This story contains spoilers.
(Earlier in the day, she appeared onGood Morning Americain the same look.)
Except, she adds, definitely with sneakers, instead.
Photo: Dan Regan
I tell her that because this is aVogueinterview, we have to talk fashion and style a little bit.
Shogunspenultimate episode, Crimson Sky, which aired last week, is Sawais crowning achievement.
Suffice it to say that the internet is riveted by Sawais Emmy prospects.
Photo: Nick. Remsen
Here, the actress discusses the shows emotional resonanceand what she found out about herself while filming it.
Vogue: Anna, hi.
Thank you for meeting.
Photo: Courtesy of FX Networks
I know youve had a busy few days here.
Anna Sawai:Hi!
My pleasure, thank you for meeting withme.
Photo: Courtesy of FX Networks
Im jet lagged, but its been good.
Where did you fly in from?
Do you live in Tokyo?
Sawai with Cosmo Jarvis (as John Blackthorne) in Episode 9, “Crimson Sky.”
Right now, I am back and forth a lot between Japan and the States.
Speaking of things that could be tiring:Shogunis intricate and dense and grand.
Im looking at Episode 9 in particular.
Sawai with Fumi Mikado (as Ochiba no Kata) in Episode 9, “Crimson Sky.”
What was the hardest scene or part to shoot?
Or was it more of an internal challenge, regardless of all the moving parts around you?
Strangely, Episode 9 wasnt too bad.
Honestly, I felt lost as an actor playing those scenes.
Mariko is supposed to conceal a lot, yet at the same time I was struggling with how toexpress.
I didnt know which angle I should approach it from.
Rachel Kondo, one of the shows creators, helped me out a lot during those days.
For a long time, Mariko isnt allowed to outwardly express much of anything.
That is, until Episode 9.
As an actor, did this episode provide you with your most rewarding scenes?
I think a lot of the scenes in Episode 9 were very rewarding.
I just felt so liberated because, until then, I had to repress everything.
We loved the chemistry you had with Cosmo Jarvis, who plays Blackthorne.
Tell me more about thatwhat was it like working together?
Its not like we hung out all the timeit wasnt that kind of show.
But because of that, we relied on the time we were spending in character together.
It felt organic, honestly.
And I really admired, and still admire, how dedicated he was to his role.
Id never seen anyone be so invested.
I mean, all actors are invested, but he was on another level.
Are Mariko and Blackthorne actually in love?
I dont know if I should call it love.
Its a respect and care for one another, but its not lovey-dovey and touchy.
Theres such a… magnetism.
And a clear admiration.
Hes accepting whats happening and saying, I will take you over myself.
And that was like… ah, sorry, now were talking about the character!
We were talking about Cosmo!
And were keeping in touch via email, which I love.
Sawai with Cosmo Jarvis (as John Blackthorne) in Episode 9, Crimson Sky.
Theres a little bit more grace in email.
What was the most interesting or valuable feedback you received along the way?
During production or these days, now that its airing?
I dont know if I ever felt like I was doing enough, but that might be my personality.
Im always very self-critical.
And I have really bad impostor syndrome.
Ugh, Im sorry.
I never believed in what people were saying in terms of positive feedback.
I was always skeptical.
And in a way I think it helped, because it permitted me to keep trying harder.
I want to focus on what I need to work on.
What about fan feedback?
Do you answer DMs?
Do people stop you on the street?
People have not stopped me on the street!
Thats going to start.
I kind of think this is still just the beginning forShogun.
Its popular, but I think more people are going to watch.
Theres also awards buzz… Its so strange to think about.
I love the dynamic you have with Fumi Nikaido, who plays Lady Ochiba.
She is a close childhood friend turned, somewhat unintentionally, into an enemy.
Tell me a little bit about working with her.
The time I did spend with Fumi, I really enjoyed.
We only had a couple scenes together, really.
In our final scene in Episode 9, I could just feel how we both missed each other.
Sawai with Fumi Mikado (as Ochiba no Kata) in Episode 9, Crimson Sky.
OK, lets pivot.
Lets talk more fashion.
You said you like sweatpants?
Im usually in them!
I love their sets.
Im going to wear a set on my flight to LA.
When you do have to dress up, whats your go-to aesthetic?
I like to go chic.
I dont want to be too ladylike, like cutesy or sexy.
I like to balance it out.
Do you have a favorite red carpet moment thus far?
I really likedwhat I wore at theF9premiere.It was a very vibrant Brandon Maxwell look.
I felt like it looked very casual, but then on the day of, they styled it amazingly.
I feel like it really made me look like I had long legs, and I dont.
How do you wind down?
If I am not busy, I go to yoga probably every other day or every single day.
Do you go to regular yoga or hot yoga?
Normal yoga is a little too peaceful.
Oh, wait, I want to mention one more fashion thing.
I love Stella McCartney, because she uses vegan material.
I bought her black shoulder bag with the silver chain.
This bag can be worn anywhere.
In closing, I want to ask: Does anything about Mariko echo within you?
Do you see yourself in her?
Im usually a happy person.
I like being friendly and Im usually smiling.
That part was quite different.
I think that what shes feelingand how shes not allowed to express certain thingsresonated in some ways.
And I didnt know how to talk to him anymore.
Where do you go from there?
He doesnt want to hear what I have to say.
What do you feel youll take away fromShogunon a personal level?
What impact did it have?
But its worth it because, hopefully, its going to be something groundbreaking.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
TheShogunfinale airs on Tuesday, April 23 on Hulu.
