Anna Sawai on Shōgun, Wearing a Kimono & the Biggest Culture Shock Coming to America

TL;DR

Anna Saai discusses her role in Shogun and cultural experiences.

Transcript

next guest was born in New Zealand raised in Japan and is getting rave reviews for her performance in Shogun he asks you to choose a post but he's going to shoot it the left or the right post oh man can't even see Str please choose right you should move Mar move Mar you can see new episodes of Shogun Tuesdays on Hulu please welcome Anna saai how ar... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Anna Saai's role in Shogun required her to adapt to historical language and cultural nuances, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
• 😩 The discomfort associated with wearing traditional garments like kimonos adds another layer of complexity and authenticity to her performance in Shogun.
• 🙅‍♀️ The cultural practice of women going to the restroom together highlights unique social norms that differ from Western societies, adding humor and insight into Anna's experiences.
• 💻 Anna's experiences in multiple countries have shaped her worldview and contribute to her ability to portray diverse characters on screen.
• 😋 The conversation illustrates the stark contrast in food portion sizes between Japan and the U.S., often surprising those experiencing it for the first time.
• 🥶 The old miniseries Shogun serves as a cultural touchstone, indicating the lasting impact such narratives have had on contemporary adaptations and viewer expectations.
• ❓ Anna's approach to mastering her role reflects dedication to her craft, evident through her practice and immersion into the historical character.

Questions & Answers

Q: What preparations did Anna Saai undergo for her role in Shogun?

Anna Saai had to prepare extensively for her role in Shogun, particularly in mastering the use of period Japanese. This involved learning to speak in an older, more formal dialect which required adjustments to her fluent modern Japanese. She had to familiarize herself with the nuances of the script, ensuring that her portrayal was authentic to the time period.

Q: How did Anna balance the physical challenges of acting in a kimono?

Anna discussed the considerable discomfort of wearing a kimono, which consists of multiple layers and a restrictive obi belt. The challenge in her performance included practicing how to move gracefully while maintaining a proper stance that reflects historical authenticity. She had to adapt her walking style and manage her sword fighting movements within the limitations of the garment.

Q: What cultural differences did Anna notice moving from Japan to the U.S.?

Anna noted the significant cultural shock she experienced regarding food portion sizes in the U.S., which are generally much larger than those in Japan. She expressed surprise at how the proportions could easily last an entire week for her. This difference not only reflects dietary habits but also the overall culture surrounding meals in both countries.

Q: How did Anna's upbringing in different countries influence her career?

Growing up in various countries, including New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, provided Anna with diverse cultural insights and perspectives which greatly influenced her acting career. Her multicultural background allows her to relate to different characters and narratives more deeply, enriching her performances and enabling her to navigate various artistic expressions seamlessly.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Anna Saai, a New Zealand-born actress raised in Japan, shares insights on her role in Shogun, including challenges of performing in period Japanese.

• The discussion highlights her experiences with cultural differences, particularly the size of food portions in the U.S. compared to Japan.

• Saai elaborates on the discomfort of wearing a kimono and the complexities of sword fighting while dressed traditionally, enhancing her performance.