FX’s critically acclaimed historical epic Shōgun is gearing up for its much-anticipated second season, unveiling a mix of new and returning cast, along with its writers’ and directors’ lineup.

Set a decade after the events of Season 1, the upcoming chapter continues the sweeping saga of two men from vastly different worlds whose destinies remain bound together. The series, inspired by James Clavell’s 1975 novel, is once again being steered by co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, who return as writers and executive producers.

Joining the ensemble this season are Asami Mizukawa as Aya, Masataka Kubota as Hyūga, Sho Kaneta as Hidenobu, Takaaki Enoki as Lord Ito, and veteran actor Jun Kunimura as Gōda. They will appear alongside returning stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Fumi Nikaidô, Shinnosuke Abe, Hiroto Kanai, Yoriko Dôguchi, Tommy Bastow, Yuko Miyamoto, Eita Okuno, and Yuka Kouri.

Behind the camera, directors Hiromi Kamata and Takeshi Fukunaga, who helmed standout episodes in the first season, will once again bring their vision to Season 2. They’ll be joined by Peaky Blinders director Anthony Byrne, Loki showrunner Kate Herron, and co-creator Justin Marks himself.

In addition to Kondo and Marks, the writers’ room features Shannon Goss, Matt Lambert, Maegan Houang, Emily Yoshida, Caillin Puente, and Sofie Somoroff.

Produced by FX Productions, Shōgun quickly became a landmark success for the network. The first season made Emmy history, securing 18 awards, the most ever won by a single series in one year. Lead actor Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese performer to win the Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Drama, while Anna Sawai broke ground as the first female actor of Asian descent to claim Best Lead Actress in a Drama.