Japanese star Hiroyuki Sanada leads the show on ‘Shogun,’ FX’s new historical drama

“Shogun” follows the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga, played by producer Hiroyuki Sanada. (Courtesy of Disney+)
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Updated 28 February 2024
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Japanese star Hiroyuki Sanada leads the show on ‘Shogun,’ FX’s new historical drama

  • The historical drama is now available to stream in the Middle East on Disney+

DUBAI: “Shogun,” FX’s latest adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 bestselling novel set in 1600s feudal Japan, is a far cry from the popular 1980s mini-series, told predominantly from the point of view of its Western protagonist John Blackthorne (played then by Richard Chamberlain, and now by Cosmo Jarvis).

While Jarvis’ Blackthorne gets ample screen time in the new iteration of “Shogun,” now streaming on Disney+ in the Middle East, co-creators and husband-wife duo Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo were keen to center the story around its Japanese characters.




Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne ‘Shogun.’ (Courtesy of Disney+)

“Shogun” follows the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga, played by producer Hiroyuki Sanada, as he fights for his life against enemies on the Council of Regents who unite against him. When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne, comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies.

In the meantime, Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), a mysterious noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line.

Talking about the relevance of the book and why they wanted to revisit the story now, Marks told Arab News: “This book has such a great legacy that so many movies, television shows and other stories have taken from it over the decades since it came out. So, how do we tell something new? And, fortunately, when you open up the book, you realize Clavell is already playing with some of these very modern ideas of how we encounter other cultures, how we encounter ourselves within those cultures, and he’s doing so with really great sensitivity. As we began to talk about that, we realized this is a story that has to be told again, already 50 years later, because it seems like we’ve forgotten a lot of its lessons.”

Kondo said: “It almost feels like it was meant to be told again, in that it felt weirdly and unexpectedly modern — it felt timeless. And so, here we are a few generations later.”




Hiroyuki Sanada plays Toranaga, a Japanese lord loosely modeled on Tokugawa Ieyasu, the military ruler who helped to unite Japan in the early 17th century after a long period of civil war.
(Courtesy of Disney+)

Playing the central Japanese character in the show is Sanada, who plays Toranaga, a Japanese lord loosely modeled on Tokugawa Ieyasu, the military ruler who helped to unite Japan in the early 17th century after a long period of civil war, introducing a period of peace that lasted for more than 200 years.

Sanada, who broke into Hollywood with the 2003 film “The Last Samurai,” is also a producer on the show and was keen to bring his years of experience working in Japanese films to Hollywood.

And to make sure he could play the part when he was in front of the camera, it was important to Sanada that all matters of production were taken care of in advance.

“I made sure to prepare everything beforehand before I sit in front of the camera,” Sanada told Arab News.

“So, first of all, we tried to get the Japanese crew who are specialists for Samurai movie-making, then we got specialists for the wigs, costumes, props, master of gesture, master of tea ceremony, everyone. So, we had a good team for each department to make the show authentic as much as possible. And we also had a rehearsal training for the young actors and extras. So, before starting shooting, I prepare everything. So, when I was on set as an actor, I felt freedom, relaxed. It was fun. It felt like a reward,” he added.




Anna Sawai as Lady Mariko in ‘Shogun.’ (Courtesy of Disney+)

And this authenticity is exactly why co-creators Marks and Kondo were ecstatic to have Sanada join the team.

“The thrill of getting to have Hiro onboard, not just as our star, but, really, as a resource, as a producer on the show, was what made the difference between a show you’ve seen before and a show you’ve never seen before,” said Marks.

“In our early conversations with him, we asked him: ‘You’ve been working in Hollywood for 20 to 25 years, what have we gotten wrong? And how can we change the way that we work in order to improve upon that?’ And, from the very beginning, he would just sort of say, here’s who you need to hire on this show, you need a cultural adviser, you need a language adviser, a historian, a Japanese playwright, period pros who can add a little bit of modernity, but also make something feel like it’s a touch classical as well. And these are all things for us as Americans coming into this, you know, that are far over our heads. And so, without having Hiro, we wouldn’t have been able to reach for the level of authenticity that we were after.”

For Sanada, who began acting at the age of five and trained in martial arts soon after, “Shogun” is a chance to introduce the rest of the world to Japanese culture, but sans the Western gaze.

“I think this is a great novel — a great story to introduce our culture to the world. Earlier, our audience can see feudal Japan through Blackthorne’s blue eyes. But this time, it is more like a novel. We tried to create the script, like not only blue eyes, but put more Japanese lens on the script and then go deeper for each character or details,” said Sanada.


Hourglass Cosmetics expands into Saudi Arabia with vegan, purpose-driven line

Updated 28 June 2025
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Hourglass Cosmetics expands into Saudi Arabia with vegan, purpose-driven line

DUBAI: A little while ago, I attended a masterclass for Hourglass Cosmetics in Dubai. As someone who does not wear much makeup — I do not own foundation or even basic tools — I was curious to see whether this much-talked-about brand could change my mind. 

