‘Shōgun’: Where have you seen the actors before? (2024)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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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