The Heavy Emotional Arc Of Anna Sawai’s Character In “Shōgun”

Acclaimed actor Anna Sawai tells Stephen about living inside her “Shōgun” character’s skin for ten months while filming in Vancouver, and she teaches him how to do the character’s special walk. New episodes of FX’s “Shōgun” air Tuesdays on Hulu.
#Colbert #AnnaSawai #Shōgun
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@empireoflightz]

Give her the Emmy right now already for episode 9, no point of even wasting anyone else's time trying to compete with her

[@empireoflightz]

Especially cool to see how different she is in real life to her character, sign of a great actress

[@Thekidisalright]

Emmy is not going to give an award to a majority Japanese speaking show, they aren’t as woke as Oscar lol

[@dstarling61]

Truth

[@empireoflightz]

@@Thekidisalright even if wokeness had anything to do with language, which it doesn't (you're probably thinking 'a majority Asian cast' but you don't want to sound racist) it's one of the biggest hits of the year in America and everywhere else, so you bet your ass it will win a shitload of Emmys

[@citizen_wayne]

Best supporting actress in a drama series. Yeah, tbh. Unless someone can somehow make a better case.

[@tyronedeasis5055]

Shōgun is a masterpiece. All roles were perfectly cast especially Mariko-sama.

[@occamsox5331]

Fuji and Yabu steal the show. The casting is great, but those two just steal scenes.

[@mcarlkv53]

you must be kidding

[@stealthattack2209]

But but but..... There are no black actors in it. LOL

[@gapa11]

Perfect casting except Cosmo, He is terrible

[@robertgommerman7711]

Why does Blackthorne speak like captain Kirk?

[@rlevitta]

I just watched the devastating 9th episode. Her character’s bravery brought me to tears. She is fantastic.

[@coolcat8b]

You and me both, friend.

[@Pontan145]

same here!

[@MrAresxy07]

So what happened she died or give her self

[@pwills122]

@@MrAresxy07 spoiler lol but she basically died by sacrificing herself for Lord Toranaga’s cause

[@dougcronkhite2113]

I've read the book, and knew what was coming, and I still was saddened by it. Her performance was absolutely riveting.

[@genjii931]

She is beyond charming!

[@devonedwards4395]

I'm such a fan of hers

[@MariaBareiss]

Now we all are!​@@devonedwards4395

[@sub-zero710]

She's beyond gorgeous! 😍

[@juanpallautapulido200]

A talented, beautiful, clever and charming woman. What more can you ask for? She is the hole package.

[@wadesimon3536]

I was just thinking the same thing! One of his best guests!

[@KategariYami]

Yep she literally carried this last episode. Like everyone's great, but this is her episode 10000%. Absolute queen 👑

[@linneausmsiska1184]

She was the bomb last episode

[@Exiled.New.Yorker]

@@linneausmsiska1184 take your upvote and get out

[@markmywords3817]

Was this a series with weekly episodes? I just finished through the whole thing and what a cliffhanger it would've been to wait after episode 9 😢

[@sebastianguzman3845]

@@mohammeddrgh5705thanks for the spoiler alert man !!!

[@mohammeddrgh5705]

@@sebastianguzman3845 sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry

[@ShubhamSinghYoutube]

She learned the language, handwriting, the walk, and even out of character she's perfect with everything.

[@michaelriddick7116]

And she sings! 😁🤣😂

[@wombat5252]

She is incredibly attractive. Lucky dude that gets to smash that.

[@vipr1142]

@@michaelriddick7116 Most actors can sing to some extent

[@sombatkhnor5720]

She was born to native Japanese parents. 🤷🏾

[@Phizzo4real]

I think she already spoke Japanese. She just had to learn that century Japanese. Like modern English speaker learning how to speak fluently like a Shakespearean era speaker. Difficult but not as near impossible as it would be for non native speaker in that time frame, especially for Eastern languages that are so much more complex than Western languages.

[@thisisit2082]

If Anna is not the front runner for all the awards and a Emmy, I will be very upset. FX/Hulu just have to make sure Anna is everywhere going forward.

[@KalvinPatel]

FACTS

[@Thekidisalright]

She should be, but whether those awards willing to give it to someone who mostly speak Japanese in the show is another story

[@carlosponchio1869]

after Ep 9 she better be 'going forward"

[@andresgarcia7757]

Do you mean the whole cast? They were all amazing

[@lower_than_furries9727]

Parasite ended up winning lots of awards, including the Academy Awards, despite not being an English speaking movie. I don’t see why Shogun should not receive the same awards it deserves, this show is the best in its own way, nothing is on par with it yet this year.

