Now what do all of these actors have in common? None of them are Japanese. That's because while the book takes place in 17th century Japan as two Jesuit priests face violence and persecution when they travel to the country to locate their mentor and to spread the gospel of Christianity. So may there be a role for some talented Japanese actors? What about Ken Watanabe? I haven't had the privilege of seeing him be awesome since "Letters from Iwo Jima".