Anna Sawai Shares The Burdens Of Acting In Shogun More Emmy Awards 2024

Anna Sawai Shares the Burdens of Acting in 'Shōgun' + More | Emmy Awards 2024

Exclusive | Anna Sawai Shares The Weight of Playing Lady Mariko in 'Shōgun'

Anna Sawai sat down with Emmys correspondent Janet Mock at the 2023 Creative Arts Emmy Awards to discuss her role in the upcoming miniseries 'Shōgun'. Based on the James Clavell novel of the same name, Sawai plays Lady Mariko, a noblewoman who falls in love with an English sailor shipwrecked in feudal Japan. Sawai spoke about the challenges of portraying Mariko, who grapples with her loyalty to her family and her own heart.

Sawai on the Complexities of Lady Mariko

Sawai highlighted the complexities of her character, Mariko. "Mariko is such a multifaceted character," she said. "She's strong and independent, but she's also vulnerable and torn between her duty and her heart. It was a challenge to capture all those different sides of her."

Sawai's Preparation for the Role

To prepare for the role, Sawai immersed herself in Japanese history and culture. She studied the language, practiced traditional Japanese dance, and read books about feudal Japan. "I wanted to make sure I understood the world Mariko lived in," Sawai explained. "It was important to me to bring her story to life in an authentic way."

Sawai on the Importance of Representation

Sawai also spoke about the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. As one of the few Asian actresses working in Hollywood, Sawai is aware of the responsibility she carries. "I'm proud to represent my culture and heritage on screen," she said. "I hope that my work will inspire other young Asian actors to pursue their dreams."

Sawai's Hopes for the Future

Looking ahead, Sawai expressed her hope that the entertainment industry will continue to become more inclusive. "I want to see more stories told from different perspectives," she said. "I want to see more actors of color, more women, and more LGBTQ+ people represented on screen. It's important for audiences to see themselves reflected in the stories they watch."