It’s very difficult to introduce the world to our culture.

Carl Rinsch has a good balance between the visual and the drama and action, so I thought if he’s going to direct, we can make a new, epic film. My fear was gone when I met him.

I think it’s very hard to direct foreign language actors, but Carl Rinsch found a great way. A special super visional way.

I’ve done a lot of Samurai film in Japan, and sometimes done the choreography by myself.

This is almost the most famous story The last samurai – Samurai story – in Japan.

When I was eight or nine years old, I saw the TV version of 47 Ronin, played by Toshiro Mifune. He played Oishi. That was my first experience. I watched every week with my brother. “Who plays Oishi tonight? Who will play Kira tonight?” And we fought every week.

I’ve done Last Samurai in Japan, in LA, in New Zealand. Even in Japan it is very hard to shoot, because there’s been so many changes. Only around a temple can we shoot.

I am glad to be here to create a new history in our industry. I’m very proud of this.

I’ve been wearing kimono for several years, and armor.

I've been wearing kimono for several years, and armor.