Born the 11 October 1974, Kane Kosugi is one of the rising star of action cinema of Japan today. Many will know him as the son of the great Sho Kosugi, who contributed to bring the Ninja in American action movies in the 80’s. Kane often worked on his father’s movies, like in Black Eagle (1988) where the bad guy is played by a guy named Jean Claude Van Damme. Today after some small part in movies like Zero Woman 2 or Cat’s Eyes, he finally got the chance to show us all his talents in the movie Muscle Heat which also cast Ken Lo and Masaya Kato.

1. How did you start in the movie business ?

Well Actually, I first wanted to be actor after watching my dad's first movie when I was 5 years old. I liked how everyone looked so big and hero like on the screen. I guess my dad knew that I wanted to become an actor and gave me a chance in his movies. I started my acting career at the age of 7.


2. Can you relate your martial background and the styles you learnt ?

I started karate, Gojyuryu and Shotokan at the age of a year and a half. I did that until I was 12 or 13. Somewhere in there I also took Judo and kendo and gymnastics. From 13 I started to take Tae kwon do. I did that for a while and also practiced it when I was in Japan. I started taking Wu shu 2 years ago. I guess I'm always trying to learn something new that will help me become better for the screen.


3. What influence did your father, the great Sho Kosugi, have on you ?

He's been a big influence of course. I got started because of him and I wouldn't be doing what I do now if it wasn't for him.



4. I read that your father named you Kane because of the movie "Citizen Kane". Did you watch the movie from which your name comes ?

Yes he did. And of course I have seen the movie citzen Kane, I have the DVD ! I have a younger brother name Shane, from the movie Shane. I guess my father really loves movies.


5. You've worked with some of the best actors as Toshiro Mifune, Sonny Chiba and many others. Which memories do you keep from these collaborations ?

I remember everyone that I worked with and I have so many great memories. I also learn so much from everyone I work with. One person that I respect and look up to is Jackie Chan. I got a chance to study with him on his movie. I learned so so much from him and still do, I think he is a true action star and a great person.


6. You did a lot of TV series, is that because the trend of the action movies was over and there was no place for a martial artist actor as you ?

Well, when I first came to Japan I couldn't speek any Japanese and didn't really have a name here. Of course my dad is famous, but I was a nobody. There's also not too many action movies made here in Japan. But I like trying new things, so it's a great place for it. I get to do so many things that I probably wouldn't be albe to anywhere else. I host t.v. shows, act in movies, t.v. dramas, go on comedy shows, make commercials and lots of other great things.



7. You play a little part in the movie "Who am I?". Can you tell us more about this experience and how did you get the part ?

I met Jackie Chan in Japan and he invited me to study on the set. I was there for about a month and a half studying and training with him and his stunt team. Before going back to Japan he asked me if I wanted to be in the opening of the movie. Of course I said yes, so that's how I got to work with Jackie. Everyday I was with him was like a dream. I learned so much and the experience has helped me.


8. In 1997 you play in the movie Cat's Eye which is a live adaptation of the Tsukasa Hôjo manga from the same name. Did you read the manga before or after the movie? And do you read some manga ?

No, I never read the manga but I saw the cartoons. The character that I played in the movie was an original character so I got to try what I wanted to with him. I played a character named Kurohata. He's a asassin at night and a regular student in the day. He doesn't like what he does but he has to because of his mother. I liked my character a lot and enjoyed working with everyone. The only thing that was a pain was my tatoo. I had to come in every morning and have it drawn on my back for 3 hours.



9. Why have you been chosen for the voice of Ryu in the animated movie: "Street Fighter Zero" ? Is it because today you're the one who represent the young generation of martial artist actor in Japan?

As I said earlier, I get to do so many neat things, and doing the voice of Ryu was one of them. I use to play street fight all the time and loved the character Ryu so it was an honer to do his voice. I don't know why the picked me, but I loved it !


10. Let's move to "Muscle Heat". Can you tell us more about this experience ?

Muscle Heat was a great experience for me. It was the first big action movie for me here in Japan. Jackie sent some of his stunt team members over to help out (ndlr : Ken Lo play a bad guy) so it made it even more special for me. I knew them from when I was in Who am I , so it was so much fun working with them again. We didn't have that much time to film the movie though so it was tough. We would sometimes work over 24 hours doing action sceens. I was lucky and didn't get any big injuries but of course little ones always comes with action. I enjoyed every second working on Muscle Heat and learned so much from it.



11. What are your next projects ?

After Muscle Heat, I got some offers from Hollywood but as you know, movies always take time. I have a movie that I'm doing next year here in Japan next year so I'll be busy doing that and preparing for that. I still have a long time before becoming a good action star but I 'll keep trying and learning and never give up ! Hopefully I can make people happy through my movies !


Merci


Our warmest thanks go to Kane Kosugi for answering our questions and to his manager Masahiko Hayakawa.

- Clic HERE to see his filmography.

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