Today we’d like to introduce you to Shoko Rice.
Hi Shoko, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m an actress, singer and painter, entrepreneur. I was born and raised in Niigata, Japan. Came to the US alone in 2005 as a traveler, I didn’t speak any English at the time. My initial plan was to learn English briefly in US and travel to different countries as long as it allows me financially, I just wanted to discover and explore places and new things. But once I came to LA, I liked her so much and changed my plan. So I decided to stay longer and I’m still here this day.
I’ve never thought about becoming actress or entertainer, I studied fashion and worked briefly as wardrobe assistant in productions in Japan. I was always behind camera. But I grew interest becoming an actress from modeling work I was doing in LA and decided to give it a try. it was around 2008. it was very challenging for me because of my English wasn’t very good.
So around 2014, after few years of trying, I took a break from it and went to community college to brush up my English and created a small business in a different industry, also started working on my music, recording and painting,
So I got back to pursue acting in 2019, during Covid it gave me enough time to organize and restructure as a new business. So I was very fortunate to work in many film projects during pandemic. And I recently signed with a commercial agent, I see a lot of career growth from here.
I also joined a music band during pandemic, I’m the lead singer in David Bowie’s Japanese cover band Konichiwa Bowie and performed at Yamashiro Hollywood, it was a sold-out show and amazing experience. I’m excited to do more performances.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think anything is hard enough for the first-generation immigrant who don’t have family or resources to start a new life in foreign country.
Language. I’m still learning English, it took me a long time to speak English comfortably and I still feel awkward sometimes.
Of course acting business is hard enough for everybody but that’s why it is rewarding and I like challenges. My philosophy is if somebody can do it, why can’t I? I’m just gonna work extra hard to get to where I want to be.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I spend a lot of time volunteering at a Japanese Shinto religious group and doing philanthropic work, helping people mainly in Cambodia, I’ve been actively working for 12 years and I’m very proud of what we do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shokorice/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoko.rice/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEQlmXa6DPOXz1nHsPeRBw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/shokorice
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/shokocolor/
Image Credits:
Hurban Cowboy Claudio Uema Ace Filmore Carlos Vejar Robert Kazandijan
