Q: When did you first develop an interest in acting? When did you first develop an interest in acting?

A: I don't really remember exactly when. It seems like I've always wanted to be an actor. When I was a kid, I had already decided that I wanted to be like Jackie Chan in action films. Then, I came over here, by myself, to Hollywood to just simply make my dream come true. I have had no fear or hesitation, even though I didn't know anything about Hollywood and it was my first time to travel to the United States. When I came here, I didn't know what to do. So, what I did was to just take some classes, anything that seemed to be related to film. I started to take martial arts (Northern Shaolin Kung Fu). Then, before I knew it I had in an interest in acting. (Laughing)

Q: Was the choice to pursue a career in acting something you always knew you'd make, or did you slowly become more and more involved?

A: I didn't think that I needed to take acting classes to be in action movies. I know karate and gymnastics. (Laughing) Honestly, I thought that would be enough. Although, I kind of knew that I had to take some classes for film to learn stunts, fight choreography, and movement. So, I totally had no idea that I'd better take acting classes. I've been learning a lot of things from acting classes in college lately, to make a high accomplishment in entertainment as well as martial arts.

Q: What was your first role in a film?

A: My first role in a film was one of the Asian gang members in ¡°Sophia's Kiss¡±, a student film directed by Marco Mannone. I learned so much from that experience. One night, about 10 of us costumed actors were shooting in the subway. Some of the actors and I were wearing black suits. Then, what happened was, there was a scene where we had to deal with a knife in a little fighting sequence. And the people beside us, waiting for the subway, were watching us strangely. A couple of minutes later, two policemen were walking slowly step by step towards us like in the movies and we stopped shooting immediately. We were so scared. We were just asked a couple of questions and explained some things. And then we left. I didn't get what was going on or why. And, I later figured out we needed a permit to film in public. We didn't have
one, since it was not a professional film.

Q: Name some recent work you've been involved in (that you enjoyed)?

A: I had a good experience filming the TV show ¡°Power Rangers¡± recently. The role was like a FBI-type guy. I had a good time doing that! I wanted to try some kind of policeman role. It was fun! Also, I was curious how they filmed on the set. I learned lots of things on the set. I had time to talk to the whole martial arts stunt crew about martial arts and myself. Coincidently, my kung fu master had time to work in ¡°Power Rangers¡± back in the days. And, we had a good conversation about that.

Q: Who are your favorite actors?

A: I like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Tom Cruise, and Bruce Lee. Usually, I like the way an actor portrays a character in a certain film. I react more this way rather than responding to a certain personality ¨C the same with music. I respond to certain songs the singer does instead of to their personality and all their albums.

Q: Give our viewers some background on the various interests you've become involved in (including modeling, martial arts, sports, and acting)?

A: Well, first in junior high and high school in Japan, there were times that girls and even boys respected me and looked differently at me than at others. Almost, every morning in high school on the stairs some girls would wait for me and raise their voices like some fans do to movie stars. It was weird. I didn't know what it was. It felt good, though. And I noticed that I had a look like young people on TV or in the movies and I was an extremely athletic guy. Not only that, but also in Japan, every time I meet someone¡ªeven older people, in public or somewhere, they have the same kind of reaction. Japanese people have interesting tendencies. I like that. Anyway, that's one of the reasons I decided to try modeling. So, why didn't I try modeling over there in Japan? It's because I had a dream to accomplish it here, in Hollywood.

With sports, it seems I have potential skills in all athletic fields. I could play every sport easier, quicker, and overall better than most people. I bet I was the most athletic guy in high school. When in training for bicycle competition I went to a doctor to check on some ankle pain and was surprised by the doctor's reaction. The doctor was startled by the exceptional muscular developments in my legs. Afterwards, I showed my friends my legs with the same reaction. With martial arts, when I was 16, I took my first karate class. My instructor saw something special in me and trained me in a different way. I didn't get any belts but white, like a beginner. I only practiced and learned. In a year and half, I earned my black belt.

The same thing occurred with judo and kendo. People were just surprised. People thought, ¡°It's fast¡±. I didn't have a martial arts background [to begin with]. I don't know. I just did it. I've been learning Northern Shaolin style kung fu in the United States since October 2000. And on April 2001 I won first place at the first tournament I competed in and took first in each of the following months: May, June, July, and August. When I went to the 2001 World Championship in Las Vegas, I woke up at 1 am and drove to Las Vegas at 3 am and arrived at 6 or 7 am for a tournament starting at 9 am. I had to compete at 9:30 am. I placed second in open hand and weapons, and as soon as I was done, I drove back home! It's interesting, isn't it? (Smiling)

Since arriving in Hollywood, I continue training at least four or five hours six days a week in martial arts. I was always interested in how people act in public, or anywhere. Why do people act that way? Why do people think that way? I was kind of curious about people's actions. Before I knew it, I was learning acting seriously. Actually, Apple Computers booked me in a Japanese commercial at my first audition here.

Q: How difficult is it for you to juggle a career in acting, amongst all your talents?

A: It's simple. When you sit at the table to eat, how do you eat all the different dishes? You eat one thing at a time.

Q: Do you have any projects you're working on now, that you'd like our viewers to look out for?

A: I wish I could say there was. I'm working with my friends on some independent things. But what I really need is a good agent or big casting director to notice me and give me a professional chance. I know I can be good.

Q: What do you see is the future role of Asians in the movie industry, globally?

A: Lately, lots of Asian action movie stars like Jackie Chan, Jet Li and some others seem to be getting bigger globally, and in Hollywood. And they have their own ideas for their films. In the future, I hope to go with my ideas. One of my ideas is to make an action version of a great Japanese anime film since I've grown up watching them like Dragon Ball Z. I would love to use Spiderman style digital effects and play Goku, the hero who protects the earth. That would be so cool.

Q: What are a few of your goals as far as the entertainment industry is
concerned?

A: Buy a house for my parents! (Laughing) Through the movies, TV, I would like to share my experience, thoughts, ideas, value, spirit, and dreams! Also, I wish I could make a movie that makes everybody (children, young boys and girls, adults and older people) laugh, cry, or be surprised ¨C [movies] which they can enjoy from the bottom of their hearts all over the world - my goal.

Q: Where do you like to hang out, when given the time?

A: As a matter of fact, I don't really hang out. I know it might be boring, but if I find time, I train in martial arts to achieve a higher level and work to get ready for the entertainment industry. Or, I try to find the things that I think might possibly help my career. There are many things I can do for my career. However, one day I would like to visit and hang out in different countries and cultures and absorb as many things as possible. I think I can discover many things if I see and live with people of different cultures and countries.

Q: Fill in the blank: If I weren't pursuing an acting career, I'd be ___________.

A: I will be nothing. This is my life.

Q: What would your advice be for young, aspiring actors?

A: Well, I don't know what to say about that question - I'm still young. I don't have enough experience to advise young actors. But, I can say be honest with yourself, have a belief, and do what you think is right. That's it.

Q: Ok, and one last question. Just to quench the curiosity of lady fans, do you have a girlfriend?

A: I don't know. Do I have to answer that? I had a girlfriend for a while, but not right now.