Takehiro Hira to Receive Trailblazer Award at Tokyo International Film Festival
Takehiro Hira, the acclaimed Japanese actor known for his standout performances in FX’s historical epic Shogun and Searchlight’s drama Rental Family, is set to be honored with The Hollywood Reporter’s prestigious Trailblazer Award at the upcoming 38th Tokyo International Film Festival. This esteemed recognition, presented in collaboration with the Motion Picture Association, will be awarded during the glamorous American Film Night celebration at the Roppongi Hills Club on October 28. The event will attract high-profile executives, filmmakers, and stars from both the U.S. and Japanese entertainment industries.
Hira will be only the second Japanese actor to receive this honor, following the recognition of veteran star Tadanobu Asano at last year’s festival. The Trailblazer Award celebrates artists whose innovative careers and creative choices illuminate complex narratives and enhance representation in global cinema. Previous recipients include notable figures such as Jean Smart, David Oyelowo, Eva Longoria, and America Ferrera.
Last year, Hira garnered international acclaim for his compelling portrayal of the ambitious warlord Ishido Kazunari in Shogun, sharing the screen with talents like Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. In Rental Family, Hira stars alongside Brendan Fraser in a Japan-set drama directed by Hikari, which recently premiered to positive reviews in Toronto and will enjoy a gala screening at this year’s festival.
In addition to his recent projects, Hira completed production on Karoshi, a Lionsgate film featuring Cynthia Erivo, Teo Yoo, and Isabelle May. He also appeared in Guy Maddin’s Rumours, which starred Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander and debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. With a career spanning over two decades, Hira has seamlessly transitioned between Hollywood, European, and Asian projects, solidifying his status as a global actor.
Hira’s breakout role came in the Netflix/BBC series Giri/Haji (2020), where he played detective Kenzo Mori, earning a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Lead Actor. He is set to reprise his role as Hiroshi Randa in Season 2 of Apple TV+’s acclaimed action series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
His impressive filmography includes Japanese masterpieces like Masato Harada’s Criminal on the Prosecutor’s Side, Takashi Miike’s Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, and Yasuo Mikami’s Bushido, as well as major Hollywood productions such as Neill Blomkamp’s Gran Turismo, Robert Schwentke’s Snake Eyes, and Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World.
The Tokyo International Film Festival, Japan’s largest annual cinema celebration, will commence next week in the upscale Ginza district. The MPA and THR’s award ceremony is anticipated to be a highlight of the festival, bridging the gap between diverse film industries.
Upcoming Events
On October 29, the MPA will host its annual policy program in partnership with TIFF, focusing on enhancing Japan’s production ecosystem. Esteemed producers such as Schuyler Weis (Elvis), Eriko Miyagawa (Shogun), Obb Siricharoenji (Alien: Earth), and Junko Kusunoki (Tokyo Vice) will be featured speakers, with THR’s Asia bureau chief Patrick Brzeski moderating the session. Additionally, on October 31, Schuyler Weiss will present a masterclass at TIFFCOM.
Stay tuned for more updates on Takehiro Hira and the exciting events at the Tokyo International Film Festival!
