Hitomi Kuroki on Living with Grace and Acting When the Moment Comes

In 1982, at the record-breaking age of 22, Hitomi Kuroki became the top musumeyaku (female role specialist) of the Takarazuka Revue. Later, in the 1997 film Lost Paradise, she sparked a social phenomenon.

Since then, she has continued to take on new challenges in both film and theater as an actress and director, with a career now spanning over 40 years. What is this top actress, still pushing boundaries at the forefront of entertainment, thinking about today?

Following the first part of this interview, where she spoke about her passion for acting, the second part delves into her experiences as a director and what she’s learned through that role — as well as the personal rules that fuel her drive.

 The other side of the shore

A work cannot be built on the passion of actors alone. I realized that reality when I stood on the directing side myself.

“I’ve directed two feature films, two short films, the reading play we just mentioned, stage productions, and last year I directed a dinner show for the first time in 14 years. Through those experiences as a creator, I was finally able to see the other side. The perspective is completely different. Once I crossed over, I could clearly see the passion and preparations of the staff. I genuinely felt, ‘Ah, we’re really creating this together.’ I had always been grateful, but my sense of gratitude deepened even more.”

That broader, more detached viewpoint naturally started to overlap when she returned to acting.

“I began to think more often, ‘Am I becoming the piece the director envisions?’ Even if I have passion within myself, I need to ask whether it aligns with the director’s image. Was I able to raise the voltage where it needed to be? If a director wishes for a character to be a certain kind of woman, I want to match that properly.”

She also recalls how, when stepping onto the set as a director, she came to realize the importance of passing the baton to the next generation.

“In our line of work, there aren’t many opportunities to teach. About the only time we talk about acting theory is when we’re having drinks together (laughs). But when you become a director, it happens naturally. I felt like I wanted to pass on every bit of skill I had, like handing over a baton.”

What gave her that push was a remark from writer Makiko Uchidate (76).

“She told me, ‘It’s okay to lose to younger people.’ Rather than desperately clinging to youth, that’s what gives a person dignity. Those words had incredible persuasive power.”

Whether it’s creating, performing, or passing things on — the key in all of it, she says, is whether you’re ready to act when the opportunity comes.

“Just thinking ‘I want to do it, I want to do it’ isn’t enough. I was told by many people when I was young, ‘No matter what the tide, always keep your sails raised.’ Because no matter how much you want something, there are things you just can’t do by your own will. And yet, for some reason, things sometimes come to you. I want to be the kind of person who doesn’t miss those moments and can move right away.”

Saying this, Kuroki gave a knowing smile.

“There have only been two projects I ever turned down. Those two, I just couldn’t stomach (laughs). My manager practically begged me to take them, but I just couldn’t. Other than that, I’ve accepted everything. I’d tell myself, ‘Even Shigeo Nagashima (89) had a .300 batting average.’ Well, though Shohei Ohtani (30) probably hits even better. Anyway, you have to take a lot of swings to hit .300. That’s why the number of dramas I’ve appeared in matters so much to me.”

I have my own personal rules

To build up a number of experiences, it’s essential to act the moment an idea strikes. What fuels Kuroki’s drive is a habit she calls the “72-Hour Rule.”

“I actually started going to the gym last year. One day, someone told me, ‘You should design your body.’ I’d heard of the phrase design your life, but being told to design your body felt so fresh.

The moment I thought about it, I called my friend, actor Katsunori Takahashi (60), and said, ‘I’m thinking about starting at the gym.’ He immediately replied, ‘How about tomorrow?’ I happened to be free, so we went together the next day. He stayed by my side like a guardian the whole time (laughs).”

Act the moment you think of it — that instinct is ingrained in her.

“They say a person’s motivation mode only lasts for 72 hours. If you don’t act in that window, chances are you’ll never do it.”

Kuroki’s sharp awareness of never letting even the smallest opportunities slip away is built from both habit and determination. And as she’s aged, she feels the direction of the wind in the entertainment world has gradually changed.

“Of course, I can’t play roles in my 20s anymore. But there are roles you can only play in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. And that’s precisely why your perspective broadens. I also believe there’s a kind of depth that comes only with age. I might have been chosen when I was younger simply because of my youth too. That’s why when I see young people being chosen now, it feels like they’re walking the same path I did, and I genuinely want to cheer them on.”

 I don’t really like saying things were better in the past — it feels like I’m denying who I am now.

Listening to Kuroki, it might seem like she could make statements like “things were better in the past,” but that’s not the case.

“No way! I absolutely never say that (laughs). I never say, ‘It was like this back in the day.’ Apparently, even ancient wall paintings have phases like ‘The young people today are not what they used to be.’ So, every era is the same. It’s natural to feel like saying, ‘Things were better in the past,’ but I don’t really like it because it feels like denying who I am now.”

Having experienced encounters with various people and works, and adapting to the times, the great actress continues to live gracefully today.

From the April 25 and May 2, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”