In an exclusive OTS Magazine UK interview published in collaboration with INSTYLEASIA, Japanese actor Kohei Shoji opens up about his evolving career, international ambitions, and the roles that have shaped his journey so far.

From tokusatsu productions and period drama to the emotionally driven sci-fi short So Far Away, So Close (彼方の声), Shoji has continued to explore different sides of performance. In the exclusive conversation, he reflects on adapting his approach across genres, his hopes of working internationally, his relationship with fashion, and his personal ambitions beyond Japan.

The interview follows Shoji's appearance at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2026, where he stars in So Far Away, So Close, part of the festival's Generative Tokyo Project. The film explores love, loss, and grief through the story of a young man confronted with an AI reconstruction of his late partner, offering Shoji a very different creative challenge from his earlier work.

For audiences who first discovered him through Japanese tokusatsu, Shoji's journey has already crossed several genres. He portrayed Kiramai Silver in Mashin Sentai Kiramager and appeared in Kamen Rider Gavv before taking on the historical drama Kimi to Yukite Saku (Shinsengumi: With You I Bloom). His role in the Japanese BL drama 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 further introduced him to international audiences.

Now, with his sights set beyond Japan, Shoji is embracing a new chapter in his career. Alongside acting, he has developed an interest in fashion, including appearances connected to major international fashion events, while continuing to work on his language skills and explore opportunities overseas.

In this interview, he speaks candidly about learning languages, discovering music, his love of basketball and hopes of visiting New York, personal challenges within the acting industry, fashion, the importance of staying honest with himself, and his ambition to continue developing his craft internationally.

As Shoji continues to move between genres, cultures, and creative spaces, this September digital feature offers a closer look at the actor behind the roles and the ambitions shaping what comes next.

Kohei Shoji: "If I had to categorize the Tokusatsu genre, I would say it functions primarily as a children's show. You referred to it as a superhero show, but unlike major Western franchises like Marvel or DC, which are meticulously designed for a global audience and multi-generational appeal.

Tokusatsu drama remains beautifully domestic and highly localized. It is created specifically for children, and while there is a wonderful dedicated adult fanbase who support the genre, its core identity is rooted in that localized appeal.

Because of that target audience, the Tokusatsu genre is inherently straightforward and easy to understand. However, stepping on the set of a romantic indie-style drama like "So Far Away, So Close" required a completely different mindset.

Working under the direction of director Tekkou Nogami was a radically unique experience. His direction pushed for a far more complex and nuanced approach to performance, demanding a quiet emotional depth that stands in sharp contrast to the energy and broad strokes of superhero storytelling."

Kohei Shoji: “Currently, I am studying Chinese and French, and I can already speak English. In this era of rapid globalization and AI-generated voices, being able to personally communicate using different languages feels deeply meaningful.

To me, it mirrors the very core of interpersonal human connection. Ultimately, society is built on individual relationships. Being able to express my own will and true feelings in English, which serves as the international language, holds immense value in this industry. It would be incredible to eventually work in Hollywood as an actor.

Having started my career with the superhero genre and samurai film in Japan, I have also developed a deep love for overseas cinema. There are so many visionaries I look up to. For instance, working with acclaimed international directors like James Cameron is a dream I hope to realize someday.”

Kohei Shoji: "When I'm shooting, my go-to is casual basic wear. Since I have to stay in costume for a long time, it’s always a relief when it’s time to change back into my own easy and comfortable clothes.

On my days off, whether I'm meeting up with friends or just going out for shopping, my look completely depends on my mood and season. Lately, I've been leaning toward a classical aesthetic, like pairing a T-shirt and jacket with a necktie, rather than a street-style look.

Right now, since it's summer, I keep things simple with short-sleeve shirts and short pants. Because menswear doesn't include dresses or skirts, the key is keeping the silhouette clean and letting small details do the talking. I love wearing accessories like rings and small accents to give a simple summer outfit that is a perfect extra touch."

Kohei Shoji: "To be honest, I don't know much about music, but I definitely have my go-to favorites. I’m 26 years old, and while I know a lot of people around my age are K-pop music fans, I have a hard time keeping track of who is who in those groups. Instead, I always find myself turning to the pop hits of the 90s and 2000s era.

Whether I need to get pumped up or just want to wind down, I listen to a lot of classic boy bands like Westlife, Blue, and Backstreet Boys. That era of music is really my comfort zone. That being said, I did catch myself getting invested in a newer project recently.

Last year, I started watching an audition show (No No Girls, 2024–2025 Japanese girls' group audition show produced by rapper and singer Chanmina in collaboration with BMSG led by CEO SKY-HI) for a new girl group named "Hana." I followed their journey about a month before they officially hit the scene, and from my perspective, it feels like they just debuted last month. It’s been fun keeping an eye on their journey.

Kohei Shoji: "If I could fly out tomorrow, it would definitely be New York City! I’m a huge NBA fan, and my dream is to visit the Madison Square Garden. New York basketball fans have this incredible, almost intimidating passion that I love. Plus, it’s been nearly 27 years since the Knicks last made it to the NBA Finals stage. I would love to experience the atmosphere of that historic arena in person.”

Kohei Shoji: "There are so many challenges, whether it's navigating the vastness of the industry or collaborating with directors, co-stars, and crew members. My goal is always to deliver a performance without any trouble.

However, when I feel myself straying onto the wrong path or losing direction, I make it a point to sit down and talk things through with the film director. To be honest, I still consider myself a newcomer, and I am far from being a fully-fledged professional actor.

There was a long period where I just couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. Over time, I’ve come to realize that the things can only be resolved through time and experience."

Kohei Shoji: "Honestly, I don’t have a specific role lined up next, so my horizon is completely open! I'm ready to take on whatever comes my way. Looking back at my journey, from playing a superhero and a samurai to my recent role as a lover in a sci-fi film for the Short Shorts Film Festival (SSFF & Asia), I've realized that the acting expression always changes depending on the surrounding context and the director's specific vision. Moving forward, I think it will be incredibly interesting to see where those elements take me next. I'm excited to explore new territory!"

Kohei Shoji: "When I was younger, I was always focused on climbing the ladder and chasing success. Back then, I used to wonder exactly how much it would take to finally make me happy.

Human ambition is an unpredictable thing, and who is to say I won't defy the odds and make it big? That’s why, amidst the chaos, I try to stay deeply honest with myself. I want to lay it all out there, defining what truly brings me joy, while staying clear about the things I still hunger for."

Kohei Shoji: "While I'm not entirely sure if it will happen exactly five years from now, I definitely see it happening within the next decade. To truly elevate and brush up my career, I want to pursue opportunities to work and develop my craft overseas. It's a goal I am fully committed to exploring."

Kohei Shoji: "Thank you so much for watching my drama. To be honest, it is still hard to believe, yet deeply moving to feel that a Japanese project we starred in has traveled so far from home to reach people in distant corners of the world.

Moving forward, we truly believe we can continue to thrive on a more global stage.

Whether it is by celebrating our milestones together or by going out to see our movies, I hope everyone can connect with and support us. That support is what allows us to return the love.”

That wraps up our exclusive interview! A huge thank you to Kohei Shoji for sharing his heartfelt thoughts and inspiring message with fans around the world.

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