We talk to Asian Actress Miki Kaneko from Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Miki Kaneko is a Japanese actor currently based in Los Angeles. She started out in plays back in Tokyo. Since she moved to LA to become a film actor in 2019 she has made her debut in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time an LA Production.
Miki says, “I started my acting career in the play of the movie “Ore Wa Kimi No Tame Ni Koso Shini Ni Iku”. I played one of the girls who supported the Kamikaze Corps during World War II. I didn’t know how to build a character and prepare for the opening day. But I wasn’t nervous for some reason. I found joy on the stage.”
indieactivity: Tell us about the improved career you have?
Miki Kaneko (MK): I did theater and some films in Japan. But to be honest, I had never learned acting techniques. So I’m so happy that I was able to learn famous method acting techniques, like the Meisner technique and the Lee Strasberg technique at Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory. “Be present”, “Listen to others lines”, are what I believe that are important for actors and what I wanted to learn. Even though my English was not good, I enjoyed learning and acting. My teachers and classmates were so kind and supportive.
How has your acting improved?
Miki Kaneko (MK): I got a lot of unforgettable experiences, especially in the Lee Strasberg technique class. We did sensory exercises every time. I couldn’t get the hang of it at first. But once I did, it became so hard to get out of the world I created. I have left early because of it. I knew I had to deal with it, but it was so strong. On the other hand, I got great skills as it became easy to access my memories.
You are an experienced actor, how much work: creativity, energy or focus do you put into your scenes?
Miki Kaneko (MK): First of all, English is my second language. So I check all the words that I don’t know at first, and then start to analyze the script and character, which takes a very long time. I’m not good at multi-tasking when I work on building a character and auditions. So I don’t hang out and can’t do anything else during the time.
You have worked on popular shows, and film, how has each show impacted your work as an actor and your career? for example 600 Bottles of wine
Miki Kaneko (MK): I worked with experienced and professional actors in the play of the popular novel “Legend of the Galactic Heroes”. I only had experiences of minor works at the time. Every single actor fully memorized their lines on the first day of the rehearsal. And they acted and moved in the direction at once. They impressed me a lot. After that experience, I try to do the same things as much as I can.
How does the work you do on one show, compared to another?
Miki Kaneko (MK): You have many rehearsals to make a show, but films are not. So I try different approaches each time. And once I get different emotions, the director’s direction would change. I enjoy how much I can enhance myself and surprise a director and co-stars. And during a show, I don’t talk to anyone backstage not to lose my energy. Because the audience is there. If you don’t have enough energy to entertain them, they would feel it and not concentrate on a show for about 2 hours.
Let’s take a show you’ve done, how did you prepare for such a role: the cast, the physicality the terrain, the climate, weather, and the demands of the show?
Miki Kaneko (MK): I read the script many times and think about why my character says the lines and the given circumstances. And I communicate with the actor who plays a character whom I talk to often. If you build a good relationship in real life, you can put it to work.
How do you get into character?
Miki Kaneko (MK): I get into character to read a script over and over, and then make her resume. What is her family like? Favorite things to do? Favorite food? etc. Then just trial and error. And I spend time as the character in real life. I figure out how she talks and behaves.
What are your principles on a production set?
Miki Kaneko (MK): It depends on the character and scene. If it’s a serious scene, I normally don’t talk to anyone until it’s done. But if it’s a comedy, I interact with the crew and co-stars and keep invigorating between cuts.
Explain one creative choice you took on the set?
Miki Kaneko (MK): What is important for me is that I just give it a try even if I don’t understand the meaning of the director’s direction. There is always something important and new to get. A director had an actor take my hand in the rehearsal of a play, and I felt comfortable with that. But one day, I wanted to shake off his hand instinctively. Trying always gives me something.
Tell us about your new exciting projects?
Miki Kaneko (MK): I will play the heroine in the science fiction film and Godzilla fan film “Godzilla vs Baragon”. The filming day is scheduled in July in 2021. We have been rehearsing online since January. It would be a great film!
Talk about the industry here, making the move over, and especially how Hollywood has been affected by the pandemic?
Miki Kaneko (MK): There are more great opportunities here compared to Japan. And I feel like actors in Japan are in a vulnerable position. I hope it will change. And the COVID has changed everything; covering the face, the holding space, and catering service, etc. It’s so tough until you get used to it.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Miki Kaneko. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.
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