Shogun: Future Seasons Could Film in Japan? What to Know

The acclaimed historical drama ‘Shogun’ captivated audiences with its immersive portrayal of feudal Japan. While the series masterfully transported viewers to a bygone era, its initial season was notably filmed in Canada rather than its authentic Japanese setting. However, there’s a growing possibility that future seasons of ‘Shogun’ could eventually film in Japan, provided the nation addresses crucial gaps in its filmmaking infrastructure and incentive programs. This potential homecoming presents both significant challenges and immense opportunities for Japan’s burgeoning film industry.

The Road Not Taken: Why ‘Shogun’ Season 1 Filmed Abroad

Despite a strong desire to film in Japan, the production of ‘Shogun’ Season 1 ultimately had to relocate to Vancouver, Canada. Emmy-winning producer Miyagawa Eriko explained that the initial aspiration was to shoot in Japan, but several factors made it unfeasible. A primary hurdle was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo from scouting locations in Japan.

Beyond pandemic-related travel restrictions, the sheer scale of ‘Shogun’ demanded extensive infrastructure that Japan, at the time, couldn’t readily provide. The series required significant soundstage space, expansive backlots, and suitable locations to construct intricate period sets, such as fishing villages and castle walls. Vancouver offered an undeniable appeal with its established infrastructure, diverse housing options, and large studios conveniently located within a short drive, effectively supporting the production’s needs.

Japan’s Production Landscape: Hurdles to Overcome

For Japan to attract large-scale international productions like ‘Shogun’ in the future, several critical areas require urgent attention, as highlighted by industry experts including Miyagawa Eriko at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Navigating Incentive Programs and Funding Gaps

Japan has introduced film incentives, generating international interest. However, significant implementation problems persist. Kusunoki Junko, president of Film Solutions Co. and a production consultant for HBO’s ‘Tokyo Vice’, pointed out the uncertainty surrounding grant approval timing. Productions must commit resources to hire staff and develop budgets to apply, risking substantial losses if their application is not selected. This “chicken-and-egg dilemma” can deter projects, leading them to seek locations like Thailand or to be canceled altogether.

Compounding this issue is an annual deadline crunch. Productions often need to finish by the end of January to align with the fiscal year, effectively limiting the active production window to about six months. This compressed timeline can compromise the quality of filmmaking, as proper pre-production is essential.

The Need for Scaled Infrastructure

A major challenge for a show of ‘Shogun’s’ magnitude is the requirement for vast amounts of space. Miyagawa emphasized the need for massive soundstages and diverse nearby locations. Kusunoki reinforced this, noting that sound stages in Japan are generally small, with even the largest Toho studio being considered very modest by Hollywood standards.

The experience of other Asian production hubs serves as a cautionary tale. Apinat Obb Siricharoenjit, a unit production manager on ‘Alien: Earth’, shared how Thailand’s industry was unprepared when his production needed 13 soundstages across Bangkok and had to import 800 sky panels—more than double Thailand’s entire inventory—from New Zealand. This revealed a stark realization that even a burgeoning industry might not be fully ready for the demands of major international projects.

Addressing Workforce and Talent Drain

Another pressing issue in Japan is the challenge of retaining and attracting talent to the local film industry. Low wages and demanding working conditions, including long 18-hour days without overtime, make film work unattractive to young professionals. This drives talented individuals away from the market. Siricharoenjit echoed this, noting that despite having many Thai names in Marvel movie credits, a lack of jobs at home forces them to work internationally.

A Vision for the Future: Cultivating a Global Production Hub

Despite the current hurdles, industry experts see a clear path for Japan to evolve into a major international filming destination, potentially paving the way for ‘Shogun’s’ return.

Learning from Regional and Global Models

The success of New Zealand, which transformed Wellington into a global film center on the back of Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, serves as an inspiring example of what a massive injection of international production can achieve for a local industry. Schuyler Weiss, an Australian producer, highlighted how international productions pay local crews well, allowing them to fund smaller, independent projects domestically.

Thailand is also actively developing both local production and post-production incentives to retain its talent and bring skilled workers back home. These regional efforts demonstrate a commitment to building sustainable film ecosystems.

Fostering Collaboration and Local Expertise

There is a growing openness from Hollywood to collaborate more closely with Japanese crews when filming in Japan, as observed by Miyagawa. ‘Tokyo Vice’ stands out as a successful model, where location managers who worked on the show later joined the American Location Managers Association, showcasing the tangible benefits of international cooperation.

Kusunoki advocated for more Japanese content created in partnership with international partners, praising ‘Shogun’ as a prime example of “clearly Japanese content” that transcends traditional Japanese filmmaking while remaining authentic to its roots. She emphasized the importance of Japan participating within the global film community as an island nation presenting its unique stories. Producers also envision more cross-border collaborations within the Asia-Pacific region, akin to Europe’s multi-country co-productions, to share resources and talent.

Conclusion

The prospect of future ‘Shogun’ seasons filming in Japan represents a compelling opportunity for the nation to showcase its rich cultural heritage while bolstering its film industry. While the initial production faced understandable challenges related to the pandemic and existing infrastructure, the conversation among producers and industry leaders indicates a clear roadmap. By streamlining incentive programs, investing in larger-scale facilities, and addressing labor practices to attract and retain talent, Japan can position itself as a premier destination for international productions. The potential return of ‘Shogun’ to its authentic homeland would not only be a symbolic victory but also a significant step towards cultivating a thriving and globally integrated Japanese film industry.