‘Shogun’ Producer Talks Creating Epic TV
The excitement and nerves were palpable in the Washington, D.C. hotel room where the “Shogun” team gathered last February, eagerly awaiting the global release of their labor of love. Producer Miyagawa Eriko, reflecting on the momentous occasion, likened it to sending a child off to college – a mix of pride, terror, and love. Her journey had come full circle, returning to the city where her “international adventure began” at Georgetown University in 2002. Now, twenty-two years later, she was back to present a Japanese period drama born out of genuine cross-cultural collaboration.
The significance of the event was not lost on Miyagawa, as a deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Japan shared how the original 1980 “Shogun” miniseries had served as an unexpected diplomatic tool during his teenage years in the U.S. Americans were captivated by the stories from a faraway land with unfamiliar customs, sparking a fascination with Japanese culture. This anecdote resonated with Miyagawa’s own childhood experiences of forging connections across cultures, highlighting the power of storytelling to transcend language barriers.
Miyagawa’s career trajectory has been a masterclass in bridging Hollywood and Japanese cinema, starting with her role as a translator on the set of “Kill Bill: Vol. 1.” The international collaboration on set left a lasting impression on her, setting the stage for her future endeavors. Working on Martin Scorsese’s “Silence” further shaped her approach to storytelling, emphasizing the importance of humility, curiosity, and openness in the creative process.
Joining FX’s “Shogun” after the success of “Silence” proved to be a serendipitous move, as the series found enthusiastic supporters in FX leadership who were willing to take a gamble on a subtitled Japanese period drama. The changing landscape of global streaming and audience preferences for diverse and authentic storytelling created the perfect environment for “Shogun” to make its mark.
The production of “Shogun” was a true cultural exchange, with every detail meticulously discussed and crafted to ensure authenticity. The diverse crew from around the world not only worked together but shared meals and experiences, embodying the spirit of cultural collaboration. For Miyagawa, the process of translation, both linguistic and cultural, has been a common thread throughout her career, enriching her creative endeavors and fostering a deeper understanding between different worlds.
As “Shogun” continues to captivate audiences, Miyagawa remains open to the possibility of filming future seasons in Japan, the setting of the series. Her parting words serve as a rallying cry for storytellers everywhere to continue creating narratives that transcend boundaries and unite audiences from all corners of the globe. Let us keep making the kinds of stories that no single culture could imagine alone, she urges, embracing curiosity, empathy, and courage as the driving forces behind epic storytelling.