As the class unfolded and the makeup artist demonstrated how to create their signature “dewy” look, I wondered: Is this brand for someone like me? After the session, I browsed the range, got shade-matched, and tested a few brushes. A few days later, I received a curated selection of cult favourites: the Airbrush Primer, Skin Tint, a clump-free mascara, a richly pigmented liquid blush, a volumising glossy balm, and other treats.

I decided to put it all to the test. The results surprised me. I did not look overly made up — my sun spots were still visible beneath the tint — but my skin looked fresh, and my cheeks had that light, rosy flush you usually only get from a good mood or better lighting. 

The next test was longevity. I applied the entire routine at 5 a.m. before a flight to Rome. By 11 p.m. local time, my friends were amazed that my makeup was still intact. It was time for a purge — ditch the old products and restock with what really worked. So I decided to learn more about the Hourglass brand; its philosophy, iconic products and their foray into the Gulf Cooperation Council region, especially Saudi Arabia. 

Founded by beauty entrepreneur Carisa Janes in 2004, Hourglass was born to challenge the traditional idea of luxury beauty. “From the outset, my vision was to merge innovation with integrity,” Janes tells Arab News. “I wanted to prove that you don’t have to compromise on ethics to experience exceptional quality.” 

This philosophy has been at the heart of Hourglass since day one, setting them apart in an industry that, at the time, was not prioritizing cruelty-free beauty at a luxury level. The brand quickly carved a niche for itself by combining high-performance formulations with a cruelty-free philosophy — something rarely seen in luxury beauty at the time — and eventually made the bold move to go fully vegan. “At the time, luxury beauty was so often synonymous with indulgence, with little consideration for animal welfare. I could not accept that performance had to come at the cost of compassion.” 

Every product they create is designed to push boundaries, both in innovation and impact. The Unlocked Collection, for instance, is rooted in the brand’s commitment to animal welfare, with 5 percent of net profits supporting the Nonhuman Rights Project’s work to secure fundamental rights for animals. “The collection embodies the fusion of luxury and performance, offering high-impact, radiant formulas that feel as indulgent as they are purposeful,” Janes said.

Equally groundbreaking is the Ambient Lighting Collection, inspired by the transformative power of light. “I wanted to develop powders that could recreate the most flattering lighting effects — whether it is the soft glow of candlelight or the diffused radiance of golden hour,” she says. The result was a finely milled, photoluminescent formula that enhances the complexion in an almost ethereal way — subtle yet transformative, and now one of Hourglass’s most iconic innovations. 

A staple among celebrity makeup artists and celebrities alike, the brand is now fast extending its presence within the GCC, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

Janes said the Kingdom “is an incredibly exciting market. There’s a distinct appreciation for artistry, luxury, and innovation — qualities that are intrinsic to Hourglass.” 

As Saudi consumers increasingly seek brands that align with their values, Hourglass’s cruelty-free, vegan philosophy feels especially timely. Janes notes that Hourglass has seen strong momentum across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the expansion into Saudi Arabia is a natural step in their global strategy. 

“The Kingdom represents a key market in our global expansion, with a beauty industry that continues to grow at a remarkable pace,” she said.

Janes’ ultimate vision for Hourglass is to redefine luxury beauty for the future — to prove that artistry, innovation and ethics can coexist at the highest level. “I hope that when people think of Hourglass, they don’t just see a brand, but a movement — one that proves luxury can be transformative, not just for those who wear it, but for the world at large.” 


Sofia Carson wears Elie Saab at Biarritz Film Festival

Updated 28 June 2025
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Sofia Carson wears Elie Saab at Biarritz Film Festival

DUBAI: American actor and singer Sofia Carson attended the third Nouvelles Vagues International Biarritz Film Festival this week, wearing a black ensemble by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

Her outfit featured a long-sleeved dress with a bow-tied collar and layered ruffle detailing along the sleeves and bodice. The skirt was tiered and embellished with black sequins and sheer mesh panels, creating a structured silhouette with varied textures. She completed the look with black pointed-toe heels and diamond earrings.

Held annually in the southwestern coastal town of Biarritz, the festival highlights emerging voices in global cinema and focuses on innovation in storytelling.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

Carson appeared on the red carpet alongside other guests and filmmakers as the festival launched its week-long program of screenings, panels, and industry discussions.

She later shared photos from the event on Instagram, writing: “Honored to be a part of a jury of extraordinary young artists, filmmakers, directors, lovers of cinema. Merci @festivalnouvellesvagues for celebrating the power, responsibility, and artistry of youth in cinema.”

Carson has long been a fan of Saab’s designs. Earlier this month she showcased multiple looks by the couturier during Netflix-related events.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

In the lead-up to Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event, the platform’s global celebration of fandom and storytelling, Carson wore a white ensemble featuring a tailored blazer, wide-leg trousers and a matching shirt.

