Acting

Asami

Born 19 August 1985 · Tokyo, Japan · 41

Asami Sugiura was only nineteen when she starred in Kiss Me Or Kill Me: Todokanakutemo Aaishiteru. This film clearly marked the beginning of her career, as she went on to take on roles in a variety of productions: exploitation films, adult films, gravure idol photoshoots, and action films. After obtaining her parents' consent, she chose not to pursue university studies. Before breaking into cinema, she had worked in several jobs: waitress, telemarketer, and pachinko parlor employee. A friend introduced her to the film industry, where she seized the opportunity to play a role that required nude scenes. In 2005, she was offered modeling contracts for specialized magazines and studios. In 2006, she changed agents twice and opted for a career under the simple first name of Asami, before returning to her full name in 2008, then switching back to Asami for good in 2009. It was with Machine Girl that she achieved wider fame. The film, which has become a cult classic, left a lasting impression: was it her piercing gaze, her legs molded into a miniskirt, her unbridled audacity, or her arms transformed into weapons? In any case, this role made her an icon. In 2007, she met director Noboru Iguchi, with whom she would collaborate on several occasions. After appearing in numerous pink and pornographic films, she announced in 2008 that she would be gradually withdrawing from this genre to devote herself to mainstream cinema—without, however, giving up daring roles. In 2014, her talent was recognized with a special award at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival in Japan. Passionate about reptiles, cinema, and karaoke, Asami Sugiura also plays the piano and saxophone. She has also published several books of photographs featuring herself.