Rinko Kikuchi (菊地 凛子, Kikuchi Rinko, born Yuriko Kikuchi (菊地 百合子, Kikuchi Yuriko), January 6, 1981) is a Japanese actress. She was the first Japanese actress to be nominated for an Academy Award in 50 years, for her work in Babel (2006). Kikuchi's other notable films include Norwegian Wood (2010), which screened in competition at the 67th Venice Film Festival and Guillermo del Toro's science fiction action film Pacific Rim (2013). For her role in the drama film Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter (2014), Kikuchi received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead. She is currently seen in the HBO Max crime drama series Tokyo Vice.

Rinko Kikuchi
菊地 凛子
Kikuchi at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival, February 2015
Born
Yuriko Kikuchi

(1981-01-06) January 6, 1981 (age 43)
OccupationActress
Years active1999–present
Height1.69 m (5 ft 6+12 in)
Spouse
(m. 2014)
Children2
Websitewww.rinkokikuchi.com

Early life edit

Kikuchi was born on January 6, 1981, in Hadano, Kanagawa, the youngest of three children. She was discovered by a talent agent inside the shopping mall Laforet Harajuku at the age of 15.[1]

Career edit

Kikuchi made her debut in 1999, under her birth name, Yuriko Kikuchi, with the Kaneto Shindo film Will to Live. Soon after, in 2001, she starred in the celebrated Kazuyoshi Komuri film Sora no Ana (空の穴), which was featured at several international festivals, including the Rotterdam Film Festival. In 2004, Kikuchi appeared in the well-received Katsuhito Ishii film The Taste of Tea, which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival.[2]

In 2006, Kikuchi was chosen by Japanese film producer Yoko Narahashi for the Alejandro González Iñárritu film Babel,[3] where she played Chieko Wataya, a troubled, deaf teenage girl, for which she received international attention.[2] She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.[4] Kikuchi was the fourth person in Academy Award history to be nominated for a role in which she does not speak. She won several awards, such as the National Board of Review Award for Best Breakthrough Female Performance (tying with Jennifer Hudson) and the Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Actor. Since her appearance in the movie "Babel," she has been actively involved in numerous films outside of Japan. Under the name Rinbjö (リンビョウ), she also pursues musical activities.[citation needed]

She has appeared in two of Mamoru Oshii's films: The Sky Crawlers (2008) and Assault Girls (2009). Kikuchi starred in Rian Johnson's second film, The Brothers Bloom (2009), which was her first full English-language feature. Though she plays a main character, she only speaks three words; her character is said to only know three words of English.

In 2010, Kikuchi was cast as Naoko in Tran Anh Hung's adaptation of Haruki Murakami's novel Norwegian Wood. In March 2011, she was added to the cast of 47 Ronin, the first English-language adaptation of the Japanese Chushingura legend of samurai loyalty and revenge.[5] Kikuchi described her villain character to the American version of Glamour as "a real bitch."[1] In 2013, she appears in Pacific Rim, having improved her English by watching the American television series The Voice.[1]

In 2014, Kikuchi starred in Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter, directed by David Zellner. Kikuchi was cast in the Season 2 of the HBO science fiction series Westworld.

Kikuchi plays the role of Eimi Maruyama, the supervisor of the lead character Jake Adelstein, in the 2022 HBO Max series Tokyo Vice. In August 2022, she portrayed a taxi driver in the music video for Mondo Grosso's "Crypt".[6]

Personal life edit

After meeting in 2009, Kikuchi was in a two-year relationship with director Spike Jonze, with whom she briefly resided in New York.[7][8]

Kikuchi married Japanese actor Shōta Sometani on December 31, 2014.[9] In October 2016, Kikuchi gave birth to their first child.[10] Their second child was born in late 2018.[11]

Filmography edit

Film edit

Year Title Role Notes
1999 Will to Live
2000 By Player
2000 Akai Shibafu
2001 Paradise
2001 Hole in the Sky Taeko
2001 Drug Mai
2002 Mike Yokohama: A Forest with No Name Number 51
2002 Hachigatsu no Maboroshi
2003 Age 17 : 17-sai Hitomi
2004 Tori
2004 The Taste of Tea Yuriko Kikuchi
2004 69
2004 Survive Style 5+
2004 The Reason
2005 Tagatameni: Portrait of the Wind
2006 Funky Forest: The First Contact Kikuchi
2006 Arch Angels Nobuko Sakurai
2006 Babel Chieko Wataya
2006 Umi de no hanashi Kaori
2007 Zukan ni Nottenai Mushi[12] Sayoko
2007 Genius Party Voice
2007 Tokyo Serendipity Junda Atsuko
2008 The Brothers Bloom[13] Bang Bang
2008 The Sky Crawlers[14] Suito Kusanagi Voice
2008 Kiru – KILL
2009 Map of the Sounds of Tokyo Ryu
2009 Strawberry Seminar
2009 Sideways Mina Parker
2009 Assault Girls Lucifer
2009 42 One Dream Rush
2010 Shanghai Sumiko Uncredited
2010 Norwegian Wood Naoko
2011 At River's Edge Tazu
2011 Love Strikes![15] Naoko Hayashida
2011 The Warped Forest
2013 Pacific Rim Mako Mori
2013 47 Ronin Witch
2014 Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter Kumiko
2014 Last Summer[16] Naomi
2015 Nobody Wants the Night Allaka
2015 Dear Deer Cameo
2016 Terra Formars Asuka Moriki
2017 Highheels: A Fairy Tale Born of Obsession Short film
2018 Pacific Rim Uprising Mako Mori
2019 We Are Little Zombies Yūko
2022 What to Do with the Dead Kaiju?[17]
2023 In Love and Deep Water[18] Aina Horikawa
2023 Yoko[19] Yoko

