Moeka Hoshi has a bright future ahead after breaking out into the Hollywood mainstream with her role in the acclaimed series, Shōgun. Born on August 23, 1995, in Chiba, Japan, Hoshi had a passion for performing arts at an early age, studying classical ballet and aspiring to become an actress (via Oricon News). That dream came true in 2017, when Hoshi made her acting debut in the Tokyo TV series Million Yen Women. She has since starred in several Japanese movies and shows, including On the Street and The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8.
A successful actress in Japan, Hoshi was virtually unknown to Western audiences, but that all changed with her role in the Emmy-winning drama, Shōgun, which premiered on FX in 2023. In the series, which takes place in 1600 feudal Japan, Hoshi plays Usami Fuji, a widow who watched her husband and son killed before her very eyes. With little time to grieve, she must take on her new duties in her new role as consort. Fuji's arc is one of the show's most fascinating, and Hoshi put in a lot of work to embody her Shōgun character.
How Moeka Hoshi Landed The Role Of Fuji On Shōgun
Hoshi Took Her Research Very Seriously
Having been a dedicated performer since she was a child, Moeka Hoshi recognized that auditioning for Shōgun was a massive opportunity. In an interview with Collider, Hoshi shared how eager she was to be cast, and that she took her research and audition very seriously. Hoshi said,
When I think about the audition for Fuji, I had a lot of focus and energy. I was hungry for the role, for sure. I'm not sure the greater audience knows, but when you wear a kimono, you can't just put it on. Most of the time you have to be trained, and the training can take months, or, for us normal Japanese folk, you hire someone to dress you in a kimono. Through my agency, I actually hired someone to dress me properly. I remember it was three scenes that I had to submit for Fuji, and I remember recording from morning until night. I was so exhausted at the end of the day.
The actress went on to share that she was considering auditioning for Mariko (who would be played by Anna Sawai) in the Shōgun cast but didn't think her English was at the appropriate level. And it looks like Hoshi made the correct choice, and that her dedication paid off, as not only was she cast, but she made Fuji a fan favorite. Her character has become a staple of pop culture, with Fuji reaction memes and gifs shared across social media.
How Hoshi Got Into Character To Play Fuji
She Frequently Consulted With The Shōgun Showrunner
Moeka Hoshi's research did not stop after her Shōgun audition. If anything, it intensified. Hoshi has said in several interviews about Shōgunthat she had many conversations with showrunner Justin Marks, and was the first actor to reach out to him about getting into character, which he appreciated. Hoshi was extremely meticulous in developing Fuji's character, telling Bleeding Cool,
...within my research, I came across little details that would make Fuji a lot fuller, like, "Maybe this is a type of makeup she would have and personal belongings. Perhaps this is the type of comb that she would have." I was able to create a picture with a lot more details about Fuji with my research.
While Hoshi's process undoubtedly contributed to her making Fuji a rich character, what really stuck with audiences was who Fuji is as a person. Hoshi has a lot of heavy lifting to do, as, throughout Shōgun season 1, Fuji goes from wife and mother to grieving widow to consort to deciding to become a nun. Her character would have fallen flat in the hands of a lesser actress, but Hoshi captures all layers of Fuji's complex personality. She credits Marks with encouraging her to trust her choices:
I was a little bit worried about this being a period film. Would I have to really stick to the parameters down to the T? In my conversation with [creator] Justin [Marks], I learned I didn't have to worry about that as much. In the story of Fuji is 19 years old, and I was given the freedom to explore who she is. She has come up in a really wealthy upbringing, but maybe she's still a little mischievous at the same time. I had a freedom to explore that.
Moeka Hoshi’s Upcoming Projects
She's Returning For Shōgun Season 2
Image via Hulu/FX
2024 has been a busy year for Moeka Hoshi. In addition to Shōgun, she appeared in the Japanese TV series Anata no koibito godatsu-shimasu. (Get Your Lover) and ACMA:GAME and movie The Women in the Lakes. But while she continues to work steadily in Japan, Hollywood has yet to embrace Hoshi as a major star. She told Bleeding Cool,
There haven't been any big results, but I can say that it has opened a few doors for me I'm in LA taking meetings with agents and managers, and that wouldn't have happened without 'Shogun.' Before, I hadn't even thought about working overseas, so 'Shōgun' opened the door for me both in my mind and physically. I'm in a place where I'm thankful for the opportunities that the show has brought me, but I'm also hungry for the next thing.
Hopefully, Hoshi will start seeing success in mainstream Hollywood soon. However, in the meantime, Shōgun fans have lots to be happy for because Hoshi will be returning for the highly anticipated Shōgun season 2. Moeka Hoshi doesn't know what's in store for her character, but like with her acting process, she's placing her faith in showrunners Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, who definitely didn't disappoint with the show's first season. On her future in Shōgun, Hoshi said,
I have no idea what the plan is, but in Justin and Rachel. I trust, and I believe they will come up with another exciting season. Honestly, it's less about myself and Fuji. Just as another fellow fan of Shōgun, I'm looking forward to what comes out for season 2 and season 3.
Shogun is an FX original mini-series set in 17th Century Japan. Shogun follows John Blackthorne, who becomes a samurai warrior but is unknowingly a pawn in Yoshii Toranaga's plan to become Shogun. The series stars Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga, along with Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, and Yûki Kedôin.
Cast Cosmo Jarvis , Hiroyuki Sanada , Anna Sawai , Tadanobu Asano , Yûki Kedôin , Takehiro Hira , Tommy Bastow
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