Presenting the new Miharayasuhiro collection for S/S 11, breathtaking actress and model Rina Ohta is the star of this exclusive shoot for Dazed Digital, in line with the current Japanese fashion themed issue of Dazed & Confused. Ohta, the face of Miu Miu's worldwide A/W 06 campaign, was born in 1988 in Chiba, Japan, where she started her career as a model for Nicola Magazine. Since then she has appeared in several TV dramas, magazines and commercials, and starred in the popular Japanese film 69 Sixty Nine. Here, shot by legendary Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki, Ohta features in a Dazed shoot with a slightly surreal set-up, delicately clutching oversized flowers in striking colours.
Dazed Digital: For how long have you been acting and how did you get into it?
Rina Ohta: I have been acting for seven years. It still feels like the year first though. When I was 15 years old, I was contacted by the producer of the '69' film after he saw me on a magazine cover.
DD: How does acting compare with modelling? Which do you prefer?
Rina Ohta: When I'm acting, there are more opportunities to get the perfect shot than modelling, and it is fun! I prefer to act and challenge myself more and more. I want to gather more experiences!
DD: Do you have any favourite directors you'd like to work with?
Rina Ohta: So many, both Western and Asian ones. Some of my favourite Japanese directors are Mr Toyoda, Atsuhiro Yama****a and Mr Ishii.
DD: What was the best experience or favourite moment you've had in your acting career so far?
Rina Ohta: I met really wonderful ladies when I was cast in Humoresque. The director was called Yuki Inomata and the actress was Minami. I received stimulus from them that were very positive and I was admonished for my acting direction in my first appearance in 69. It was very tough for me but it became a good experience because I am never content and I always want to develop.
DD: What was the Dazed shoot like for you?
Rina Ohta: It was good experience for me to work with Mr Araki. I have worked with Dazed before, I always have fun and they allow me to express my feelings with my body.
DD: Do you have any favourite photographers or designers?
Rina Ohta: I am still looking for photographers to work with. I love designers like Bernhard Willhelm, Lutz, BLESS, Vivienne Westwood (Anglomania), and jewellery by Mended Vail and Pamela Love.
DD: What's next for you? Do you have any future plans outside of acting?
Rina Ohta: There is not specific plan at the moment. I am just happy to get this chance and to focus more on acting.