IN CONVERSATION WITH MOEKA HOSHI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Critics’ Choice Awards and SAG Awards winner, Moeka Hoshi, is a Japanese actress and dancer, known for starring in the Emmy-winning series ‘Shōgun’, which will soon return with its second season. Beyond ‘Shōgun’, Moeka has showcased her talent in numerous other projects, ranging from modern dramas to action films. Her ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth to her characters has made her a sought-after actress in both domestic and international productions. 


 full look LOUIS VUITTON
jewelry SIF JAKOBS

Your portrayal of Usami Fuji in ‘Shōgun’ is both heartbreaking and dignified. What drew you to this role, and how did you prepare for it?

At the audition stage, I didn’t know much about Fuji. However, after I was cast and started conversations with our showrunner Justin, her character gradually became clearer to me. I learned about her background through Justin, using that as a foundation and letting my imagination fill in the rest to build her into a three-dimensional character. Since it was a period piece, I also spent time studying the historical context at the library and took lessons in traditional manners and naginata to prepare.

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rings NICKHO REY
shoes MALONE SOULIERS

What is it like working on such a globally recognized and visually rich production like ‘Shōgun’?

During filming, I honestly had no idea how a Japanese period drama would be received worldwide. I truly enjoyed working with the cast and crew, which is why I am so happy with the amazing result. I was shocked when I watched the first episode and saw how incredible everything turned out. During the streaming period, I visited Warner Bros. in LA and met some post-production members for the first time. It made me realize how many people were involved, not only during the shoot, but before and after as well. Their skills and dedication supported the amazing quality of the show.

How exciting it it that the series has been renewed for a second and third season?

Personally, I’d love to appear in Season 2 as much as possible, but putting that aside, what excites me most is seeing what kind of story Justin, Rachel, and everyone in the writers’ room will create. I imagine some cast and crew members will return, and new people will join. I’m really looking forward to seeing the chemistry that will be born from that.

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dress LE THANH HOA
ring NICKHO REY

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dress KEBURIA
shoes MALONE SOULIERS

You’ve had a diverse career across TV, film, and theater. How do you choose your roles, and what excites you most about a new project?

At the core, I’m drawn to projects that have personal meaning. Besides that, I want to explore a wide range of experiences, using my strengths, facing my weaknesses and growing, and tackling brand new challenges. I find all of those exciting in different ways. More than ever, I value the creative connections I make, resonating with collaborators on a meaningful level, and building trust through the process.

Looking back at your debut in ‘Million Yen Women’, how would you say your approach to acting has evolved over the years?

No matter how much I do, I don’t think I’ll ever be perfect. Even when I do my best, I feel there’s always more to learn. That’s why I keep taking acting lessons and watching films. I’m always absorbing something new. It’s hard to articulate exactly how I’ve changed, but I’ve focused on nurturing my sensibilities and enriching my emotional range, aiming to express something that’s truly my own. Of course, technique remains important too.

suit MIKIO SAKEBE
shoes AGL

With ‘Shōgun’ gaining international acclaim and your wins at the Critics’ Choice and SAG Awards, how has this recognition impacted your career and future goals?

Winning the Critics Choice Award boosted my international career significantly. Since ‘Shōgun’, my first international project, I haven’t booked any overseas projects yet. However, I’m deeply interested in opportunities in the US and Europe and highly motivated to pursue them. I’m also improving my English skills with a short-term language course in London. I believe it’s better than doing nothing, and I’m determined to make the most of it.

What’s been the most challenging role of your career so far, and why?

Playing the role of a medium recently was challenging. The character had an international feel, and being a medium requires believing in and connecting with an invisible world far from everyday life. I aim to fully understand characters and make even unrealistic roles feel human and believable to the audience. Living as that character required a lot of imagination and intense focus.

Who are the artists, filmmakers, or performers that inspire you?

Directors like Lee Chang-dong, Xavier Dolan, Alice Rohrwacher, and others have strongly influenced me. Sandra Hüller is one of my inspirations, especially after seeing her performances in ‘In the Aisles’ and ‘Anatomy of a Fall’. Justine Triet is also a phenomenal director. I admire Olivia Coleman and would love to work with Emma Stone someday, both as an actress and producer, after being impressed by her work on ‘A Real Pain’.

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Tell us more about yourself outside of acting. What are your biggest passions in life besides acting and dancing?

I absolutely love cats and have been involved in rescuing them when I had the time and space. Lately, I’ve realized I love animals in general. I highly value my friendships, especially since I come from a small family and have experienced significant losses. Building deep emotional connections with close friends, who feel like family, means a great deal to me.

What is coming up next for you, besides the new season of ‘Shōgun’?

Currently, I’m involved in exciting projects in Japan, having finished filming two movies already this year. They're both different in tone, so I’m eager to see how they turn out. One is ‘Never After Dark’, a horror film where I played a medium, and I’m also joining a TV drama this fall in Japan. ‘Shōgun’ opened doors to the international stage for me, and I’m keen on exploring more international projects, including those in the US.

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dress KEBURIA
shoes MALONE SOULIERS

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dress LE THANH HOA
rings NICKHO REY
shoes MALONE SOULIERS

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dress LE THANH HOA
ring NICKHO REY

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full look LOUIS VUITTON
jewelry SIF JAKOBS

TEAM CREDITS:

talent MOEKA HOSHI
photography RAUL ROMO
styling DESIREE MORALES AT TMG LA
makeup YUMI MORI
hair EDUARDO MENDEZ at A-FRAME AGENCY
styling assistant JOHNNY CHAVEZ
photography assistant AURELIO CORTES RIVERA
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA