‘Shōgun’ co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo on their 25 Emmy nominations: ‘It’s surreal’

by

As someone who grew up watching martial arts videos and dreaming of bringing those stories to life on screen, I never imagined that one day I would be here, celebrating the success of “Shōgun,” a show that not only features a martial arts video game adaptation but also highlights the rich culture and history of Japan. It’s surreal and humbling to see the audience’s response to our work.

For “Shōgun” creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, Emmy nominations morning started quite early.

During a video call from Hawaii on Wednesday, Marks expressed, “Five o’clock in the morning here is when we’re being woken up by roosters. It’s really early and annoying.”

The historical drama on FX with a Japanese theme received the most nominations, a total of 25. This included recognition for the series itself, as well as acting nods for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai in leading roles, and Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira in supporting roles. These nominations significantly increased the number of acknowledgments for FX, bringing their total to an impressive 93.

On Wednesdays for Kondo and Marks, their mornings were filled with numerous emotional moments through video calls, text messages, and phone conversations with their international team members. Yet, despite the tears and digital communication, it still felt like an ordinary day.

“Our girls woke up and wanted breakfast,” said Marks.

“Kondo stated, ‘The cats were craving for food. Same goes for the dogs. Everyone seems to be in need of a meal at the moment.’ “

In the captivating world of feudal Japan, I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself in “Shōgun,” a story that revolves around three intriguing characters: Lord Ishii Toranaga (Sanada), the enigmatic Japanese ruler; John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), an English prisoner stranded in this exotic land; and vassal Toda Mariko (Sawaii). This engrossing series, set against the backdrop of John Clavell’s 1975 novel, left me eagerly anticipating more as it was recently renewed for additional seasons in May.

In this talk, edited for brevity and clarity, Kondo and Marks went over Shōgun’s appointments, plans for Season 2, and other related topics.

Congratulations. 25 nominations is massive. How are you feeling?

Justin Marks: There were plenty of tears shed here at around 5 am, Hawaii time. Reaching this day was a lengthy process, and the journey is far from over since we need to get to the writers’ room in a short amount of time. We are incredibly proud of our talented cast and crew who brought this show to life. Initially, it seemed unlikely for such an intricate production without dragons or any fantasy elements.

Rachel Kondo: Unfamiliar faces.

I can’t help but feel a deep sense of fulfillment when I recall the long, wet nights we spent in Vancouver, huddled together against the cold and mud, working tirelessly to bring a show to life. The sea of faces in the crowd, each one contributing their unique skills and dedication, is what made it all worthwhile. It’s truly gratifying to see how everyone’s efforts have been recognized and appreciated now. My own experiences of struggle and perseverance are echoed in their stories. We were a team, bound by our shared passion for creating something magical, and the recognition we’re receiving today is a testament to the power of determination and unity.

Kondo: It’s rewarding to see the large number of nominations we’ve received. With 25 nominations, it showcases the involvement and hard work of many people behind the scenes. This isn’t just about us; it’s a reflection of our collective effort. I wish we could all be in one room celebrating together, but that’s not possible right now. Instead, I see this as a proof of what can be achieved when everyone strives for excellence. It’s heartening to know that our combined efforts have led to something extraordinary and unprecedented.

I find it truly exciting that most of the 25 nominees for this recognition have not received accolades before. While there are certainly some veterans in the group who have been nominated multiple times throughout their careers, the majority of these individuals represent fresh talent and new achievements. Their unique contributions and dedication to their respective fields make this a particularly special occasion. It’s inspiring to witness the diverse experiences and journeys that led them to this moment.

Kondo: For a lot of us this is our first job in the business. It’s so wild.

As a former novice with my initial credit being a martial arts video game version, I never imagined I’d reach this point. The feeling is quite unreal for me.

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that “Shōgun” isn’t an effortless watch. The production process was undoubtedly challenging, but so was the experience for viewers. The subtitles, the complex themes, and the unfamiliar culture and history made for a steep learning curve. It’s been intriguing to observe the audience’s reactions as they navigate this captivating journey.

Kondo expressed her gratitude to viewers for fully engaging with the show, going beyond just being spectators. This collective effort transcends individual experiences, creating a shared celebration of our ability to come together and be part of something greater.

