Japan Celebrates Record-Setting Emmy Wins for 'Shogun'

Japan celebrates as the samurai series 'Shogun' wins a record 18 Emmys, including Best Drama Series. Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai make history as the first Japanese to win Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Dramatic Series. The wins mark a milestone in Japanese representation in Hollywood.

Japan erupted with joy Monday as the samurai series 'Shogun' won a record-breaking 18 Emmys for its inaugural season. The victories included the coveted Outstanding Drama Series award.

Star and co-producer Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actor to clinch the Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series. His co-star, Anna Sawai, also made history by winning Best Actress in the same category.

'You did it. You did it. Congratulations,' Takashi Yamazaki, director of 'Godzilla Minus One,' wrote on social media as news of the awards spread, making national headlines.

Oricon reported that a show predominantly in Japanese 'made Emmy history.' The report highlighted the collaboration between the Japanese team led by Sanada and the local production team, which combined Hollywood scale with high-quality production values.

Actor Kento Kaku, inspired by the wins, expressed his aspiration to pursue Hollywood opportunities after seeing 'how cool' the achievements were.

Actress Tomoko Mariya broke into tears at Sanada's victory, acknowledging the hardships he faced relocating to America two decades ago.

The accolades for 'Shogun' not only reflect growing diversity in American entertainment but also celebrate the legacy of Japan's jidaigeki samurai films.

(With inputs from agencies.)