[@user-ho5mm8gn8h]

Anna couldn't be more adorable! A sheer delight.❤

[@jamesyoungquist6923]

Haha yeah I wish she had a longer time on the show

[@TP-pq9xx]

@@jamesyoungquist6923 There is only one more episode

[@richiecomia2547]

I think jamesyoung meant on the Stephen Colbert Show 😅

[@neo7759]

I miss her from the show already

[@chilenoHDU]

Wow... Listening Anna speaking ancient japanese give me goosebumps.. Don't you? It is gorgeous..

[@user-vr1lt1ki7g]

貴方、日本人？ 何で彼女の完璧なフィット感理解できるの？

[@chikawatson]

I'm Japanese and so glad that Anna is doing this role. She is so elegant and represents Japanese beauty.

[@Vulcanerd]

Lovely handmade gift from Anna to Stephen.

[@jonbaxter2254]

We should all be so lucky

[@jlui21]

-- she's so f*in adorable.

[@jwvandegronden]

why did that gift bring tears to my eyes?! She is gorgeous, but above all lovely which radiates right through and elevates her beauty tenfold!

[@billielachatte4841]

Don't forget superbly talented.

[@glennyee184]

Omiyage as the Japanese would say.

[@jwvandegronden]

@@billielachatte4841 absolutely!

[@jwvandegronden]

@@glennyee184 I like that! Thanks!

[@landonfolken03]

Ha it did me as well! Just in a place right now I think and people showing love and appreciation hits harder. It was incredibly thoughtful

[@krishnanavajothikumar8629]

She has got the Emmy and the golden globe in the bag. Holy shit what a performance

[@peetabells]

She's very visible in interviews after ep 9...as deserved. I'm glad they're campaigning for this girl because she deserves an Emmy/Golden Globe!!!

[@Darthlauralou]

Emmy, Golden Globe, People’s Choice, Cable ACE, ALL the awards for Anna!

[@savethefunk]

She is SUCH a sweetheart. I'm never gonna recover after Ep 9.

[@MarenSeDell]

Relatable 😢

[@stratmancruthers]

Was hoping for a happy ending😢

[@binoymathew246]

I doubt she's either. 🥴

[@ivaerz4977]

Let me guess she did a harakiri I'm on Episode 3 by the way.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

She Blew that Episode up Right out of the water 😀😀😀

[@AyuSophia]

She's so adorable, the segment should be longer. I hope she wins the Emmys for her great performance as Mariko #shogunfx

[@freeloadingmf]

I don't care what else comes out this year, she's already the winner in my eyes.

[@Ryan256]

💯

[@Blackronin357]

Adorable actresses who have tough lives are gonna be big this year between Anna and Ella from Fallout.

[@enemynumber-zm3ug]

we already know

[@gregsmith9401]

Shogun got me to warmer weather and Anna needs to get to her Emmy. 99/100 rotten tomatoes folks.

[@yossi126]

She was born to do this role

[@VOTEDODY]

I’ll post this here too. Anna Sawais better get an Emmy for this. Her portrayal of Mariko is not only the best acting I have seen all year, it’s some of the best acting I have ever seen. Building on one of the most incredible, strong and complex characters ever put to paper, the show was able to elevate Mariko into new dimensions; The writers gave Mariko focus and stoicism, and Sawai gave her heart and raw, unbridled power. Not many people can believably play a one-man army able to topple an empire. What a lightning storm of a performance she gives in episode 9 and all throughout this series. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of an Emmy

[@annemariebeelen358]

She is breathtaking beautiful . Her performance in the show was magical . 💖

[@JonSnowxx]

Incredible Shogun episode tonight, give Anna all the awards

[@krisdrake9529]

going to watch it now

[@derkohler2380]

i'm still waiting for the last episode to drop so i can binge it all in one go.. 😌

[@krisdrake9529]

Wow I cannot wait for next weeks episode!

[@freeloadingmf]

I bawled

[@wjhdrew]

It was so intense.

[@idde4345]

She's absolutely amazing in Shogun. Like, actually exceptional. Her character calls for a really withdrawn performance. And not only does she nail that completely, but sooo much evocative emotion still comes through her minimal acting (which is supported by the extremely strong writing and directing of course). An absolute joy to watch.

[@Diamondsrfvr]

@idde4345.....I heard an interview where Anna talked about the power one can have in stillness. Her performance as Mariko is contained. She's very still much of the time, but often with roiling emotions underneath.

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

She seems really sweet. Made gifts are always more powerful.