As someone who has spent a significant portion of my life immersed in literature, I wholeheartedly agree with Marks’ perspective. A good story transcends language and cultural boundaries, touching the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. James Clavell’s works are a testament to this timeless truth.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in “Shōgun.”
(Katie Yu / FX)

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say: “Working on the show was a collaborative experience for us all, but your individual writing efforts on ‘Anjin’ and especially ‘Crimson Sky’ were recognized with nominations. These episodes truly left me in awe.”

As someone who has worked in the entertainment industry for many years, I can truly appreciate the emotional depth of Caillin Puente and Rachel’s recognition on that recent episode of “Crimson Sky.” Seeing my former assistant, who once worked tirelessly under my guidance, now sharing credit with my wife for their collective efforts, brought tears to my eyes this morning.

As a cinematic enthusiast, I can tell you this: When we watched Kondo on our screens during our FaceTime call, we were left speechless. For a full two minutes, we simply held our jaws in awe, unable to find the right words to express what we felt. It was an extraordinary moment of silence and amazement.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m thrilled we’re reunited in the writers room for Season 2, with all the talented individuals whose brilliance brought Season 1 to life and earned us that well-deserved nomination. Today’s agenda promises much celebration. Yet, what excites me most is our collective return to crafting compelling stories. With numerous note cards adorning the walls, we’re poised for another extraordinary journey.

Kondo: I look forward to possibly a mimosa. Just one.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to acknowledge that we have numerous intriguing queries left unanswered from yesterday’s story session. Therefore, let’s focus and tackle these questions head-on today. The writers room felt like a long-lost dream five years ago during the first season, and now we’re reunited. With the immense responsibility and acclaim that comes with this show, it’s crucial not to overlook the pivotal role of us writers. I believe that all writing awards should be cherished collectively since every member contributes to the creation of this magnificent production. I eagerly anticipate seeing everyone again so we can celebrate our collective achievements.

As a devoted fan of the show who was initially hooked by the storyline in Season 1 that closely followed the events of the original novel, I must admit that my interest was piqued when I began to notice subtle yet significant differences between the screen adaptation and the source material in subsequent seasons.

Kondo: There are items we couldn’t cover in our first season, but we continue to ponder over them and remain intrigued. It’s enjoyable to explore the possibility of continuing with these topics.

As a cinephile, I’ve given this much thought. The show may not mirror today’s reality, taking place in 1600 with a distinctly different culture from American society. Yet, characters like Mariko and Toranaga resonate deeply. They embody ideals we long for in the world. Why should we cease sharing these tales when the world is as it is? It’s a welcome escape to realms where people uphold values and principles unwaveringly, even giving their lives for them. These characters truly believe in what they stand for.

In Kondo’s perspective, it’s all about belief. Surrounding yourself with people who deeply and fervently hold onto their convictions is a truly meaningful experience for her. These characters embody belief in its most profound form.

Fumi Mikado as Ochiba no Kata, left, and Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko in “Shōgun.”
(Katie Yu / FX)

I’m reminded of the captivating “Crimson Sky” episode in Shōgun, a series that beautifully unfolds the tale of Mariko. Yet, as we reach the end of her narrative, I can’t help but wonder: what lies ahead once her story has come to an end?

As someone who has been following this show for a long time, I firmly believe that the impact of the characters’ decisions and the underlying themes of their lives extend far beyond the surface. The ripple effects and echoes of these elements have shaped the narrative in ways that continue to surprise and delight audiences, and I’m excited for the fresh ideas that are yet to emerge.

Any additional thoughts?

I can’t express enough how thrilling it is for Hiro Sanada and Anna to be honored in the leading categories! It’s not just because they’re new additions to the awards circuit, but their recognition comes after decades of dedication and hard work. For Hiro, this moment has been a long time coming; he started his acting journey when he was only 7 years old as a child actor. I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed and been a part of this significant milestone in his extraordinary career. His unwavering commitment and passion for his craft truly deserve this recognition.

As a supporter who has gone through similar experiences of seeing underrepresented individuals on screen, I can deeply relate to Kondo’s sentiment. Growing up, I never saw anyone like Anna represented in media, and the realization that she is now being acknowledged for her accomplishments fills me with immense pride. For those of us who have been given limited perspectives during our formative years, seeing someone surpass expectations can be a profound experience. As a parent myself, it’s crucial to me that my daughters witness Anna’s success and understand the potential they hold within themselves. This recognition holds significant meaning for all of us who have longed for representation and inspiration.

Read More

2024-07-18 20:18