Television edit

Year Title Role Notes
1999 Bakayaro! Special 2
1999 Kawaii dakeja Dame kashira
2001 Chura-san Asadora[20]
2001 kokiku
2002 The Private Detective Mike Hama
2003 Uchu ni Ichiban Chikai basho
2003 Ai to Shihonshugi
2004 The Reason
2009–10 Liar Game 2 Ryo Katsuragi
2010 Moteki Naoko Hayashida
2014 Gu-Gu Datte Neko de Aru Chikako
2015 To Give a Dream Mikiko Abe
2018 Westworld Akane
2019 A Butterfly Effect: The Murder Analysis Team Machiko Aiba
2021 Invasion Hinata
2022 PICU: Shoni Shuchu Chiryo Shitsu Samejima Tatsuki
2022-24 Tokyo Vice Eimi
2022 The 13 Lords of the Shogun Noe Taiga drama[21]
2023–24 Boogie Woogie Ritsuko Ibarada Asadora[20]

Awards edit

Awards and nominations received by Rinko Kikuchi
Organizations[a] Year[b] Category Work Result Ref.
Academy Awards 2007 Best Supporting Actress Babel Nominated [4]
Alliance of Women Film Journalists 2006 Best Breakthrough Performance For A Young Actress Nominated [22]
Asian Film Awards 2011 Best Actress Norwegian Wood Nominated [23]
2024 Best Actress Yoko Pending [24]
Austin Film Critics Association 2007 Best Supporting Actress Babel Won [25]
Chicago Film Critics Association 2006 Best Supporting Actress Won [26]
Most Promising Performer Nominated
Chlotrudis Society for Independent Films 2010 Best Supporting Actress The Brothers Bloom Nominated [27]
2016 Best Actress Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter Nominated [28]
Columbus Film Critics Association 2007 Best Supporting Actress Babel Runner-up [29]
Critics' Choice Movie Awards 2007 Best Acting Ensemble Nominated [30]
Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Gold Derby Awards 2007 Best Supporting Actress Nominated [31]
Best Ensemble Cast Nominated
2018 Drama Guest Actress Westworld Nominated [32]
Golden Globe Awards 2007 Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture Babel Nominated [33]
Gotham Awards 2006 Best Ensemble Cast Babel Won [34]
Breakthrough Actor[c] Won
Independent Spirit Awards 2014 Best Female Lead Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter Nominated [35]
Mainichi Film Awards 2024 Best Actress Yoko Pending [36]
National Board of Review 2007 Best Breakthrough Performance - Female[d] Babel Won [37]
Online Film & Television Association 2007 Best Brekathrough Performance: Female Nominated [38]
Best Supporting Actress Nominated
2018 Best Guest Actress In A Drama Series Westworld Nominated [39]
Online Film Critics Society 2007 Best Supporting Actress Babel Nominated [40]
Breakthrough Performer Nominated
Palm Springs International Film Festival 2007 Best Ensemble Cast Won [41]
San Diego Film Critics Society 2006 Best Ensemble Won [42]
Satellite Award 2006 Best Supporting Actress Nominated [43]
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2007 Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role Nominated [44]
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Nominated
Shanghai International Film Festival 2023 Best Actress Yoko Won [45][46]
TAMA Film Awards 2023 Best Actress Won [47]
Toronto Film Critics Association 2006 Best Supporting Actress Babel Nominated [48]
Utah Film Critics Association 2006 Best Supporting Performance by an Actor, Female Won [49]

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ Awards, festivals, honors and other miscellaneous organizations are listed in alphabetical order.
  2. ^ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
  3. ^ Shared with Shareeka Epps.
  4. ^ Shared with Jennifer Hudson.

