Takehiro Hira Honored with Trailblazer Award at Tokyo Film Festival

Takehiro Hira, the acclaimed Japanese actor known for his roles in FX’s historical epic Shogun and the film Rental Family, will receive The Hollywood Reporter’s prestigious Trailblazer Award at the upcoming 38th Tokyo International Film Festival. The award ceremony will take place during the “American Film Night” celebration at the Roppongi Hills Club on October 28, 2023, bringing together prominent executives, filmmakers, and stars from both the American and Japanese film industries.

This award marks Hira as only the second Japanese artist to receive this honor, following veteran actor Tadanobu Asano, who was recognized at last year’s festival. The Trailblazer Award is intended to honor individuals whose artistic contributions and career choices illuminate complex narratives and enhance representation in the global entertainment landscape. Previous recipients include notable figures such as Jean Smart, David Oyelowo, Eva Longoria, Matt Bomer, and America Ferrera.

Hira garnered international acclaim for his portrayal of the ambitious warlord Ishido Kazunari in Shogun, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His upcoming projects include the Japan-set drama Rental Family, which features Brendan Fraser and is directed by Hikari. The film received positive reviews during its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and will also be screened at the Tokyo event.

Expanding a Global Career

Recently, Hira completed filming for Lionsgate’s Karoshi, a film co-starring Cynthia Erivo, Teo Yoo, and Isabelle May. Last year, he appeared in Guy Maddin’s Rumours, alongside Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Hira has built an impressive career over the last two decades, seamlessly transitioning between projects in Hollywood, Europe, and Asia.

His earlier breakthrough came with the Netflix/BBC series Giri/Haji (2020), where he played detective Kenzo Mori, earning a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Lead Actor. Fans can look forward to his return as Hiroshi Randa in the second season of Apple TV+’s action series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

Hira’s extensive resume includes notable Japanese films such as Masato Harada’s Criminal on the Prosecutor’s Side, Takashi Miike’s Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, and Yasuo Mikami’s Bushido. His presence in large-scale Western productions includes Neill Blomkamp’s Gran Turismo, Robert Schwentke’s Snake Eyes, and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World.

The Tokyo International Film Festival, recognized as Japan’s largest annual film celebration, will commence in the upscale Ginza district next week. The award ceremony hosted by the MPA and The Hollywood Reporter is anticipated to be one of the festival’s premier cross-industry events. Following the award ceremony, the MPA will host its annual policy program on enhancing Japan’s production ecosystem on October 29, featuring guest speakers such as producers Schuyler Weiss (known for Elvis), Eriko Miyagawa (of Shogun), and Obb Siricharoenji (from Alien: Earth). The session will be moderated by Patrick Brzeski, Asia bureau chief at The Hollywood Reporter. Additionally, Schuyler Weiss will conduct a masterclass at TIFFCOM on October 31.