“Shogun” is the king of the Emmys this year.

The FX epic series, which portrays the power struggles among 17th-century Japanese feudal lords and the adventures of a shipwrecked English sailor, triumphed at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, securing three awards. Notably, Anna Sawai took home the award for best actress and Hiroyuki Sanada for best actor — marking a historic victory as the first Japanese actors to win these Emmys, along with the award for best drama.

Adapted from James Clavell’s esteemed 1976 novel, “Shogun” entered the Emmys as a strong contender. The series, which is FX’s most expensive and ambitious project to date, received the highest number of nominations at 25, including best drama series, and first-time nominations for both producer and stars Sanada and Sawai, alongside companions Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira. Previously, the limited series had already achieved remarkable success at the Creative Arts Emmys on September 8, winning 14 awards, setting a record for a drama in a single season.

But what exactly is “Shogun,” and who are its leading stars? Let’s take a closer look:

What is ‘Shogun’? Haven’t we seen it before on television?

“Shogun” first entered the television scene as a historic miniseries in 1980, which was also adapted from Clavell’s novel, featuring Richard Chamberlain as English sailor John Blackthorne and the legendary Japanese actor Toshirô Mifune as Lord Toranaga. This miniseries became a cultural phenomenon, launching Chamberlain to international fame and sparking American interest in Japanese culture, contributing to the widespread popularity of sushi and related dining experiences.

The FX version emphasizes a more Japanese-centric perspective, focusing on the struggles of Lord Toranaga (Sanada) as he combats jealous rivals. Mariko (Sawai), a loyal noblewoman with Christian roots, serves as a bridge between the shipwrecked sailor Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and Toranaga’s ambitions.

Produced by the husband-wife duo of executive producers Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, this new series relies heavily on meticulously translated English subtitles from Japanese dialogues, showcasing an ensemble cast primarily made up of Japanese actors. This includes rivals like the charming yet duplicitous Lord Kashigi Yabushige (Asano) and the formidable Ishido Kazunari (Hira), who leads the influential Council of Regents.

Known for its stunning visuals and outstanding performances, “Shogun” has received critical acclaim with a staggering 99 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it FX’s most viewed series ever. As of May, FX is in the process of developing Seasons 2 and 3 of “Shogun,” although release dates have yet to be announced.

Who is ‘Shogun’ star Anna Sawai?

If you haven’t heard of 32-year-old Anna Sawai, a talented actress from Japan raised in New Zealand, it’s time to catch up.

Previously a member of the J-pop girl group Faky, Sawai made a splash with an exciting role as Elle Lue in the 2021 film “F9.” She has since landed significant television roles, including the character Cate Randa, a former science teacher who battles Godzilla, in Apple TV+’s “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” and Naomi, a Harvard graduate working in Japan, in the acclaimed and multi-generational series “Pachinko.”

Due to the fate of her character Toda Marika in the first season, Sawai’s role in possible future seasons of “Shogun” may be limited. Currently, fans can see her in “Pachinko” Season 2 (streaming now on Apple TV+), where her character’s relationship with colleague Solomon (played by Jin Ha) is becoming increasingly complex.

Where have we seen Hiroyuki Sanada before?

The 63-year-old Tokyo native, Hiroyuki Sanada, gained fame in the U.S. after starring in the Japanese horror film “Ring” in 1998. He acted as Ujio alongside Tom Cruise in “The Last Samurai” (2003) and appeared as Kenji in “Rush Hour 3” (2007). Sanada eventually relocated to the U.S. to further his career and is well-known for his role as the ninja Scorpion in the 2021 film “Mortal Kombat,” a high-ranking yakuza member in Brad Pitt’s action comedy “Bullet Train” (2022), and as Koji Shimazu, the Osaka branch manager of assassins in “John Wick: Chapter 4.”

In addition to his acting, Sanada has taken on the role of producer for “Shogun,” applying his extensive knowledge to enhance the show, overseeing everything from battle sequences to costume designs.

“I felt the weight of the responsibility that came with being a producer,” Sanada told YSL News. “But beyond that, I felt joy.”

Two warlords now battle for Emmys

In a fascinating development, two prominent “Shogun” warlords, portrayed by acclaimed Japanese actors Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira, are competing for the same best supporting actor Emmy award.

Before stepping into the treacherous role of Yabushige in “Shogun,” the 50-year-old Tadanobu Asano was best recognized by American audiences for his portrayal of Hogun, the warrior in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and as Raiden in the 2021 film “Mortal Kombat.”

Takehiro Hira’s role as Kazunari, a former peasant turned powerful ruler, marks his significant debut in the American scene. The 50-year-old Brown University graduate previously played the villain Kenta in the 2021 film “Snake Eyes” and will take on the role of Prime Minister Ozaki in the forthcoming Marvel film “Captain America: Brave New World.”