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Major spoilers follow forShoguns eighth episode, The Abyss of Life.
Death isnt uncommon onShogun.
Any character can die at any time.
Youve had such a long and varied career.
We have this shorthand between us, dont we?
We understand each other the way nobody else in the room understands us.
Everything was expressed not through words but just by looking at each other.
It all comes down to this.
This is the moment.
Everyone was very excited indeed.
I saw everybody and I thought,I guess I did well.
It really helped the emotions inside of me swell up.
I was completely in the zone as we were shooting that scene.
It was basically the first cut.
I cried watching it too.
We had to be very measured in that way.
It was written differently.
That was actually my idea to do the seppuku scene with just myself.
I remember talking about that from the very first instance that I received the script.
And it also is a very good display of what I was talking about, about what Bushido is.
You will do anything for your lord and for your purpose.
Hiromatsus two primary relationships are with Toranaga and his granddaughter Fuji.
These characters have such tenderness and love for each other.
She has this presence that makes you want to just go and hug her.
I was able to portray Hiromatsu as a doting grandfather who was very loving.
This is my most cherished granddaughter, he says in one instance.
Shes like a tiny little bird that brings out your protective instincts.
Its like I wanted to guard her and protect her as a character.
She played it very well in that way.
Hiromatsu bringing Fuji her husbands and sons remains also really got me.
And I remember encouraging her and saying, Dont worry about it, dont worry about it.
you could make mistakes in delivering your dialogue.
Just do it in whatever way comes to you.
Just do it in the way that you want to.
And as we wrapped that scene, she was crying.
She was asking me, How did I do?
Did you think of Hiromatsu as funny?
Do you enjoy working in comedy?Its fun to be funny.
I love to be funny.
And Sanada-san, Hiro, also loves comedy.
I like doing that kind of thing.
He really left it to my devices as to how I wanted to approach the character.
He said, Hiromatsu, so today is the day, isnt it?
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
