In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Sawai expressed gratitude to John Landgraf and the entire FX team for their belief in the show's story. She also thanked co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo for giving her the role of a lifetime. Sawai acknowledged the support of the crew and cast, especially Hiroyuki Sanada, who has been instrumental in opening doors for actors like her. She also praised co-star Cosmo Jarvis for his authenticity and expressed deep appreciation for her mother's influence on her resilience. Sawai dedicated her win to all the women who have been an inspiration by not expecting anything but continually leading by example.
This win for Sawai adds to a recent wave of Asian representation at the Emmys. Earlier this year, Ali Wong made history as the first woman of Asian descent to win an Emmy for a lead role in a Limited Series for Beef. Notably, in 1981, Yôko Shimada was nominated for the Lead Actress category for her role as Toda Mariko in the previous adaptation of Shōgun, which was classified as a Limited Series.
The series Shōgun, created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, has been a massive success, securing Best Drama Series and Lead Actor awards for Hiroyuki Sanada, among a record-breaking 18 Emmys in a single season. The show also set a Creative Arts Emmy record with 14 wins. Set in 17th-century Japan, Shōgun features Sawai as Mariko-sama, a Christian noblewoman who becomes a key ally to Lord Yoshii Toranaga, portrayed by Sanada. Sawai's role required extensive research into Hosokawa Gracia, the historical figure who inspired Clavell’s character. Known for her roles in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Pachinko, Sawai was seeking roles that transcended racial and traditional expectations, leading her to Pachinko and then Shōgun. Justin Marks hailed Sawai as a unique talent essential to the show, a sentiment echoed by Hiroyuki Sanada, who believed she was the only actress capable of bringing the role to life.