Rachel Kondo and Michaela Clavell on crafting Anna Sawai's character in 'Shogun': Mariko is not someone who will succumb to authority or meaninglessness

'Shogun', an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, has captivated audiences with its enthralling narrative six episodes have been released so far. At the heart of this epic tale lies the character of Mariko, portrayed by the talented Anna Sawai. ETimes sat down with Producers Rachel Kondo and Michaela Clavell, who also serve as integral members of the creative team behind Shogun, to delve into the intricacies of crafting Mariko's character and the dynamics that define her journey.

Set in 17th-century Japan, 'Shogun' offers a unique perspective on Japanese history, woven with political intrigue and powerful characters. We asked Rachel and Michaela about the show's unique perspective, particularly through its portrayal of strong female characters like Mariko.



Rachel Kondo shared insights into the significance of Mariko's character in the narrative, evolving from a subtle undercurrent to a formidable presence that resonates with viewers. She explains, "It feels like we were doing a lot to try to manage the swirling world of male-dominated politics and the intrigue and the betrayals and the intentions and the secret hearts of all these men. Amidst this backdrop, Mariko emerges as a standout character, embodying resilience and strength. We've sat with her and we've grown with her and that presence became stronger and it's hard to put into words, but she is that presence that you feel from the very beginning, even though you might not know it yet, you'll discover that it's her."

Michaela Clavell elaborated on Mariko's nuanced portrayal, acknowledging the challenges of portraying a strong female character within the confines of historical expectations. She elaborated, "Mariko's character is very nuanced and strong and of course, she had to play within the confines of the times when you were not encouraged to be outspoken. But, she was still a Samurai. It's the unspoken energy that comes through with Anna Sawai's performance. She has this fierceness and this relentless sort of energy that will not succumb to authority or the negativity that surrounds her.



Kondo chimed in agreement, "Absolutely! Mariko never wanted to succumb to meaninglessness. She's a very modern character."

Actor Anna Sawai shed light on her process of preparing for the role of Mariko, emphasizing the importance of research while infusing her character with a contemporary edge. Drawing from a myriad of influences, Sawai said in a statement, "Research was integral to portraying Mariko, but I also wanted to infuse her character with a contemporary sensibility. Collaborating closely with Rachel Kondo provided invaluable insights, drawing inspiration from various sources to shape Mariko's identity. She embodies the spirit of resilience and defiance, reflecting the collective strength of women who have paved the way for progress."

'Shogun', featuring a stellar cast including Tadanobu Asan, Hiroto Kanai, and Fumi Nikaido, has 3 more episodes to go until its final episode airs on April 23, 2024.