Anna Sawai, who became the first Japanese to win an Emmy Award for best lead actress for her role in the U.S. television series "Shogun," was selected Wednesday in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the next generation.
Sawai, 32, who plays a woman in a samurai clan in the feudal era of Japan, was picked in the Phenoms category of this year's "Time 100 Next." Hiroyuki Sanada, producer of the drama who also won best lead actor at the awards, said in a tribute in the magazine that Sawai "could play any role on this earth, or in space. Period pieces or far-future films -- she is so talented that she can do anything.
" Noting she is also the first Asian actor to win in her Emmy category, Sanada said, "The effort she put into creating her character, Lady Mariko, was incredible.".
