Taking on Bold Challenges: Leading Roles and Overseas Films
Kōki, made her acting debut in 2022 and gained significant attention with her standout performances. She impressed audiences by playing dual roles in the horror film Ox Head Village, earning the Japan’s Blue Ribbon Award for Best Newcomer. She then starred in Touch, an international co-production between Iceland and the United Kingdom, where her portrayal in a poignant love story that transcends time and geography captured the hearts of viewers.

Recently, Kōki, has further elevated her international stature, starring in the British film Tornado. Set in 18th-century Britain, this survival thriller follows a young Japanese woman who finds herself in peril when she and her father’s traveling puppet show cross paths with a ruthless criminal gang. It marks her exciting first experience with action scenes, delivering a dynamic performance that blends the elegance and strength of martial arts. The film will have its world premiere as the opening gala at the Glasgow Film Festival in February.

When asked about the differences between filming overseas and in Japan, Kōki, shared: “I feel like there aren’t that many big differences between filming in foreign countries and in Japan. The only difference I can think of is in foreign countries, the weekends are days off.” She continued, “So when the week starts, the conversation amongst the team starts with how was your weekend. It felt quite special to have a conversation like that, and I was also able to become really close with the staff spending days off together.”

Kōki, also stars in the upcoming Japanese film True Beauty, an adaptation of the popular South Korean webtoon of the same name. In the film, she portrays a high school student who, once bullied for her appearance, transforms from an insecure ‘ugly duckling’ into a confident young woman. Known for her fashion persona, she now embraces a completely different role, revealing a new side of her talent. Fans are eagerly anticipating her fresh look and the challenge of this bold departure.

She has also confirmed her attendance at the awards ceremony in Hong Kong this March, where she will join the audience to celebrate this exciting event in Asian cinema.