Hiroyuki Sanada Recognized with 18 Awards for His Exceptional Humanity

A long-cherished wish that “The World’s Mifune” could not achieve

Actor Hiroyuki Sanada (63) has achieved a historic feat with the Hollywood-produced drama SHOGUN, which he starred in and produced.

At the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards held on September 15 (local time), the show swept the major categories, including Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Lead Actor, and Outstanding Lead Actress, winning a total of 18 awards—the most in Emmy history. Additionally, the number of Japanese recipients reached a record high of nine.

Sanada portrayed the samurai Yoshi Toranaga, inspired by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and won the Outstanding Lead Actor award. This marks a significant achievement, as Toshiro Mifune, who starred in the 1980 adaptation of SHOGUN, had previously missed out on this award. After winning the Outstanding Limited Series award, Sanada expressed his heartfelt gratitude in Japanese, saying, “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported and inherited the tradition of period dramas, as well as the directors and teachers. The passion and dreams you have passed on to me have crossed the ocean and transcended borders.” He appeared overwhelmed with emotion.

While Sanada took charge as a producer and led the cast as a performer, it is his humanity that is drawing attention following this monumental achievement.

Sanada, who has been in charge of the production as a producer and actor, has been attracting attention for his human nature since his accomplishment.