Moeka Hoshi’s Journey to Fame
Moeka Hoshi’s career took a huge leap when she starred in the hit series, Shōgun. Born on August 23, 1995, in Chiba, Japan, she had a strong passion for performing arts from a young age. Hoshi studied classical ballet and dreamed of becoming an actress (Oricon News). That dream came true in 2017 when she made her debut in the Tokyo TV series Million Yen Women. Since then, Hoshi has appeared in several Japanese movies and shows, like On the Street and The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8.
Although Hoshi was a successful actress in Japan, she was still relatively unknown to Western audiences. That changed when she took on a major role in Shōgun, which premiered on FX in 2023. In this series set in 1600s Japan, Hoshi plays Usami Fuji, a widow who witnesses the tragic deaths of her husband and son. She quickly adapts to her new life as a consort. Fuji’s journey is one of the show’s highlights, and Hoshi devoted herself to portraying this complex character.
How Moeka Hoshi Got the Role of Fuji in Shōgun
Hoshi’s Dedication to Her Craft
Since childhood, Hoshi has shown a deep commitment to acting, and auditioning for Shōgun was a big opportunity. In an interview with Collider, Hoshi explained how she prepared for the role with intense focus. She said,
“I put a lot of energy into my audition for Fuji. I really wanted the role. Not many people know, but wearing a kimono requires training. Often, people in Japan hire someone to help with the process. For my audition, I hired someone through my agency to dress me properly. I remember filming three scenes, working from morning until night—I was exhausted.”
Hoshi had initially thought about auditioning for Mariko (a character later played by Anna Sawai), but felt her English wasn’t strong enough. Her choice to focus on Fuji paid off, as she brought life to the character and made her a fan favorite. Soon, Fuji became a staple of pop culture, with reaction memes and gifs of her shared widely.
How Hoshi Brought Fuji’s Character to Life
Hoshi’s commitment to her character didn’t end with the audition. In fact, she took her research further by frequently consulting Shōgun’s showrunner, Justin Marks. She was the first actor to reach out to Marks for guidance on her role. Hoshi explained in an interview with Bleeding Cool that she added unique details to Fuji’s character:
“…during my research, I discovered small elements that would make Fuji more interesting, like what kind of makeup she might use or what personal belongings she might have. This helped me create a fuller picture of her.”
Hoshi’s approach made Fuji’s character feel rich and real, showing her depth through her experiences. Throughout Shōgun season 1, Fuji’s life changes dramatically—from being a wife and mother to a grieving widow, then a consort, and eventually deciding to become a nun. Hoshi portrayed these layers beautifully, and she credits Justin Marks for letting her explore Fuji’s personality freely:
“At first, I worried about sticking strictly to historical accuracy. But after speaking with Justin, I realized I didn’t need to be so rigid. Fuji, being 19, came from a wealthy family, but maybe she still had a mischievous side. I had the freedom to bring that out in her.”
What’s Next for Moeka Hoshi
Returning to Shōgun for Season 2
2024 has been a productive year for Hoshi. Alongside her role in Shōgun, she starred in the Japanese TV shows Anata no koibito godatsu-shimasu (Get Your Lover), ACMA:GAME, and the movie The Women in the Lakes. While she continues to build her career in Japan, Hollywood hasn’t yet fully embraced her as a major star. Hoshi told Bleeding Cool,
“I haven’t seen huge results yet, but Shōgun has opened some doors. I’m meeting with agents and managers in LA, which wouldn’t have happened without the show. Before Shōgun, I hadn’t even thought about working overseas. It opened up new opportunities for me.”
Hoshi is eager to see success in Hollywood. For now, Shōgun fans have something to look forward to: Hoshi will return for season 2. Although she doesn’t know what’s in store for her character, she has faith in the showrunners, Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo. Hoshi shared her excitement about the upcoming season:
“I have no idea what’s next, but I trust Justin and Rachel. I believe they’ll come up with another exciting season. It’s not just about me or Fuji. As a fan of Shōgun, I can’t wait to see what they have planned for season 2 and beyond.”
