Designing History: Sueko Oshimoto’s Role in Disney’s "SHOGUN" | ドラマ『SHOGUN 将軍』：本物を支えた着物スペシャリストの挑戦

Konnichiwa!

The world is watching. Disney/FX's epic series "SHOGUN" has captivated global audiences, not just for its gripping story, but for its breathtaking authenticity. Have you ever wondered why the samurai and kimonos in this show look so incredibly real compared to past Hollywood productions?

The secret lies in the details. We are incredibly proud to announce that KIMONO SK's co-founder, Sueko Oshimoto, served as a key Kimono Specialist for this monumental project.

A Mission for Authenticity (本物への追求)

"SHOGUN" aimed to do something unprecedented: portray the complex culture and lifestyle of the Sengoku (Warring States) era correctly to a global audience. To achieve this, the production team specially invited Sueko Oshimoto to Canada. Her mission was clear but demanding: ensure the kimono dressing, fabric selection, and styling were historically accurate and visually compelling.

Working with Legends

Sueko worked tirelessly on set, dressing the cast and adjusting costumes for every scene. She worked closely with the production team and the legendary Hiroyuki Sanada (star and producer), who was equally committed to bringing the true spirit of Japan to the screen.

Here is a special behind-the-scenes shot with Sanada-san and Costume Designer Carlos Rosario:

More Than Just Costumes

A kimono is not just clothing; it is a language. Even a single kimono requires meticulous planning—from the choice of material to how the collar is adjusted. Sueko played a crucial role in expressing the characters' backgrounds, social status, and hidden emotions through these details. Under her guidance, the kimonos became essential storytelling tools.

Bridging Cultures

We at KIMONO SK are immensely proud to have contributed to this historic series. Through Sueko’s work, we hope that the profound beauty and tradition of Japanese culture are correctly understood and cherished by people around the world.

Thank you to everyone involved in the production of "SHOGUN."

• Need authentic styling for your next project? Check out our professional services here: [Kimono Rental for Productions]

• Want to learn the art of kimono dressing yourself? See the professional tools and books we use below.