[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Haruka Igarashi: From Tokyo Stages to the Global Success of ‘SHOGUN’

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■ Stepping into the Hollywood Spotlight

“I’ve always been interested in expressing myself since I was young,” says Haruka Igarashi, a talented Japanese actor currently making waves in Los Angeles. “

I heard there were far more opportunities in the US than in Japan, so I moved here. It was true. There are many times more auditions, and this place is truly full of opportunities.” Igarashi has been steadily building a remarkable career on the international stage. She recently took on the role of Keiko in the upcoming horror-suspense film Parachutes, a performance that led her to the stage of the San Diego Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival on July 25th, where she garnered significant attention. However, international audiences might recognize her best for her captivating portrayal of “Lady Rin” in the monumental, record-breaking historical drama SHOGUN, which swept prestigious accolades including the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.

■ The Spark of Expression and Tokyo Theater Days

Born in 1995 in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Igarashi grew up as an only child in a creatively supportive household—her father was a drummer and her mother a government worker. Her artistic journey began with classical ballet at age three, which she continued until age twelve before pausing to focus on rigorous junior high school entrance exams. However, after successfully entering her school of choice, her suppressed desire for self-expression began to swell. During her high school’s cultural festival, she participated in a silent, dialogue-free play alongside 13 other students. Stepping off the stage, she was hit with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, realizing, “This is my place.” Driven by this profound conviction, she independently researched and joined a talent agency by the end of her sophomore year.

She soon won her debut stage role in Shugakuryoko (School Trip) at the Ikebukuro Theater Green after competing in a teen audition. Though she wanted to dive headfirst into acting, she heeded her mother’s wise advice: “It might be better to go to college. It’s your last chance to interact with a wide variety of people.” Taking this to heart, she enrolled in a university humanities program to study European culture, eventually graduating in 2019.

■ Crossing the Pacific and the ‘SHOGUN’ Phenomenon

In December 2020, Igarashi took a massive leap of faith and relocated to the United States. While she had been primarily active in the Japanese theater scene, she realized the harsh reality of making a sustainable living solely on stage. Knowing that the sheer volume of auditions in America was vastly superior, she crossed the ocean to expand her horizons. Today, her schedule is packed with appearances in television dramas, commercials, and independent films.

Reflecting on the massive global success of SHOGUN, she notes the cultural significance of the project. “Even though almost the entire show is in Japanese, it was recognized and accepted by people overseas, which I feel is huge. Looking back, the set was always filled with a comfortable, focused tension. I think that excellent atmosphere on set directly translated to the screen.” With her undeniable talent and drive, audiences eagerly await to see which masterpiece Haruka Igarashi will grace next.