Recognized for pioneering hairstyling that brought 17th-century Japan to life on screen

Sanna Seppanen has been honored with a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling for her work as Hair Department Head on FX’s Shōgun — a sweeping historical epic that captured both audiences and critics alike.

Set in 17th-century Japan, Shōgun demanded an extraordinary level of detail, accuracy, and artistry — something Sanna and her team brought to life with remarkable precision. From elaborate samurai hairstyles to delicate period-accurate wigs, Sanna’s approach was both historically faithful and visually stunning. She developed a completely new hybrid wig technique for the series, merging traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern Western styling methods — a signature blend of heritage and innovation that helped define the look of the show.

The award recognizes not only the scale and ambition of Shōgun’s hairstyling, but the deep character work and storytelling embedded in every detail. As department head, Sanna led a world-class team and collaborated closely with costume, makeup, and production design to ensure that each look served the narrative and reflected the world of feudal Japan.

With over 25 years in the film and television industry, this Emmy win marks a career milestone for Sanna — and highlights her continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of what hair design can achieve on screen.

“It was a true labor of love,” she says. “We knew Shōgun was something special — and it’s an incredible honor to be recognized for helping bring that world to life.”