The Hollywood Reporter Honors Tadanobu Asano With Trailblazer Award at Tokyo Gala

The Hollywood Reporter Japan hosted a glamorous gala at Tokyo’s Peninsula Hotel during the Tokyo International Film Festival to honor Tadanobu Asano, star of FX’s Shogun. Asano is the first Japanese recipient of THR’s Trailblazer Award, which celebrates artists who spotlight traditionally marginalized characters.

Asano’s career has spanned from Hirokazu Koreeda’s Maborosi to Marvel films, culminating in his role as Kashigi Yabushige in Shogun, which set a record at the 2024 Emmys with 18 awards. Shogun co-stars, industry leaders, and Japanese celebrities joined the celebration, including J-pop star Mary J. and sumo icon Konishiki. Aston Martin added luxury with sports cars on display.

Asano took the stage with gratitude, humorously referencing his Emmy loss, and received video tributes from stars like Liam Neeson and Casey Affleck. He expressed his admiration for Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada and shared his excitement for future challenges, hoping Shogun would open new opportunities.

“I am truly happy to receive the Trailblazer Award. To trail blaze is to open up new ground; it felt as if Shogun opened new ground and I hope it will lead to new challenges for me,” Asano had told THR  before the ceremony.

Read more:

• Shogun’ Star Tadanobu Asano to Receive The Hollywood Reporter Japan’s Trailblazer Award at Tokyo International Film Festival
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