Shōgun

Portrayed by Hiroyuki Sanada, Yoshii Toranaga is a powerful bushō from a feared lineage and lord of the expansive Kanto Region. He is isolated and outnumbered by his enemies in Osaka Castle when the story begins. But little does anyone realize that Toranaga is a brilliant strategist and a master of the long game.

Career Highlights

Hiroyuki Sanada is an international star, award-winning actor and one of Japan’s most distinguished and celebrated actors of his generation. He has starred in more than 50 films and earned (the equivalent of) a Japanese Academy Award® for his role in The Twilight Samurai. The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.Sanada’s stardom continues to rise. He can be seen in the Sony Pictures’ action feature Bullet Train opposite Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock, directed by David Leitch. Sanada also stars in the popular action franchise John Wick: Chapter 4.In 2021, Sanada appeared in Zack Snyder's highly anticipated film Army of the Dead for Netflix, playing the casino boss “Bly Tanaka.” He also appeared in the James Wan-produced fantasy-action film Mortal Kombat for Warner Bros., playing the part of “Scorpion,” the most iconic role in the franchise. Both films were incredibly successful and have since announced sequels. Sanada appeared in MGM’s Minamata opposite Bill Nighy and Johnny Depp, directed by Andrew Levitas.Sanada’s first major Hollywood appearance was in The Last Samurai opposite Tom Cruise. He later appeared in such blockbuster films as The Wolverine, 47 Ronin and Avengers: Endgame. Sanada’s career is just as impressive on the small screen, having appeared in dozens of shows, including the critically acclaimed series Lost for its sixth and final season as well as Westworld in season two.He is also an established stage actor, working in both Japanese and British plays and theater. His role as “The Fool” in Shakespeare’s King Lear gave him notable theatrical praise and awarded him an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for being the first Japanese actor to perform with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).Sanada’s career in film, television and theater has spanned more than 50 years, and he has garnered the attention of both American and foreign audiences alike. His unique ability to embody the roles he takes on has made him one of Hollywood’s most respected and sought-after Asian-American actors working today.

Get the latest news and exclusives from FX including show premieres and more.

A powerful bushō from a feared lineage, Toranaga is lord of the expansive Kanto Region. 

Lord Toranaga in full busho armor in FX's Shogun

Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga | FX's Shōgun

Shōgun

Career Highlights

Cosmo Jarvis
as John Blackthorne

Anna Sawai
as Toda Mariko

Tadanobu Asano
as Kashigi Yabushige

Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga | FX's Shōgun

Shōgun

Cosmo Jarvisas John Blackthorne

Anna Sawaias Toda Mariko

Tadanobu Asanoas Kashigi Yabushige

Cosmo Jarvis
as John Blackthorne

Anna Sawai
as Toda Mariko

Tadanobu Asano
as Kashigi Yabushige