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Gina Hiraizumi Vital Stats
Birthday: 11-20-1983 Birthplace: Gardena, California Middle name: Tomiko Height: 5' 5" Blood type: A Unmei no Ai video 
Film Credits Only the Brave (2005) Role of Eleanor "Ellie" Takase The Hot Spot (2005) Role of Venus Day of Independence (2003) Role of "Rose" Scream Queen (2003) Role of Leilani Kingston High (2002) Role of "Katelyn" Soap Girl (2002) Role of "Asia" Camp Utopia (2002) Role of "Bongo Player" The Source (2002) Role of "Stacey" 1st Testament CIA Vengeance (2001) Role of "Mika" All or Nothing (2001) Role of "Teen diva" 100 Girls (2000) Role of "Baby Carriage Girl" Eyeball Eddie (2000) Role of "Popular Girl" TV Credits Shark (2007) Role of "2nd Young Woman" Quintuplets (2004) Role of "Jackie" Lucky (2003) Role of "Minako" Port Charles (2002) Role of "Casey" City Guys (2001) Role of "Yasmina" Close to Home (2001) Role of "Becky" |
Gina Hiraizumi Interview
Gina Hiraizumi first achieved fame as an actress appearing on TV shows such as City Guys, Port Charles and Quintuplets. Her growing film credits include Day of Independence, Hot Spot and Only the Brave, where she played alongside Jason Scott Lee and Tamlyn Tomita. But in 2005 the rising star decided to surprise everyone by taking a break from Hollywood to attend New York's Juilliard School to pursue her dream of a singing career.
With a third generation Japanese-American father and a mother from Japan, Gina grew up in a bilingual California home with a love for both countries. In keeping with her multicultural roots her debut single "Unmei no Ai" was recorded and will be released first in Japan with a full album in the works for later this year. On April 28, 2008 Gina Hiraizumi was kind enough to give an interview to Andrew from J-Pop World.
You recently recorded a new single called "Unmei no Ai" (Destiny). Tell us about the song and how you came to record it in Japan. 
My childhood friend (now known to Japan as rapper MC Hinomaru) asked if I'd sing on a J-Pop
song he was writing and producing. I agreed, and the process was amazingly effortless! I
learned the song in a few hours, made it my own, recorded it, and it was done... just like
that. I've always heard that some of the best songs are created impulsively, when you're not
"trying" so to speak. For me, it was one of those times.
The song content is one of those moments when you feel that electrifying energy when you meet someone you're immediately attracted to. It's about living in the moment, for once. The song gives you the permission to escape into that world -- a song only for the mature, grown and sexy! The single also features the song "Summertime." What's it about? It was inspired by my constant travels to Hawaii. I go about 4 times a year, whether it be for business, acting jobs, family, whatever. But no matter what I'm there for, it never fails -- it feels like paradise in the summertime! I'm reminded that life should always be this much fun. I absolutely love the young, sexy, beach lifestyle....and the song talks about being in the sun, sipping a Mai Tai by the beach on Waikiki, making sure I look hot for my man... sounds silly, right? But it's so true. Ladies, I know you know what I'm talking about. Summer is a sexy season! I love it. In the midst of a busy and successful acting career you chose to attend New York's Juilliard School to get professional voice training. What spurred you into starting a career in music? 
A huge risk, but the best decision I've ever made for myself. People must have thought I was
crazy to leave Hollywood and do New York. But I asked myself, how often does anyone get an
opportunity to go to Juilliard? Are ya kidding? Not often. Besides, I wanted to get away
for personal reasons as well. I was trying to break up with my boyfriend at the time, and
this was the perfect excuse to do so without telling him the real reason, which was because
he bored me. The timing could never be so perfect. But anyhow, my NYC experience was so
liberating as a woman and my training was invaluable. I am such a stronger performer to
this day and I know people respect me for it.
Tell us about your remake of Sade's song "Kiss of Life." Sade is my favorite singer in the world and "Kiss of Life" is my favorite song. So it's a no-brainer... I had to do it. She's so so classy, sensual, and understated all at the same time -- everything I'm about. I want her to hurry up and hear my version of the re-make. Hope she approves! :) How would you describe your musical style? J-Pop, J-R&B (Japanese) and eventually in the future, I'd like to do more sexy Smooth Jazz, like Sade. Can Gina fans hope to see a full length album released later this year? Yes, I have 2 projects in the works - my Japan deal and a U.S. deal for Hawaii, through a top surf brand, Hawaiian Island Creations, who have been sponsoring my career for some time now. Working on both simultaneously can be hectic, but I love it this way. I love being busy. You were born and raised in Torrance, California. You kept busy in high school with many different activities including baseball, piano lessons and theatre. What were your dreams and expectations when you were still a student? All I've ever wanted to do was act and sing. Period. Nothing else mattered. I was ALWAYS so focused. Your professional acting career began with roles on TV shows such as City Guys, Port Charles and Quintuplets and in some commercials. As you paid your dues to establish yourself in the industry how did you keep motivated on your goals? 
