'Lost': Meet Hiroyuki Sanada

By Rick Porter, Zap2it Friday, February 19, 2010, 12:13 PM

Hiroyuki Sanada plays Dogen on "Lost."
Dominique Charriau/WireImage.comHiroyuki Sanada is new to the "Lost" universe, but he handles press questions like an old pro.


Which is to say, you won't be reading a whole lot of spoiler information in the Q&A below about his character Dogen's role in the events of Season 6. "He's mysterious," Sanada says with a laugh.


But we did talk about how Sanada — a veteran of dozens of films in his home country of Japan, as well as American movies like "The Last Samurai," "Rush Hour 3" and "Speed Racer" — grilled "Lost" executive producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof about his role, about the show's popularity in Japan, and just a little bit about what to expect for the rest of the season.


Zap2it: How did this part come to you?

Sanada: The producers called me and offered me the role of Dogen, a Japanese guy who lives on the island. I was very surprised, because I had never done a TV show in the U.S. ... I knew ["Lost"] had high-quality scripts and cast, so it was a surprise, but it was very exciting.

I didn't know about my character — I didn't have a script yet [when the offer came]. I met with Carlton and Damon at the Disney studio, and they explained about my character's background. And also I asked them a lot of things, because some Japanese characters are stereotyped for misunderstanding of other cultures. So I had to check. As an actor who grew up in Japan, it's so delicate for us. I asked them a lot, and they answered me immediately. ... So I thought, I can believe them about the script, and I said yes. It was a long time until I got the scripts — I spent a month and a half watching the whole series. I saw everything during the wait for the scripts.


Zap2it: Did that help you? I would think that would help you understand your character, since he seems to have history on the island.

Sanada: Yeah. My character knows some secrets, so I had to learn before I read the scripts. That was great. And I reexamined how great a show it is. The quality is so great.


Zap2it: Is "Lost" popular in Japan?

Sanada: Very much. I just came back from Tokyo last night. I did a big event with Carlton — talk shows, press conferences. We got a great reaction there. I was surprised at how big it is in Japan. There is a big audience for "Lost."


Zap2it: How many more episodes are you in this season?

Sanada: I can't tell you exactly how many, but I've already finished my shooting.


Zap2it: But you'll be in a few more, correct?

Sanada: A few more, yes.


Zap2it: What is your read on Dogen and his motivation?

Sanada: He grew up in Japan, and somehow he came to the island. He has a mission, which is studying the island. He's very — he has a lot of loyalty to the mission [and is willing] to sacrifice. I think that's the most important thing to him. And he knows something [laughs].


Zap2it: Do you have a sense of where Dogen fits into the hierarchy of the Others? Does he have any more authority than, say, Ben (Michael Emerson) or Richard (Nestor Carbonell)?

Sanada: I don't know if he's equal, or who knows more or is more important. But he's an important person on the island. Yeah, he's mysterious. [Laughs] He was mysterious for me, too. Every week I'd read the script and realize, "Oh — oh my gosh." I really enjoyed reading the script every week.


Zap2it: Do you think Dogen's view of Jack (Matthew Fox) changed after he was willing to swallow a poison pill in "What Kate Does"?

Sanada: Yes. ... I have many scenes with Jack, and also Sayid [Naveen Andrews]. The two of them are the most important people [to Dogen].


Zap2it: They're who you deal with the most?

Sanada: Yes. And they're great actors, so I was very lucky. I had a great time with them.


Zap2it: Do you know how long Dogen has been on the island?

Sanada: He's been living on the island for about 20 years.


Zap2it: And, without giving too much away, what can we look forward to with the character?

Sanada: It will be clear why he came to the island and what his mission is
http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/lost-meet-hiroyuki-sanada--1003