Actress eyes Chinese future

2008-12-27 13:00

Taipei - Japanese actress Chie Tanaka, who shot to fame in Taiwan after starring in the island's biggest-ever blockbuster, now says she is keen to make her name in Chinese-language cinema.

Tanaka, who came to the island two years ago in a bid to boost her career, said her dreams came true when Taiwanese director Wei Te-sheng picked her as the lead in the romantic drama Cape No 7.

"I was very lucky to get the role. It's very challenging for me to act in Mandarin," said Tanaka, who studied the language for only eight months before shooting began.

Cape No 7 tells of the romance between a local singer and a spirited Japanese publicist played by Tanaka. It has become Taiwan's highest-grossing Chinese-language movie ever.

The film won top honours at Taiwan's Golden Horse Film Awards, considered the Chinese-language Oscars, and at international film festivals in Japan and Hawaii.

Household name

Tanaka herself was nominated for a Golden Horse for best new performer and although she didn't win, the movie made her a household name here virtually overnight, bringing her lucrative performing and endorsement deals.

The 27-year-old, who is now based in Taiwan, admits she would not have made the big break had she stayed in her native country.

"I hope to become a good actress, but there are very few opportunities for a breakthrough in Japan's fiercely competitive entertainment industry," Tanaka said.

"I wanted to try my luck abroad, but it's still very daunting to have to start anew in a foreign land," she told AFP in an interview in Mandarin.

Her leap of faith came after playing a minor role in the 2005 car racing movie Initial D by acclaimed Hong Kong director Lau Wai-keung, featuring Taiwanese star Jay Chou.

"The Japanese are very serious and nervous about doing their jobs right. The Taiwanese, even stars like Chou, are friendly, easy-going and more relaxed. I thought I'd like to work in such an environment," Tanaka said.

Shocked her father

The decision nevertheless shocked her father - noted Japanese make-up artist Tony Tanaka - who tried to talk her out of the move, citing the language barrier.

"My father was very concerned about how could I work in Taiwan speaking not one word of Chinese. I could have stayed in Japan which would be very safe for me but I didn't want to go on like that," Tanaka said.

"My instinct was that there would be more opportunities in Chinese-language cinema and I would have a better chance if I could speak the language."

Tanaka is among a growing number of foreigners who have studied Mandarin and relocated to Taiwan to pursue showbiz careers as they see the rising clout of the Chinese language and pop culture, industry watchers say.

Tanaka's agent Rebecca Chen, who also represents eight other Japanese actors, said the Japanese have an advantage here because of historical ties between the two cultures.

- AFP