The Kiko Kind Of Cool

An actress, a muse and a businesswoman — Kiko Mizuhara is one of the most influential of cool kids in Japan

So you walked up the steps of Palais des Festivals in Cannes earlier this year…

Yes, I walked the red carpet for a fashion house. it’s always a little tricky, I think, to attend a film festival when you’re not in any. But you have to take advantage of the moment. it’s an incredibly remarkable experience and I loved the dress I wore. Cannes is a very special place. I wish I could come back one day and have one of my films screened there.

Let’s go back in time; what is your first memory as an actress?

I was 17 years old when they asked me to audition for Norwegian Wood, the film adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s novel. the director, Tran Anh hung, had already auditioned several experienced actresses before me but he couldn’t decide. I wasn’t very good at the audition but Tran Anh liked my personality. to him, it was close to that of Midori’s character. it was unexpected and I was afraid to take on the role but I ended up having fun playing her.

And at the time, you had already worked for several years as a model…