Truly believing myself and loving myself unconditionally. Being spiritually grounded and
surrounding myself with positive, uplifting people always. Also, knowing that I cannot do
this all on my own. I've always treated my career as a business, and I'm the CEO of my own
brand. I'm very selective with my staff, and most have been with me for a long time. My
assistant, Adelin, is my right hand girl and I cannot imagine my career without her. The love
and support of so many that's invested their time in me keeps me going. I wouldn't want to
disappoint anyone either, that would be the worst.
I've been learning to give myself a break sometimes too - I mean, life happens! I make mistakes, lots of them in fact, and it's okay that I do... I'm only human. I may want to stray off my schedule sometimes and be spontaneous... I may want to cancel all plans and accept a date offer... I may want to go for a weekend getaway and fall in love... Who knows? The point is, motivation and inspiration for me comes from a balanced, happy, exciting lifestyle. Some of your many movie credits include Kingston High, Soap Girl and Hot Spot. Who has helped you most in developing your acting craft during your career? Aaron Speiser. He was my first and most influential acting coach, a father figure and friend. You played the role of a 1939 beauty queen named "Eleanor Takase" in the 2005 film Only the Brave. The movie tells the story of the Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team during WWII. Your own grandparents went through the tragic experience of having to live in an internment camp during the war. Did this bring a more personal meaning to the role for you? Yes it did. To hear what they went through is a touching, emotional experience. My Grandparents are such strong, beautiful souls and I find it unfair that such good people are punished in this thing called war. If I could go back in time, I would switch places with them and endure it for them. They didn't deserve it, and our generation is so spoiled to have the luxuries we have. In the film you were the love interest of renowned actor Jason Scott Lee who famously played Bruce Lee in Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. What is your relationship with Jason like? Life changing. Probably the most beautiful, humble man I've known and respect so much. Tell us about Jason's documentary Living Pono. 
It's about his lifestyle on the Big Island of Hawaii. It explains his philosophies, his
beliefs, why he chooses to live this way and so forth. It gives a deeper, spiritual meaning
to life and it will bring a smile to your face, guaranteed.
(Funny story, real fast: Jason brought the DVD over to show my mom. My mom flips out, and goes "What!? Living PORNO? Don't tell me you guys made a sex tape!" It was the funniest thing ever. Oh my gawd, I would never, never, never make a sex tape! Besides, IF and only IF I ever did, why would Jason bring it over to my mom? haha) Jason makes an appearance - again as a love interest - in the upcoming video for "Unmei no Ai." What is it like to play that type of scene with a friend? Well like I said, we support each other's work both professionally and personally, so it's nothing too foreign to us. We're both professionals so we know when to turn it on, and turn it off. However, chemistry is undeniable and since I had to get down with someone on-screen, I wanted it to be with someone I was totally familiar and comfortable with, and vice versa.... I wanted that person to already know me, inside and out too. I didn't want it to look contrived or fake. I don't talk about my personal life. That's all I'm going to say. Tamlyn Tomita also appears in the movie. What was it like to work with her? She's a pioneer for Japanese-American actresses! She supports her community in ways that are far and beyond what's expected of such a busy, established actress. I only pray and hope that I can look as beautiful as she when I get older. You were in the Chris Tashima film Day of Independence which also involved a WWII Japanese-American internment camp. Do you find period pieces more of a challenge than roles in a more modern setting? No, I feel totally comfortable. I've always known I had a mature soul to me. I've always had older friends and my taste in everything have always been above and beyond. Somehow, period piece films are drawn into my life.... my last films "Only the Brave" and "Day of Independence" were both. Both directors for the mentioned films have told me I have a "classic beauty" about myself. I've played the love interest of the lead male in both of those films. You once said "For an Asian-American actress it's so important for us to be portrayed in the right way." How do you decide what roles to take? I ask myself if this is something my parents and Grandparents can be proud of and brag to their friends about. That's always my indication right there. So far, they're as proud as can be! Too many Asian actresses get desperate for fame or work, thinking they have to take every role (including degrading ones). I've never been that type -- I'm confident in my career and who I am, and I'm looking at the long term. Is anyone really going to care about reality show has-beens 5 years from now? Do you feel that being an American with Japanese ancestry has helped or hindered your acting career? 