On a separate occasion she wore an all-black outfit composed of wide-leg trousers and a sheer top with cape-like sleeves, tied at the neck with a long scarf. Both outfits were from Saab’s Ready-to-Wear Pre-Fall 2025 Collection.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

She appeared in one of the designer’s ensembles in March while promoting her latest project, “The Life List.” She also wore a green dress from the designer’s Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2023–2024 Collection during an appearance on “CBS Mornings” in New York. The look featured an oversized floral embellishment at the neck in shades of yellow and white, styled with deep green knee-high boots and a matching bag.

Later that same week, she wore another look by the designer, a black dress with a fitted silhouette and structured shoulders. She styled it with long leather gloves, sheer black stockings and pointed-toe pumps.


REVIEW: ‘The Bear’ season four is a triumphant return to form

Updated 28 June 2025
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REVIEW: ‘The Bear’ season four is a triumphant return to form

DUBAI: We should’ve had more faith. Fears (including from this reviewer) that “The Bear” was floundering after the glacial pace of its third season can now be put to bed. Season four is pretty much everything fans of the show could’ve wanted: tense, dramatic, joyous, thought-provoking, funny and deeply moving. And with plenty of further proof that this might be the most talented ensemble cast currently on our screens.

Season three ended with the fate of the titular restaurant in the balance as the team — led by star chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), his mentee Syd Adamu (Ayo Edebiri), maître d’hôtel Richie Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and business manager Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto (Abby Elliott) — awaited a make-or-break review in the Chicago Tribune. That’s quickly resolved: Despite some highly positive comments, the review is ultimately a dud — thanks largely to Carmy’s stubborn insistence on changing the menu daily; a choice that isn’t just leading to inconsistent performance from his team, but in heavy hits to the budget as they can’t bulk buy from suppliers.

So, that old enemy time takes center stage, as financial backer Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) and his ruthless cost-cutting friend The Computer install a countdown clock in the kitchen, giving the team 1,440 hours to save itself. That clock hits zero in the excellent final episode.

In between times, the development of several characters’ back stories that contributed to the feeling of aimlessness last year starts to pay off here, as much of the action is taken out of the kitchen and into a deeper exploration of what the show is really about: family — the ones we’re born into, the ones we choose, and the ones that choose us. Once again, there’s a Berzatto (extended) family get-together at the season’s heart in a one-hour episode set at Richie’s ex-wife’s wedding. The stage is set for another dysfunctional social disaster. Instead, we get something altogether warmer but equally dramatic. It’s exceptional television.

At the heart of it all is the characters’ continued quest for self-improvement — from Tina’s attempts to improve her cooking speed, through Syd’s efforts to silence her self-doubt, to Carmy’s endeavors to allow emotional connections into his life and stop self-sabotaging.

This season may still be a little too slow for those pining for the claustrophobic hyperactivity of season one, but the creators have found a sweet spot here between that and the stagnation of season three. “The Bear” is back.


Princess Rajwa attends Jeff Bezos’ star-studded wedding

Updated 28 June 2025
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Princess Rajwa attends Jeff Bezos’ star-studded wedding

DUBAI: Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein of Jordan and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah attended the wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice this week.

Princess Rajwa, who is of Saudi origin, wore a gold floor-length dress from Tom Ford, featuring a high neckline, long sleeves and a fitted silhouette. The gown included subtle seam detailing and a metallic finish, and was styled with a structured gold belt at the waist.

She completed the look with accessories from Dolce & Gabbana, carrying the Sicily polished calfskin bag in a leopard print, and wearing matching leopard print calfskin slingback pumps.

Princess Rajwa and the crown prince were also seen at Venice Marco Polo Airport ahead of the wedding, accompanied by their daughter Iman.

Queen Rania also attended the wedding, accompanied by her daughter Princess Iman and Princess Iman’s husband.

The queen wore a pink gown from Fendi’s Autumn/Winter 2018 Couture Collection, while Princess Iman chose a custom green chiffon dress by Oscar de la Renta.

The guest list included high-profile names including Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady, Bill Gates, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The bride wore a Dolce & Gabbana gown that took 900 hours to create. Inspired by Sophia Loren’s wedding dress in the 1958 film “Houseboat,” the design featured a high neckline, hand-appliqued lace, and 180 silk chiffon-covered priest buttons.


Ronnie O’Sullivan, Laila Rouass tie the knot

Updated 27 June 2025
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Ronnie O’Sullivan, Laila Rouass tie the knot

DUBAI: British snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and British actress Laila Rouass announced on Friday that they have tied the knot, 10 months after ending their on-off relationship.

The couple, who have been together for 13 years and have separated several times, were married in an intimate ceremony in London.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Laila Rouass (@lailarouass)

Rouass, who is of Moroccan and Indian heritage, shared the news on Instagram, writing: “The Palestinians have taught me so much, most importantly to honor human connection, make love your motivator and to keep refreshing it. So after almost a year break … this was one way of pressing the refresh button.” 

She also revealed that the ceremony took place on Cable Street in Shadwell, the London neighborhood where she was born and which she described as holding deep personal and historical significance.

According to The Sun, the pair are now planning to relocate to Dubai for a fresh start.