Anna Sawai can relate to the old adage that beauty is pain. “It took two ladies 40 minutes to dress me – on a good day!” Sawai tells Alexa about the stunning but cumbersome kimonos she wore to play Toda Mariko in FX’s Shōgun, based on the bestselling novel by James Clavell. “I didn’t drink a lot of water to avoid stopping at the bathroom. And on weekends, I went to a chiropractor to have my shoulders treated. But that’s what (my) ancestors wore in 1600, so I think that really helped me get the full experience.
The New Zealand-born Japanese actress describes her character in the gripping, action-packed historical drama as “a woman who wears many hats.”
“She is a mother, a wife, the daughter of a disgraced warrior, a Catholic, a loyal samurai and the last of her lineage,” says Sawai, 31.
The former J-Pop singer – who starred in the “Fast & Furious” franchise’s “F9” and Apple TV+’s “Pachinko” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” – also made a splash on the red carpet, with natural elegance in Prada and Acné Studios. (She works with celebrity stylist Karla Welch, who also dresses Alexa cover stars and favorites Sarah Paulson, America Ferrera and Lainey Wilson.) But the actress admits she most often wears “sweats, sneakers and very light makeup, if applicable.”
Here’s a mix of some of Sawai’s coziest comforts and glitziest amenities.
“I’ve had this bag for years and love it so much because it’s stylish but also made with vegan materials. Even when I’m in a tracksuit, as long as I have this bag, I feel good.
“This lip liner is a healthy pink-nude shade and doesn’t look overwhelming, even when I’m naked. I think it’s very healthy and gives luminosity to my face.
“I got it for myself after finishing ‘Shōgun.’ I love its simplicity yet unique design. I wear it 365 days a year. It makes me feel a little classier than I actually am.
“This scent (orange blossom, strawberry, wild berries, oak and birch) is so different from all the other diffusers. I had it while filming Shōgun in Vancouver and traveled with it to several locations because it instantly makes my part-time quarters feel like home.
“I have been using this cream for years. I don’t know what it is, but the next morning I always feel like my skin is a little more plump and hydrated. I also ask my makeup artists on set to prep my skin with it because it’s so good.
“I remember a hairdresser put it in my hair and I bought it the next day. Not only does it hydrate the hair, but it also improves my mood because it smells so good.
“I bought this book after reading “Silence” by Endo Shusaku, and I just remember crying on the train like I had never cried before. It’s about a young Japanese girl loving a Christian at a time when Christianity was banned (in Japan).
“I’m addicted to coffee, but I love having soba tea to relax. The scent and taste are very soothing, but what I enjoy most is eating the leftover buckwheat. They are also said to have many health benefits.
“There’s never a time when I don’t have a Hi-Chew lying around. When I’m feeling peckish, I put one in my mouth. While we were filming “Shōgun”, the ADs would leave Hi-Chews on my chair to get me through a long day.
“It may not be for everyone, but I personally love natto (fermented soybeans). My favorite breakfast is natto with rice. It’s healthy, tasty and gives me a sense of comfort when I’m traveling and away from Japan.
“The ReFa facial roller saved my puffy face in the morning. I like to use it all over my face and body, but I find it works wonders, especially on the neck, to stimulate lymphatic drainage.
“I love Reformation as a brand, but recently these sweats have been on repeat. They are so warm, cute and go well with my New Balance sneakers.
“I customized them with lenses that darken when they detect light, so they can be worn indoors or outdoors. I also like how they are brown and have a softer feel than your usual black shades, for example.
“I bought the MR530WBV last year and haven’t taken it off since. They go with any type of clothing.
New episodes of FX’s “Shōgun” drop off Tuesdays on Hulu.
New York Post