[@mykstericeferg1258]

What a perfectly worded sentiment.🤓 It was so detailed with what looked to be a very masculine herringbone pattern too.🤩 Plus that she “made it on the way” was not only very thoughtful use of her 13 hour flight itinerary, but her developed skills were certainly on display!🥰

[@Shinobi_6]

Shogun is such a great series really worth watching. Anna deserves every accolade possible, amazing character!

[@BryanBowser]

I've totally enjoyd Shogun so far. I hope we see more of Anna Sawai. She's a great actor. It's also a pleasure to see how articulate and personable she is in real life.

[@mace197]

😢

[@empireoflightz]

She's in a bunch of other ongoing or recent high profile shows like Pachinko and Monarch on Apple TV, and Giri/Haji on Netflix. Pachinko especially is 🔥🔥

[@LetsGetitBoah]

No worries, she's all over the story. You'll see her everywhere you look. She's such a great actress, you can tell she has a blast playing the role.

[@caesarn7]

Except Anjin sucked , poor casting

[@LetsGetitBoah]

@@caesarn7 Disagree.

[@KCNwokoye]

Wow a phenomenally talented actress especially in SHOGUN. They better give her best actress for the Emmys and other shows. Her performance was transformative and stunning.

[@sphmoran28]

I totally agree with you @KCNwokoye!

[@Tcrror]

She was incredible in Monarch, as well. That show was phenomenal.

[@MikeAbili]

I’ve enjoyed her in everything I’ve seen her in so far.

[@Tcrror]

@@MikeAbili Same!

[@empireoflightz]

Pachinko even more so

[@wolflarson71]

Phenomenal? She was fine but the show was a 4/10. So much bickering and annoying characters.

[@kevinstfort]

@@wolflarson71 that’s your opinion and I couldn’t disagree with it more.

[@jimmygreer2140]

Anna Sawai deserves an Emmy for her performance!! The character of Mariko is an almost an impossible task for an actor. To portray a very powerful 1600's Japanese woman when they're supposed to be seen as "timid" and subservient is incredibly hard. She's not given the ability, like Sanada as Toranaga, to sit in a "power stance" and emote as he did while watching his friend commit seppuku. Her power & strength had to be extremely subtle and yet Anna achieved it. It was truly a beautiful performance for one of the most beautifully tragic characters I've been able to experience in whatever media. Her "Anji-sama, let it come" will haunt me for the rest of my life. I only wish I could have 5 minutes of Anna's time to tell her how much I loved her performance.

[@mykstericeferg1258]

Stephen’s audience not only seemed to appreciate Shogun, but Japanese culture as well, really appreciating their embracing of cultural Americana by their response to the Japanese version of the iconic musical number from “Annie”.😮 Big Kudos to Mr. Colbert’s spot on pronunciations and especially his on-the-spot learning of the lyrics in Nihongo!👏👏👏🤓♥️🇯🇵 Thank You for having Anna Sawai as your guest!!🙏🤩

[@shortallliam3142]

👍Well said; Stephen is a sincere guy, I respect him both as a person, NOT just as a comedian.

[@cwg73160]

Every late night audience is going to applaud at everything.

[@theknights5086]

She gave the performance of a lifetime as Mariko, she really stole the show and her performance was stunning

[@alex90andru]

Such a talented and beautiful woman ❤❤❤

[@jameschan9634]

Shogun is amazing, and Anna dominates every scene she's in.

[@MillieMaa]

Such an incredible actress! I was moved to tears several times by her monologues in ep 9....

[@Ryan256]

Anna Sawai did a phenomenal job in this role, and she is absolutely stunning! 🤩

[@evanrorke7017]

She is an absolute delight. I hope more good things are in her future.

[@chrisandersen5635]

All encompassing beauty.

[@jaywilson4520]

Shogun is fantastic, and she is amazing in it.

[@xdduchii5141]

The way she said "we really worked hard" and her laugh.. goshhh

[@mufasa0505]

She’s incredible. Just her subtle facial movements conveyed so much emotion.

[@martinvaux9843]

What a gem of a human being! Wow!

[@NewMessage]

Loving this show, and seeing her in a bunch of stuff lately is a huge bonus.

[@olorin4317]

Her performance stands out in an overall amazing show.

[@shurikn1337]

That monologue in front of the council always gives me goosebumps. Already a legend. Love her performance in Shogun.

[@jneigler]

What a totally refreshing person she is. She is magnificent in Shogun!

[@clearytheory8826]

She is so charming. And Shogun is a treat. Great work all you set designers and wardrobe people!

[@WestAirAviation]

Anna really blew me away with today's Episode.

[@DisingenuousComment]

okay bro, I know what you did there

[@Josh_Exitcamper]

🧨 💥 💀…..😂

[@thatguywhois]

​@@Josh_Exitcamper 👧🚪💥

[@xxiamlostxx_dreams_7916]

bro 💀

[@rmvdhaak]

It was an explosive performance, for sure. It blew the doors off.

