Japanese actor Takehiro Hira will be honored with The Hollywood Reporter’s Trailblazer Award at the upcoming 38th Tokyo International Film Festival. Renowned for his roles in FX’s acclaimed series Shogun and the drama Rental Family, which stars Brendan Fraser, Hira will receive this prestigious recognition during an “American Film Night” celebration. This event will take place at the Roppongi Hills Club on October 28, 2023, bringing together industry leaders, filmmakers, and stars from both the United States and Japan.
Hira’s accolade marks him as only the second Japanese talent to receive this award, following veteran actor Tadanobu Asano, who was honored at last year’s festival. The Trailblazer Award is given to those whose artistic contributions illuminate complex narratives and expand representation in global cinema. Previous recipients include notable figures such as Jean Smart, David Oyelowo, and America Ferrera.
Hira’s Rising Stardom and Acclaimed Roles
Last year, Hira gained significant acclaim for his portrayal of the ambitious warlord Ishido Kazunari in Shogun, opposite actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. This role earned him an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series. In his next project, Rental Family, directed by Hikari, Hira shares the screen with Fraser, and the film has already received favorable reviews following its premiere in Toronto. It is scheduled to have a gala screening at the Tokyo festival.
Beyond these roles, Hira recently completed filming for Kairosi, a Lionsgate production featuring Cynthia Erivo and Teo Yoo. His filmography also includes appearances in Guy Maddin’s Rumours, which premiered at Cannes, showcasing his versatility across genres and platforms.
A Diverse and Global Career
Hira has cultivated a diverse career over the past two decades, seamlessly transitioning between projects in Hollywood, Europe, and Asia. He initially gained recognition through the Netflix/BBC series Giri/Haji, where he played detective Kenzo Mori, earning a BAFTA TV Award nomination for best lead actor.
His upcoming work includes reprising his role as Hiroshi Randa in Season 2 of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, an Apple TV+ action series. Hira’s extensive resume also features significant 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. Additionally, he has appeared in major Western productions like Neill Blomkamp’s Gran Turismo and Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World.
The Tokyo International Film Festival, recognized as Japan’s largest annual celebration of cinema, will commence in the upscale Ginza district next week. The award ceremony honoring Hira will be a highlight of the festival’s cross-industry events.
On October 29, 2023, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and THR will host a policy program focusing on enhancing Japan’s production ecosystem, featuring guest speakers from various successful projects. This session will be moderated by THR’s Asia bureau chief Patrick Brzeski. An additional highlight includes a masterclass by Schuyler Weiss on October 31, further contributing to the festival’s rich programming.
