Lyrical Muse

Japanese singer, actor and model Ren Meguro joins the cast for season two of FX’s Shōgun.

The multi-Emmy Award-winning series has roped in Meguro – a J-pop star who also boasts a blossoming acting career – on its next chapter.

A member of nine-piece boy band Snow Man, Meguro’s acting credits include lead roles in films like As Long as We Both Shall Live and Trillion Game: The Movie and TV credits including Silent and Soar High!. He is also set to appear in  Hodonaku, Owakare desu and the live-action adaptation of the manga Sakamoto Days.

Set to essay the role of Kazutada in Shōgun, Meguro said : “I am incredibly honored to join the cast of Shōgun season two,” Meguro said in a statement. “When I streamed Shōgun on Disney+ last year, I was profoundly moved by the series’ unique and grand portrayal of Japan, which felt different from past portrayals. As a Japanese person, I felt a compelling urge to be part of this groundbreaking production. I started learning more about the production team, exploring Hiroyuki Sanada’s vision and his long-standing dedication, and reading various articles about Shōgun.

“This year, the opportunity to audition came my way. I submitted my footage and participated in auditions. Now, my dream has become a reality, and it truly felt like a dream come true. For the past year, I have constantly envisioned myself on the set of Shōgun, bringing my character to life. I am committed to honoring the legacy that so many have built before me and to carefully shaping the role entrusted to me in this remarkable series. I can’t wait for everyone to see the release of Shōgun season two and to share in this incredible journey with us. Thank you and please look forward to Shōgun season two.”

Meguro joins previously announced cast additions Asami Mizukawa (Aya), Masataka Kubota (Hyūga), Sho Kaneta (Hidenobu), Takaaki Enoki (Lord Ito) and Jun Kunimura (Gōda) as well as returning cast members Hiroyuki Sanada (Toranaga) and Cosmo Jarvis (Blackthorne), Fumi Nikaidô (Ochiba), Shinnosuke Abe (Buntaro), Hiroto Kanai (Omi), Yoriko Dôguchi (Kiri), Tommy Bastow (Alvito), Yuko Miyamoto (Gin), Eita Okuno (Saeki) and Yuka Kouri (Kiku).

Shōgun is set to start production on its new season in January in Vancouver.

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