[@johnfrogman3710]

we can see that Mariko's politeness, strength and class really comes from ana. no doubt that her performance was so amazing and so believable.

[@shtirlh7825]

How could Steven not mention Anna was born in the land of the hobbits, New Zealand?

[@shike67]

I can't hear even a trace of kiwi accent though?

[@ValarieNZ]

​@@shike67she was born in new zealand but her fanily moved to japan by the time she was 2, so no accent sorry, lol.

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Because it's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, not Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. 🤪

[@marysmith5003]

I don't understand why you think John​ Oliver would ask this.

[@vincentho3792]

@@marysmith5003 John Oliver likes to mess with the kiwis

[@dingo8226]

This series has had me crying three times so far. Best show ive ever seen.

[@djdollase]

She’s so delightful! And such a good actor! Powerful and moving!

[@soboring1826]

The show was a legitimate 10/10 masterpiece. Congrats to the creators and actors of this show; they deserve all the awards they'll surely receive.

[@RedRoadWoman7]

Anna Sawai is simply lovely. She plays her character , 'Mariku' beautifully on ShoGun!

[@atticstattic]

Mariko

[@jaredgalvin]

Played. She died right?

[@binoymathew246]

🤫​@@jaredgalvin

[@ULTRAOutdoorsman]

"Ko," it's a Japanese diminutive like "ette" e.g. "Bernadette;" the character's niece "Fuji" in the show is also called "Fujiko" in the book. Also see "ka" in Russian: Katinka, Ivanka, etc.

[@scottyd3138]

She is so beautiful and did an absolutely amazing job in episode 9. Deserves an award for sure

[@jojoleaf2112]

The last episode was stunning. Can't wait to see how the show ends. Her performance was Emmy worthy.

[@bigbadvicHo]

She’s beyond words gorgeous

[@data261]

Beautiful woman…in every sense of the word

[@elkadio100]

Not just great talent in acting but extremely beautiful and charming. Bless you Anna Sawai ❤❤

[@Lvetto]

Give her all the leading roles! She’s beyond delightful

[@CCARL11]

She's given one of the greatest performances that I have ever seen, give her the Emmy now.

[@EARTHMUSIC3]

Anna is GORGEOUS!!! 🥰❤

[@drsavage3262]

She's extraordinary! What a doll 😊

[@finnmaccool3385]

Her joy is infectious. Can't help but smile when I watch interviews with Anna :)

[@Joy_Dabih]

I cried for a week after that episode. I would think about it randomly and just start tearing up again. What a beautifully executed story 🥹

[@XXLaffinGravyXX]

She is the definition of a goddess. Breathtakingly beautiful and the voice of an angel.

[@RickReyes]

Exactly what I told my brother, the quality of the show reminded me of Game of Thrones. Every detail, the landscape, the wardrobes...just beautiful! I will remember Anna Sawai and can't wait to see her again!!!

[@madhattersc4051]

This is a spectacular show… and cannot encourage enough to watch it without the dub. The language and presentation of it by the actors is beautiful and an essential element of the show.

[@evidicus]

She made me love her character, and the whole of Japan seems empty without her. What a brilliant performance.

[@anahinata28]

Anna gave a performance beyond expectation. I haven’t someone act like her before. ❤

[@BadGuyKryptonite]

she played that character flawlessly....nerves of fucking steel

[@edreezyforreezy]

Great character building. Shōgun is the best TV show to date. Loved every performance, including the extras.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Anna has given an absolutely transcendent performance in this series, never ceased to amaze me the emotional depth she could reach and portray and with such complexity and layers, her showing the eight-fold fence yet also showing how those walls she puts up to hide her emotions are cracking. I can’t wait to see what she does next

[@Phoenix-nl2ut]

Hope she wins all the awards for this.

[@MMallon425]

This week's episode was absolutely incredible. I wish Anna all the best in her career, she MADE this show.

[@Diamondsrfvr]

@MMallon425......She DID make this show.....⭐❤

[@SplashAttackTCG]

Her class is beyond this world! This was the BEST Late Night ever! The personally crafted gift was just ABOVE and beyond!

[@Gravyman]

She is captivating on the show. Stoic, gorgeous in every single shot like a painting, and not a single wasted word. Everything she says is like poetry. Best character in the show bar none.

[@Stixenterprise]

Anna is such a sweetheart. Ladies, are you paying attention?

[@Einomar]

Why? Women have to care about your preferences? Weirdo!

