Exclusive interview with Tomoko Karina,  American / Japanese Actress 

By Jean-Paul Eliard
The 24 February 2025

Hi Tomoko, I'm glad to do this interview.

Can you introduce yourself to the visitors of cinema-movietheater.com?

My name is Tomoko Karina. I am an actress born and raised in Tokyo Japan and currently based in Los Angeles, California.

You can find me in “Cobra Kai” (Netflix) season 3, “ another Tango” (Hallmark movie), “ haunting, at Silver Falls: return” (Netflix), and more

I am a foodie, wine lover, rocker and Classical Japanese dancer (Kabuki Odori) 

What did you like in your character of Ozaki Aide? And when you read the script?

I liked the aspect of a role that she is stern and loyal to the nation.

I enjoyed portraying the pride of being one of the representatives of the country in front of the President of the United States of America. 

I guess because the franchise has very strict NDA, and is very careful of sending anything electrically, I received the material a couple of days prior to the shoot day. 

How did you prepare for your role?

I used a lot of my imagination based upon the limited information I had about the character.

I referred a lot and prepared from my audition material.

I knew that I was playing government official so I watched a lot of the news footages to get to know their bureaucratic, mannerism and behavior. 

Have you watched the movie since it release out?
Yes, I attended the cast and a crew screening event in Los Angeles. 

How is the shooting with Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez.........? And the Director Julius Onah?

I had a pleasure working with Mr. Harrison Ford for two days.

He was very charismatic, energetic and serious about the work. He was very inspiring, and very friendly (and attractive I might add!) I got to talk with him a little bit.

He shared stories about when he often travel to Japan for movie promotions. 

I didn’t have any scene with mr. Mackie and Mr. Ramirez.

I shared make up trailer once with Anthony. He appeared to be very friendly and someone who brightens up the room. 

It was wonderful to act under the direction of Mr. Onah.

It was very impressive to see him navigate such a huge production with hundreds of people working at the same time and get things done quickly and effectively.

Where the film was shot?

Atlanta, Georgia

When and why did you choose to be an actress?

I believe when I was 7 or 8 years old. I always enjoyed performing in front of people and telling stories. 

I just love acting. As I do it, the love for acting only grew. 

You were an actress in Japan and after in the USA

What is the difference between Japan and American movies?

In America, the cast and crew are very diverse and coming from various backgrounds, very global and with many types of productions from very very small independent projects to huge blockbuster productions like Captain America. 

What is your next challenge / project?

I am producing and starring a play by a legendary Japanese playwright,

Kohei Tsuka for Hollywood Fringe Festival this early summer.

His plays are extremely popular and appreciated in Japan, but never been translated in English and never been produced in the US which is very strange considering a significant influence his works made in Japan.

I really wanted to play his character and tell his extraordinary story,

so I translated the play.

We are planning the live streaming of the show, so anyone in France can watch it live! :) 

Do you wish to add something ?

I am a huge fan of French cinema. The Japanese poster of “400 Blows” by Hisamitsu Noguchi is on a wall in my apartment. 

I’ll fly over there whenever French directors need my performance! :) 

Thank you very much for your interview  Tomoko I wish you all the best
 

More information about  Tomoko on Instagram, on Facebook and on IMDb