Helped! I love being Japanese-American and everything that comes with being in this skin.
I've never wanted to blend in and just be another face in the crowd. To be different, exotic,
sassy and unique is an asset. People are surprised when they learn I'm a Yonsei (4th generation Japanese-American, through my dad) that can speak fluent Japanese (thanks to my
mom, who is from Japan) with a local-girl flair (w/family and relatives in Hawaii) and
pursuing a career in entertainment. Are ya kidding me? That's totally unheard of, and I
love it! Japanese-Americans (Nikkei's) lack presence in the media, so I'm totally responsible
for bringing it forth.
You've been compared to people as diverse as Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson. But who are the role models you have looked up to? My mother. Even though we have our extreme opposing opinions on certain things, I love her more than anything in the world and I respect her so much. She has overcome so much adversity in her life and is such a strong, independent, beautiful woman. Ever since I was young I've been told I get a lot of my militant, leadership traits from her. She's always demanded nothing but the best and will not stop at anything until she gets what she wants (and most often times does, since people are intimidated by her). My tastes in guys are formed by her influences too - her teachings are at times blunt but very realistic. She says "Just love alone can't put food on the table. Don't waste your time on someone that's not bringing something equal or more to the table, because you have too much to offer. You're on your way to a successful career, so there is no reason for a man to not have his sh*t together at your age. No excuses." Doncha love her? :) You frequently travel between the US and Japan. What are some of the changes you've seen in both countries over the last few years? 
Rather than changes, I've been appreciating the similarities. Simply put, people are people
no matter where you live. Everyone wants to have fun. Everyone wants to love and be loved.
It's universal. But on a lighter note, Japan is on a serious wave with Hip-Hop fashion and
they nearly make Americans feel behind!
I've noticed that Japanese men are getting a little more confident these days. I used to only get approached by athletes or celebrity types with a lot of money. Now, I'm getting hit on left and right by regular guys... I think American Hip-Hop and music videos are influencing the male generation to be more assertive no matter who you are, which is great. Oh, and the Starbucks in Japan is unbeatable. My favorite spot is the Shibuya Starbucks 2nd Floor overlooking the city. It's so full of life! What is one of your favorite Japanese foods that most Americans would be unfamiliar with? Natto-maki. It's a sushi thing with this thing called natto. If you haven't grown up with it, you'll never like it so don't even try. It's an acquired taste, don't even ask... Tell us about the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. It's a charity for children. I LOVE LOVE LOVE kids. When you brighten a child's day, it makes life worth living for me. Sometimes they organize events where celebrities come out and read books to the kids or have fun activities. I just think it's the best thing in the world. Rumor has it that your father named you after the Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida. Is this true? True. Do you have a nickname your friends and family call you? "GG Star" - I forget why. You have a new film called "Morai" scheduled for release in 2009. Can you give us a sneak peak? It's a Cambodian film directed by renowned Cambodian director Sam Lorn. I play "Sarah Chea," a highly dramatic, artsy, gritty role of a recovering crack addict - a mentally unstable soul that looks to the drug/gang life of Long Beach in a place called Cambodian town. I took this role because it's an unglamorous role and I was excited to play a character that was totally opposite of me. I wanted to showcase some serious acting chops. I honestly did the whole Halle Berry/Charlize Theron route and became this down and out character for weeks to prepare. I hardly answered my cell phone because I didn't want to be distracted, but my friends understand. You have a role in the upcoming Japanese horror movie "Obake." Tell us about it. Obake is an indie film that I did for director friend, Kurt Nishimura. It tells one of many ghost stories that have been haunting the island of Oahu for many years. I play the lead role of "Sachi," a young Hawaiian mom of two hapa kids ("hapa" means half white and Asian) and they were so cute! We shot on several locations on the island of Oahu, Hawaii and had an absolute blast. It's always been a dream of mine to live in Hawaii and pursue an acting career. Unfortunately, "Hollywood" is in LA, so I have to stay here until I can move to wherever I want, and only fly in to do the movies I choose to. That's the ideal plan. Are you a big fan of the horror genre? Yes, I am a huge horror genre fan. I love Japanese horror films, especially the ones by filmmaker Takeshi Kitano. What are your personal and professional hopes for the future? Join Lucy Liu on the A-list of Asian-American actresses, conquer Japan with movies and music, meet the love of my life, get married and have 2~3 beautiful children. Do you have a final message for your fans? I am truly lucky to be able to share this amazing adventure called "life" with you. Thank you for being a part of it.
For more info checkout Gina Hiraizumi's official site. |