Critics and audiences are raving about "Shōgun,"a historical drama television limited series based on James Clavell’s bestselling novel.
Set in the year 1600 in Japan, "Shōgun" follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) as he fights for his life as his enemies unite against him, all while an English pilot (Cosmo Jarvis) ends up shipwrecked in the country. Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) serves as a translator between the two men, despite her mysterious nature and troubled past.
"I think that we all had so much respect for each other," Sawai said on co-leading the series with Sanada and Jarvis. "(Sanada) really led with teaching everyone everything that he knew because he cared so much about the project. Cosmo is so dedicated, and we really had an amazing time collaborating with each other."
Paramount Television first adapted the 1975 book into a limited series in 1980, which aired on NBC, and subsequently won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series — and the buzz is strong for this version to take home the same trophy and more major awards.
"I did not ever imagine my name being apart of those conversations," Sawai said of the awards season chatter. "I really don't want to expect anything. I think that the team really put so much into it, and I can tell everyone had so much love and respect for this show. If people want to give our show that award to celebrate it, that would be amazing, but I have no expectations."
All 10 episodes of "Shōgun" are now streaming on Hulu.