Anna Sawai revealed that when she was on Shōgun, her character was forced to have her legs bound by cloth, making it difficult for her to walk.

Anna Sawai's performance in Shōgun has brought her more than a little attention. Although she wasn't the main character, the way Lady Mariko became an integral part of the story made her shine from the confines of a supporting character. Her performance was convincing to say the least. Embodying the character in ways few thought possible, it's safe to say the audience was impressed.

When it comes to acting in a period setting, actors have to take some extreme measures to make sure everything is period appropriate. While these exercises can sometimes be fun, they can often be quite tiring and challenging. During an interview, Sawai revealed the one extreme measure she had to take to embrace the 17th century.

During an interview with The Standard, Anna Sawai talked about what was challenging for her to do while playing the role of Lady Mariko. In Shōgun, she is a highborn lady with grace like no other. This required the actress to constantly wear luxurious kosodes that were adorned with the most beautiful patterns and colors.