“Shōgun” Star Takehiro Hira & “Tokyo Vice” Producer Alex Boden on Japan’s Cinematic Power

Actor Takehiro Hira and producer Alex Boden reflect on filming “Shōgun,” “Tokyo Vice,” and more across Japan's castles, temples, mountain towns, and city streets, explaining why the country is quickly becoming a top destination for global productions.

From Feudal Japan to Tokyo’s Neon Underworld: “Shōgun” & “Tokyo Vice” Director Takeshi Fukunaga Unmasks Japan

Japan is enjoying a moment. Godzilla Minus One landed a Best Visual Effects Oscar and a record U.S. box office for a Japanese live-action film; Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron scored a Golden Globe for best-animated feature, while Shōgun (将軍) and Tokyo Vice have won fans and plaudits around the globe.

As the only local director on both those acclaimed series set in Japan,...