RINKO KIKUCHI
“I remember the director of Babel, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, telling me that I mustn’t quit acting, and I’ve kept that firmly in mind.” The Oscar-nominated Japanese actress, Kikuchi Rinko, shares her definition of ‘dream’ and takes us back to her childhood to reflect upon the past 24 years of her career.
PHOTOGRAPHER KYOKO MUNAKATA
STYLIST KUMIKO YASHIRO
INTERVIEWER JANE ZHENG
RINKO KIKUCHI: HER VOW TO ACTING
Rinko Kikuchi often happens to be the first Japanese actress that a Western audience might recognise. At the early age of 25, she became the first Japanese Actress to be nominated for an Academy Award in 50 years for her role as Chieko in Babel (2006), an unruly teenage girl self-conscious of her disability in Japanese society. Since then, her presence in international productions has only grown to be more eye-catching. On the big screen, this includes her role as Naoko in the film-adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s classic, Norwegian Wood (2010) and the commercially successful Pacific Rim (2013), where she reminds everyone that women can be equally powerful with her unforgettable character, Mako Mori. More recently, we’ve also seen her in HBO productions including Westworld (2018) and a lead role in Tokyo Vice (2022).
Looking back, Kikuchi always chose the more challenging route. She never confines herself to imaginary boundaries – her films are perfect proof of her fearless spirit. The WOW had a chance to speak to her in early March, where she returns to her roots in a conversation that answers our curiosities about her life. From childhood memories to anticipations of the future, this is what Kikuchi has to offer.
Dress ACNE STUDIOS,
earrings SWAROVSKI JEWELRY.
THE WOW: If you had to choose three keywords to describe yourself, what would it be?
RINKO KIKUCHI: White, Grey, and Black.
THE WOW: The theme of this issue is ‘Dream’ – could you explain your understanding of the word ‘dream’ to The WOW readers?
R: Dreams are ‘what we’re drawn to.’ Dreams are not only imagined, but, as it’s often said, they’re made real.
THE WOW: Was becoming an actress always a precise dream of yours, or did it happen along the way?
R: I think it started when I was a child, and I was acting because I wanted my mother's attention Linking back to my answer to the previous question, it's not so much of a specific dream that I wanted to accomplish. It was more of something that happened naturally, something that I was unconsciously drawn to. As not everything went smoothly since the beginning of my acting career, I’m not certainly sure that I’m drawn to things now. However, I do still believe in ‘the law of attraction’.
Jumpsuit VIVIANO
Dress & trousers SACAI
THE WOW: What is your understanding of ‘acting’?
R: It's something that’s both ‘fun' and 'suffering’. It's when you meet unexpected moments that are far beyond what you had imagined that make you want to continue acting. It's also something that leads to understanding people and understanding yourself.
THE WOW: What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being an actress?
R: The process of creating unscripted parts of a role to help make the character more vivid, is a challenging but interesting aspect of being an actress. No matter what role I play each time, there’s no best answer. And that's why I think acting is something I can carry on doing.
THE WOW: Throughout your acting career, which of your roles have been the most memorable to you?
R: For me, they’re all cherished treasures.
Bodysuit, skirt, gloves & stocking ALAÏA,
shoes MANOLO BLAHNIK.
THE WOW: Did your nomination for the Oscars with your role as Chieko in Babel change the path you’ve taken now for acting?
R: Babel has inevitably led towards my increased involvement in international productions. At the same time, I remember that this was when I made up my mind and told myself that I must live my life to the fullest as an actress. I also remember the director of Babel, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, telling me that I mustn’t quit acting, and I’ve kept that firmly in mind.
THE WOW: Fashion is an industry that’s deeply linked to the film industry. To you, what meaning does fashion withhold?
R: It could be the happiness you feel when you’re wearing a comfortable shirt in your everyday life. On the red carpet, it’s like a piece of armour that makes you feel confident. It's a tool that brightens up your mood with colours.
THE WOW: Are there any film directors you would like to work with?
R: There are many. But I would like to work with Alfonso Cuarón one day, as then it'll mean that I've worked with all three members of the ‘Three Amigos’ (Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and Alfonso Cuarón).
Top & skirt SPORTMAX,
bra WOLFORD.
THE WOW: What are some works that have inspired you recently? For example, films, books, or art, etc.
R: I was recommended the book ‘Method’ by an acquaintance at the Juilliard School, which I’d be interested to read. I haven't had time yet, but it's not actually about whether or not I would follow the methods in the book, as I'm more interested in it as a way of thinking.
THE WOW: In what way did the pandemic affect you?
R: At the start of the pandemic, scheduled shootings were postponed, and we didn't know when it would resume. I was in the midst of spending days watching news of unknown viruses around the world in quarantine at home, feeling a mix of sorrow and joy everyday. But as a family, we spent time on the balcony too – having picnics or devising other ways to spend time together. It was therefore also a rather treasured period of time for me.
THE WOW: Where do you imagine yourself in 10 years – is there maybe a specific role you would like to take on?
R: I may have a vague idea of where I imagine myself, but I always try to spend my present time with an awareness of the person I'll be in the future, or the person I'll be in 10 years’ time. This is because as an actor, there may be things I can do now that I can't do 10 years from now. On the other hand, there will also be things that I'll only be able to do 10 years from now. Currently, I’m trying to be involved in as many productions as possible, as I think this will gradually build up my future self.
This cover story was published in The WOW N° 8.
Issue8 available now.
Talent: RINKO KIKUCHI
Photographer: KYOKO MUNAKATA
Stylist: KUMIKO YASHIRO
Hair: TAKESHI
Make-up: DAKUZAKU