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Carlson, Erin, "We ♥ Rinko," Glamour, September 2013, p. 363.
  2. ^ a b "Midnight Eye interview: Rinko Kikuchi". Archived from the original on February 8, 2007. Retrieved February 14, 2007.
  3. ^ Corkill, Edan. "From Hollywood to Hirohito". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on July 24, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  4. ^ a b "The 79th Academy Awards | 2007". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  5. ^ "Keanu's "47 Ronin" has A-List Japanese Cast". Archived from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
  6. ^ "Rinko Kikuchi stars in Mondo Grosso's new music video Crypt". J-Generation. October 2, 2022. Archived from the original on October 25, 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
  7. ^ "Rinko Kikuchi: the interview". the Guardian. February 27, 2011. Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  8. ^ "Kikuchi Rinko and Spike Jonze no more". sg.news.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  9. ^ "Rinko Kikuchi, Shōta Sometani marry". Archived from the original on July 15, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  10. ^ Sometani, Shôta. "無事第1子を出産しましたことをご報告させていただきます。 母子共に健康です。". Shôta Sometani Official Website. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  11. ^ "菊地凛子、第2子妊娠 夫・染谷将太の公式サイトで発表「安定期に入り、母子共に健康」". ORICON NEWS. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  12. ^ "ANORE INC". Archived from the original on June 18, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2007.
  13. ^ "Brody and Kikuchi in Bloom - ComingSoon.net". Archived from the original on October 29, 2014. Retrieved February 14, 2007.
  14. ^ Koulikov, Mikhail (April 16, 2008). "Oshii Casts Oscar-Nominated Kikuchi for Sky Crawlers". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2008.
  15. ^ "モテキ". eiga.com. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  16. ^ Weissberg, Jay (October 28, 2014). "Rome Film Review: 'Last Summer'". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
  17. ^ "山田涼介主演「大怪獣のあとしまつ」に菊地凛子、二階堂ふみ、染谷将太、松重豊が参加". Natalie. Archived from the original on January 16, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  18. ^ "吉沢亮×宮崎あおい×坂元裕二、Netflix映画「クレイジークルーズ」製作決定". Natalie. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  19. ^ "658km、陽子の旅". eiga.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  20. ^ a b "菊地凛子:22年ぶり朝ドラ出演「ブルースの女王」淡谷のり子がモデルの歌手役 2023年後期「ブギウギ」". Mantan-web. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  21. ^ "菊地凛子・福地桃子ら、大河初出演「鎌倉殿の13人」第7次出演者発表". Model Press. Archived from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  22. ^ "2006 EDA Awards Nominees". Alliance of Women Film Journalists. Archived from the original on September 17, 2010. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
  23. ^ "5th – Asian Film Awards Academy". Asian Film Awards. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  24. ^ "Asian Film Awards; Korean Historical Drama '12.12: The Day' & Ryusuke Hamaguchi's 'Evil Does Not Exist' Lead Nominations". Deadline. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  25. ^ "2006 Awards". Austin Film Critics Association. January 2, 2007. Archived from the original on December 4, 2016. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  26. ^ "This Year's Nominees". Chicago Film Critics Association. Archived from the original on January 6, 2007. Retrieved January 6, 2007.
    "1988-2013 Award Winner Archives". Chicago Film Critics Association. January 1, 2013. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  27. ^ "2010, 16th Annual Awards, March 21, 2010". Chlotrudis Society for Independent Films. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  28. ^ "22nd Annual Awards, March 20, 2016". Chlotrudis Society for Independent Films. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  29. ^ "Awards 2006". Central Ohio Film Critics Association. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  30. ^ The Associated Press (January 8, 2007). "12th annual Critics Choice Awards nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  31. ^ "2006 Goldderby Film Awards". Gold Derby Awards. Archived from the original on October 14, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  32. ^ "2018 Gold Derby TV Awards winners: 'Versace' and 'Handmaid's Tale' are top winners, but 'Game of Thrones' takes Best Drama". September 6, 2018. Archived from the original on September 7, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  33. ^ "Rinko Kikuchi | Golden Globes". Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  34. ^ "Past Recipients Of 2006". Gotham Awards. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  35. ^ THR Staff (February 21, 2015). "Spirit Awards 2015: The Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  36. ^ "毎日映画コンクール 是枝裕和監督「怪物」が9部門ノミネート 阪本順治監督「せかいのおきく」は8部門". Sponichi. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  37. ^ Multiple sources:
  38. ^ "11th Annual Film Awards (2006)". Online Film & Television Association. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  39. ^ "22nd Annual TV Awards (2017-18)". Online Film & Television Association. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  40. ^ "2006 Awards (10th Annual)". Online Film Critics Society. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  41. ^ Associated Press (January 7, 2007). "Palm Springs festival names best". Variety. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  42. ^ "2006 Awards". San Diego Film Critics Society. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved February 22, 2012.
  43. ^ "The 11th Annual Satellite Awards Nominees" (PDF). Satellite Awards. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 21, 2006. Retrieved December 21, 2006.
  44. ^ "The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards". Screen Actors Guild Awards. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  45. ^ "Winners of the 25TH SIFF Golden Goblet Awards". Shanghai International Film Festival. June 18, 2023. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  46. ^ Frater, Patrick (June 18, 2023). "Japan's 'Yoko' Wins Golden Goblet Prize at Shanghai Film Festival". Variety. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  47. ^ "第15回TAMA映画賞、最優秀作品賞は「怪物」「雑魚どもよ、大志を抱け!」". Natalie (in Japanese). October 5, 2023. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  48. ^ Angie (December 15, 2006). "TFCA nominees for 2006". Toronto Film Critics Association. Archived from the original on April 13, 2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
  49. ^ "2006". Utah Film Critics Association. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.

Further reading edit

External links edit