’s smash hit, ‘Shōgun’

Shōgun takes viewers into the complex web of alliances and rivalries that defined Japan’s Sengoku period (1467-1615) all while balancing the brutality of feudal Japan with jawdroppingly beautiful costumes and cinematography. The standout show has already amassed a huge fanbase and despite not being a fantasy series, it has been hailed as the “new Game of Thrones”.

While the series is already wrapping up, it continues to receive critical acclaim and even whisperings about award nominations, thanks to husband and wife writers Justin Marks’ and Rachel Kondo’s spectacular world-building and the sprawling cast’s stunning performances. Here, we explore the actors in this saga and where else you might have seen them.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga

Above Hiroyuki Sanada attends the ‘Shōgun’ preview screening at Japan Society on February 25, 2024 in New York City (Photo: Getty Images)

Actor and martial artist Hiroyuki Sanada plays the cunning strategist Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a powerful bushō (warlord) from a feared lineage. The multiple award-winning Shōgun actor first gained prominence for his roles in Japanese and Hong Kong action films before establishing himself as a Hollywood actor in the 2000s.

Where you might have seen him: The Last Samurai (2003), The Wolverine (2013), 47 Ronin (2013), Avengers: Endgame (2019), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Cosmo Jarvis as Pilot-Major John Blackthorne/Anjin

Cosmo Jarvis arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Shōgun’ at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Getty Images)

Above Cosmo Jarvis arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Shōgun’ at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Getty Images)

British actor and singer Cosmo Jarvis plays John Blackthrone, a maritime pilot seeking to establish trade with Japan but finds himself and his crew captive to the powerful Lord Yoshii Toranaga. His breakthrough came in 2015 when he was cast to portray the character of Sebastian in William Oldroyd’s debut feature film Lady Macbeth.

Where you might have seen him: Lady Macbeth (2016), Calm with Horses (2019), Persuasion (2022)

Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko

Above Anna Sawai departs ‘Good Morning America’ on April 17, 2024 in New York City (Photo: Getty Images)

Born in New Zealand and raised in Tokyo, Anna Sawai plays Toda Mariko, a poised and intelligent highborn woman deeply faithful to Lord Yoshii Toranaga and serves as a translator between Lord Yoshii Toranaga and John Blackthorne. The Shōgun actress started acting at 11 before making her film debut as Kiriko in James McTeigue’s Ninja Assassin. She was also one of the lead vocalists of the girl group Faky.

Where you might have seen her: F9 (2021), Pachinko (2022)

Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige

Tadanobu Asano attends the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Shōgun’ at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Getty Images)

Above Tadanobu Asano attends the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Shōgun’ at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Getty Images)

Japanese actor and musician Tadanobu Asano portrays Kashigi Yabushige in Shōgun, a charismatic and brilliant but brutal lord of Izu within the Kanto region who serves Lord Yoshii Toranaga. Asano started his career at 16 when his father, an actors’ agent, suggested he take on his first acting role.

Where you might have seen him: Thor (2011), Battleship (2012), Thor: The Dark World (2013), 47 Ronin (2013), Silence (2016), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Mortal Kombat (2021), Kate (2021)

Takehiro Hira as Ishido Kazunari

Takehiro Hira arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Shōgun’ at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Getty Images)

Above Takehiro Hira arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Shōgun’ at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Getty Images)

Takehiro Hira plays one of the main villains in Shōgun–Ishido Kazunari—a former peasant who became an all-powerful bushō, one of the five Regents, ruler of Osaka Castle, and Lord Yoshii Toranaga’s chief rival. His father, Mikijirō Hira, was also an actor. Raised in Japan until he was 15, the younger Hira attended and graduated from Brown University.

Where you might have seen him: Lost Girls & Love Hotels (2020), Snake Eyes (2021), Gran Turismo (2023)

Tommy Bastow as Father Martin Alvito, SJ/Tsuji

Tommy Bastow at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Shōgun’ at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Getty Images)

Above Tommy Bastow at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Shōgun’ at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Getty Images)

English actor and musician Tommy Bastor portrays the thoughtful and sensitive Portuguese priest and skilled translator Father Martin Alvito, who was brought to Japan as a boy. Bastow wanted to become an actor after watching films like A Clockwork Orange, Pulp Fiction, and American Psycho with his dad.

Where you might have seen him: Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008), Exorcismus (2010)

Fumi Nikaido as Ochiba no Kata

Fumi Nikaido attends ‘Why Don't You Play In Hell’ premiere during the 70th Venice International Film Festival at Sala Grande on August 29, 2013 in Venice, Italy (Photo: Getty Images)

Above Fumi Nikaido attends ‘Why Don't You Play In Hell’ premiere during the 70th Venice International Film Festival at Sala Grande on August 29, 2013 in Venice, Italy (Photo: Getty Images)

Multiple award-winning actress Fumi Nikaido plays the ruthless and calculative Lady Ochiba no Kata, the only consort of the late Taikō (retired regent) and the feared and admired mother of Yaechiyo, the heir. Nikaido started her career as a model and has since starred in over 30 films.

Where you might have seen her: Why Don’t You Play in Hell? (2014), Yell (2021), The Moon (2023)

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Shogun Shōgun FX

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