#INTERVIEW: SHOGEN REFLECTS ON HIS STEADY PATH TO SUCCESS

Okinawa-born Actor SHOGEN continues a lasting career which has spanned 20-plus years, with an accomplished catalog that includes DECEMBER, REDEMPTION OF SIN, and GENSAN PUNCH. The latter was inspired by his friend, centering on a man who overcomes his prosthetic leg to thrive as a boxer.

Shogen’s latest, LONE SAMURAI went on to take Best International Feature this past October at the Rome International Film Festival. The thrilling Action-Drama sees him starring as Riku, a shipwrecked samurai whom after contemplating ritual suicide, has a new will to live after being captured by cannibals.

We are delighted to have a rare opportunity to chat with this brilliant and humble Actor about his path to an accomplished career, which sees his rise as a leading man and now a producer too. Did you know that he studies under the same acting coach as the incomparable Nicole Kidman?

You’ve had a celebrated career already with your work, whether it be DECEMBER or GENSAN PUNCH. How would you describe your journey thus far, in what’s been a very lasting, successful career?

Shogen: To be honest, I don’t really see myself as having a “successful career” yet. But I’m truly grateful that I’ve been able to keep working consistently all this time. My respected acting coach in New York told me that it takes twenty years to truly become an actor, so I feel that I’m only just reaching the starting line.

Congrats on LONE SAMURAI winning Best International Feature Prize at the Rome International Film Festival. Walk us through the high of experiencing this and what it meant to you.

Shogen: We don’t make films for the sake of winning awards, but of course it’s always an incredible feeling. It’s a moment when all the efforts of the team are rewarded,and it provides us with the encouragement to move on to the next film. Especially, the moment I heard that Gensan Punch had won at the Busan International Film Festival, is something I will never forget.

Tell us a bit about your character and the battles he must face in LONE SAMURAI? What for you was the toughest challenge?

Shogen: Riku is a man who has lost his family and fallen into despair. In search of a place to die, he throws himself into battle, only to survive alone. Stranded on a desolate island, he must face not only the harsh elements but also with new threats that challenge him both mentally and physically. What challenged me most was undoubtedly the action sequences. It was far more demanding than I had imagined, and I could not have overcome it without the dedication and support of the Uwais Team and Yayan Ruhian.

How has becoming a father (congratulations!) changed the way you approach your acting and work?

Shogen: Thank you very much. First of all, my perspective on the world has dramatically changed. I find myself thinking more about not only my own life but also the future beyond my own lifetime. We filmed Lone Samurai just before my child was born, and even at that time, it had a profound impact on me. I believe that becoming a father will continue to add many new layers to my expression in the future.

Tell us what’s coming next!

Shogen: “The co-production film Blue is the Color of the Sun, which I worked on in Okinawa, wrapped last month. I took on roles that were different from my usual work, serving as a producer and acting coach. Every day was a struggle, but I truly enjoyed the experience. Looking ahead, I hope to expand my opportunities not only as an actor but also as a producer.”

Follow SHOGEN for updates and upcoming projects.

(Photo credit: Kenji Hayashi/Well Go USA)