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"I wished that I could work not only in Japan but also abroad..."

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The Kei to my Dreams

Kei Mizutani Interview

Interviewer: Matthew Anderson

EXTERNAL EXAM

Kei Mizutani is truly an international cult phenomenon. She has a appeared in multiple photo books, movies, and TV series. Now with a debut CD under her belt, find out why she says "I am proud of the person named Kei Mizutani"!

We would like to thank John O'Donnell, Managing Director at CPM for putting us in contact with Ms. Mizutani. Also, a big thank you to Mitsuru Uehira and David Hair for translating this interview.

INTERVIEW

DVJ: You grew up in Northern Japan. How difficult was it to get into modeling so far from Tokyo?

Kei Mizutani: I didn't feel any difficulty, but in the middle of the big city I was cautious not to fall for people’s smooth talk. (laughter) Because I was country girl who thought that there were many crafty old foxes in this industry....)

DVJ: What made you decide to become a model?

KM: My dream from childhood was to be a "pop idol singer". I missed the target a little bit, but I am proud of the person named "Kei Mizutani". (I recorded my CD debut.)

DVJ: What was your first modeling job?

KM: First, I was swimsuit model for a magazine, and then posed nude for another magazine. I was also regular on a TV variety show named "Gilgamesh Night", and then, played a role for "Weather Woman".

DVJ: "Weather Woman" was your first film. How did you get the role? Did you know it was going to be popular?

KM: "Weather Woman" was popular manga originally published in "Young Magazine". I was chosen by audition to play the main role, "Keiko Nakadai". As many reporters from magazines and newspapers came to cover, I thought that the movie would make it, but I did not expect it to be that successful...finally, we received the award.

DVJ: What was it like working with Tomoaki Hosoyama?

KM: In one word, he is a "man of the passion". He was so strict that he did not tolerate me as a novice actress, and made me cry many times in the scenes. But, because of Hosoyama, the movie was success.

DVJ: I know you have done several photo books in Japan. When was the first one?

KM: (a photo book named) "Nice Body". I don't remember when.

DVJ: Most Americans don't realize it, but you played the role of a villain on the Sentai show "Gingaman". How did you get that role?

KM: The Audition! But, I was called in advance for the role.

DVJ: The costume in Gingaman looks really heavy and awkward. Was it hard to move in it?

KM: Yes, that was really tough. (The costume) was so solid and heavy....cold in winter, comfortable in summer....?(laughter)

DVJ: What is it like to have an entire book with pictures of you sitting on a bookstore shelf?

KM: Oh-!! Kei Mizutani Photo book was finally published!! I was so happy because the photo book was filled with only my pictures.

DVJ: In many of your movies, your character comes across as strong and independent. Do you see yourself in the same way?

KM: Independent? I'm not....(laughter). I am strong, at the same time, weak, but I am doing my best. I am being supported by many people.

DVJ: Your popularity is spreading outside the small US fan base that knew you as a Japanese pop culture idol. The releases by CPM have made your work more accessible to American audiences. How do you feel about this? What is your opinion of the dub?

KM: First of all, I wished that I could work not only in Japan but also abroad, so I am happy that I could meet Central Park Media.
I watched the English dubbed versions at "San Diego Comic Con". I was surprised to see that (the dub version) matched my image to the movies.

DVJ: You were a guest at the San Diego Comic Con. Any chance of another visit to the states?

KM: I have some chances to go to the States for the photo shooting, but if I'm called on, I am willing to fly (there).

DVJ: Would you ever consider an acting job in the US? What actor or director would you like to work with?

KM: "I should aim high!" I would imagine that it would be great if I could work as an actor in America!! I have many favorite directors and actors (I could work with).......uhm..)

DVJ: You have never done any voice acting? Why?

KM: I am very interested in voice acting. If there is any chance, I want to try it. I have done narration and dubbing.

DVJ: We have not seen anything new from you in a while. Why the break and what projects are you currently working on?
KM: Oh....I am sorry (that you could not see..)...... I am still working for movies, V-cinema (video cinema), and I am also modeling, etc, .... I am currently playing in a drama set in Samurai period....as a role of the villain…again (laughter).

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