[@p.f.912]

Episode 9 was of epic proportions - carried single handedly by Anna Sawai. The finale better be amazing.

[@jamespellicore9982]

So true. Anna was fabulous and should win an Emmy. The whole mini-series was terrific. Loved the chemistry between her and Cosmo Jarvis. She is such a good interview and very sweet.

[@ReviewBoard-uy5nv]

That scarf was professionally good. Her learning of all those skills at the same time probably helped. Can’t wait to start Shogun!! Canada really has gone up a level in production

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

Canada HAS been that way for awhile! The big draw is the usually lower Canadian dollar. For every US dollar spent you get 1.50 CAD. So literally more bang for the buck.

[@Sammasambuddha]

...production of military grade viruses shipped to china, then released into the public destroying the known world forever, then covered up by the government? ? ? Sounds right.

[@direct278]

@@michaelrmurphy2734 ....what is your logic here? CAD is worth less than USD but it's not like you pay the same amount for goods. Like a hotdog would be US$4 but CA$5.50. Paying "more" is more bang for your buck?

[@MyFocusVaries]

​@@direct278it's a fact that a huge number of US shows shoot in Vancouver.

[@direct278]

@@MyFocusVaries No, I understand that. It's referred to as Hollywood North for a reason. It has very little to do with the value of the CAD, though.

[@Wankidy]

She is amazing

[@TheeGaryValentine]

Shogun is absolutely beautiful to watch and Anna is an absolute revelation. Bravo!

[@MariaBareiss]

What a delightful human! What a thoughtful gesture to make an eyeglass case for Stephen! ❤

[@christianmotos]

Stephen Colbert is the best Late Night Host right now. He definitely carries the tradition!

[@InspirationLabs-ff8vf]

So beautiful and charming. She deserves an emmy for her role

[@EdPalmatier]

She was amazing. Give her the Emmy now.

[@SunflowerFlowerEmpire]

Oh my gosh awww... A super thoughtful gift says so much about the person gifting and the person receiving. So touching.......

[@voltairegirl2953]

She MADE that eyeglass case for him with her own petite hands. I'm in awe of her. Besides being beautiful, she is clearly a very intelligent woman.

[@alexaales7937]

that show needs to win every available award for production design and set decoration, it was soooo beautifully done!

[@gryphon123456]

I love her. She’s such a smart person and amazing actress!❤

[@Vulcanerd]

Anna's lyric as Annie singing, "unzari da mou konna kurashi wa" is what it is melodically for the song, but literally, it translates closer to, "I'm tired of this life". I... I had to be /that/ person 😂

[@thend4427]

The Japanese language doesn't have crazy lingo like us lol

[@ryanshannon6963]

@@thend4427 The Japanese translation would probably be something literal like, "kibishii no-kku..." Typically with slang that doesn't have a direct meaning with the word it utilizes they'll just use the literal word itself with Japanese syllables. Fortunately, since their spoken language is based on syllables rather than spelling, it can easily adapt to the sounds most other languages have.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

Japanese to me is much a melodic language. Which is why I love Jpop!

[@MariaBareiss]

Hey, jackals are supposed to be over at Seth Meyers' show comments....

[@jimmygreer2140]

True. But I doubt that "hard-knock life" would've really been understood that well so I can see why they did change it up while remaining as faithful to the meaning as they could.

[@michaelpolec7216]

She's a keeper. ❤

[@Man_fay_the_Bru]

My god, I literally shed a tear when I realised she’s gone, great(&beautiful) actress

[@Illyria1217]

Her character literally made me cry.

[@SundraTanakoh]

Anna is just WOW WOW!!!

[@TheRealJayGatto]

Petite, and perfect, talented, and charming. So is Anna Sawai 🤗

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

Shohei Ohtani makes up for that! Not every Japanese man or woman is small.

[@CorePathway]

@@michaelrmurphy2734Just watch Tokyo Vice. Lotta tall men in that.

[@cuchelo1]

Give. This. Woman. All. The. Awards. NOW.

[@ritchielehare2673]

This show is truly brilliant, don't see how anything can compete with it come award season.

[@ac70998]

She is one of my most invested characters in the show. I was sad when her character died. Anna certainly did a fantastic job! I hope her work will soon be recognized! Great show. Highly recommended.

[@MyFocusVaries]

SPOILER alert

[@TheZackBriggs]

Han Solo dies and Kylo Ren cries

[@troymacdonald8257]

Awesome. ❤❤❤❤❤❤ Beautiful woman. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@gianlucaalessia5538]

She has been absolutely incredible on the show, her acting is captivating.

[@cubefarmerhkc9105]

Great actress. She really carries this show and she is breathtaking to look at