Interview with Yuriri Naka
Interview by Mike Sullivan
In August the film All That Remains will be released, featuring the true story of Dr Takashi Nagai, a war hero, Christian convert and survivor of the Nagasaki nuclear bombing. One of the Japanese stars in this movie, Yuriri Naka, is based here in the UK. Naka has had roles in big budget movies 47 Ronin and Speed Racer and you might have also noticed her in a recent Sony Experia advert. Her voice is recognizable because she does a lot of voiceover work, including Six months on: Japan Tsunami Survivor’s Story which was shown on BBC, and more recently for an audio book Rise of the Runelords: The Skinsaw Murders.
In 2013 she played the lead role in Konnichiwa Brick Lane which was made in the UK and directed by Saera Jin – a Japanese filmmaker. This short movie was nominated for the Best Comedy award at ASFF 2013 and was part of the official selection at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival.
Recently we had a chat about her work and of course, Japan.
When did you first know you wanted to become an actress?
For as long as I remember, I’d always wanted to become an actress. Maybe I was inspired by some theatre productions that my mother used to take me to when I was little. Also I was in a local choir where we did lots of musicals, and I was always given a pretty good role, which I enjoyed very much.
How do you prepare for an audition?
I learn my lines until I don’t have to think about it. I imagine the character’s life and create some episodes that may be relevant to the scenes that I am working on. Sometimes I think of someone I know that I feel is similar to the character. After I have worked through this process, I try not to think too much about it and hope that the character comes across naturally in my performance.
What was the first theatre show or film that you ever did?
It was a sight specific performance for Future Cinema and I played a Japanese schoolgirl from Kill Bill. My friend who also did the show recently found a photo from the production and put it up on Facebook. I was actually quite impressed by how great and perfect we looked!
Do you prefer acting on the stage or in films?
At the moment, I am probably more interested in films, though I will always have a big love for stage as my fascination for acting began with the stage. Also my training in drama school was mainly in theatre, so I feel more at home on stage.
What is your most memorable experience so far of a role you have had?
This would probably be the small role (Japanese Announcer) I had in Speed Racer (2008) because it was one of the very first acting jobs that I had, and it was also a big budget Hollywood film. Sharing a make-up trailer with film stars was surreal, and the amount of people working on the set was overwhelming. I just remember thinking, ‘This is definitely something that I would like to come back and do again and again and hopefully each time with a bigger role’.
This spring your next movie, All That Remains a story about Dr Takashi Nagai a scientific pioneer and a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, will be released. Can you tell us more about your role and about the movie?
The film is about Dr Takashi Nagai who devoted his life to helping others often at his own sacrifice. He played a huge role in rebuilding Nagasaki after the atomic bomb attack. My role, Tatsue, is a cousin of Dr Nagai’s wife. She is a little beauty and a bit coquettish but later gets severely affected by the bomb both physically and emotionally.
Please tell us about your role in the movie 47 Ronin, and how it felt to be part of a big production featuring so many Japanese actors/actresses as well as Keanu Reeves.
My role, Iku, was a widow and a leader of the survivors of the village that was attacked by Kira’s army. It was great to see so many fellow Japanese actors working on such a big scale production. It was very encouraging and fun at the same time. I was also touched by the fact that people had a great respect for Japan and its culture. Even Keanu Reeves was learning Japanese!
What do you think is the biggest challenge to being a Japanese actress in the UK?
I think getting cast as an interesting and strong character rather than just filling a stereotype. Even though it’s apparently getting better, there are still far fewer opportunities for East Asian actors in comparison to other ethnic minorities. I hope there will be more opportunities in the future for everyone regardless of their race and cultural background.
Your short movie last year, Konnichiwa Brick Lane, was really fascinating as it brought together Japan and the UK with its cast, crew, story and location. Do you think we can expect more productions like this in the future?
I hope so. The film was great because it represents London now, how multi-cultural London is and how people interact with each other in their own unique ways. People’s feelings are universal especially for love and friendship, which is why I think the film can reach anyone’s heart.
Have you acted in anything in Japan? What do you think are the differences between being an actress in Japan and in the UK?
I haven’t worked as an actress in Japan professionally (yet!) so I can’t really say much on this. However, I do feel that actors are much more appreciated and respected in UK even if you are not a movie star. People recognise that actors are needed in society, which is probably thanks to Shakespeare!
After All That Remains what can we expect to see you in next?
The audio drama, Pathfinder Legends – Rise of the Runelords: The Skinsaw Murders, in which I play Ameiko, is due out in May from Big Finish. (http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/rise-of-the-runelords-the-skinsaw-murders-966)
What are your favourite things about Japan, and your favourite things about the UK?
I love Japanese food. Not just traditional food but also modern food. Every time I go back to Japan, I am busy eating as much Japanese food as possible! Though recently there are more Japanese restaurants in London that serve more than just sushi, which I am very excited about. I especially appreciate ramen restaurants as ramen is one of my favourite foods and hard to cook at home.
I like UK’s love for traditions and old things, people are good at blending old with new to make something very unique. I love looking at super modern glass buildings right next to a huge stone classically ornate building next to a Tudor building with a wonky roof. Pubs are also great. They are a perfect example of tradition that still works in modern life. They make socialising so easy and very casual. You don’t need to book a table, just go in, grab a seat and get your drink. It’s just brilliant!