Mackenyu is the talk of the town. He plays his first lead role in a Hollywood production as Pegasus Seiya in the upcoming film “Knights of the Zodiac.” In addition, he is attached to the much-awaited Netflix original series, “ONE PIECE,” as Roronora Zora. We explored the true face of this rising star.

It didn’t take too long for the world to discover Mackenyu. His first lead role in a Hollywood production–Tomasz Bagiński’s “Knights of the Zodiac”–will be released this April. From his rich facial expressions and well-honed body to the spectacular action sequences, Mackenyu masterfully breathes life into this film, inspired by the legendary Japanese action comic of the same name.

“Once I left Japan, I realized there’s so much possibility in the rest of the world. A Japanese actor like myself got to play the lead in a Hollywood production. That’s proof that all Japanese actors have a shot at something bigger.”

Born and raised in the US and trained in the Japanese film world, Mackenyu is leaping onto the global stage. He was determined to be a Japanese actor, believed in his potential, and made his dream come true. He exudes confidence, as though his eyes are forever laser-focused on the future. We caught up with the true face of the strong, beautiful, and somewhat mysterious Mackenyu.

【23 Questions with Mackenyu】
──What’s your favorite song?
I like anything playing on American radio stations. We played the radio on car rides when I was a kid. I’ve been listening to the radio ever since. If I like something playing, I’ll look it up for later.

──If you had a week off, what would you do?
I’d want to just veg out. But I probably can’t. I’ll probably end up going to the gym! I don’t know if I can take a whole week off.

──What if you had three months off?
That would be awesome! If I had three months off, I’d travel abroad. Italy, Hawaii, and maybe South Korea. I went to Italy once and loved it. Hawaii is guaranteed fun. And South Korea is super close!

──If you could buy anything, what would you want?
I’m not a materialistic person. If I had to buy something, I’d get myself a new property. I’m scared of earthquakes, so I don’t want to live in highrise apartments, so I’d get a house.

──What was your childhood dream?
To be an American cop or a lawyer.

──What would you give yourself if you were to grade yourself out of 100?
100!

──What do you do to unwind?
I go to the gym, play games or play with my dog.

──What are you obsessed with right now?
This game called “Rainbow Six Siege.”

──Do you cook?
I cook quite a bit. If there’s anything I want to make, I call my mom for recipes. I recently made a quinoa salad. You toss avocado, tomato, broccoli, asparagus, and some good quality meat with salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

──What’s always in your fridge?
Tabasco. I put it on everything.

──What would your last supper be?
Yakiniku (grilled meat) or shabushabu. Sometimes I go to yakiniku five times a week.

──Are you meticulous or laidback?
I’d say I’m right in the middle. If I have time, I’m pretty meticulous. But when I don’t have time, I’m a mess!

──What’s your favorite movie?
That’s a tough one. I like “Session”, “Sully: Miracle on the Hudson” and “American Sniper.” There’s probably more, but those came to mind immediately.

──What director or actor has inspired you?
Haruma Miura.

──What’s the last movie you watched in a movie theater?
I think “Spiderman.” I watched it in South Africa. It was super good.

──What’s the last book you read?
I don’t read things apart from scripts (laughter).

──What’s your favorite color?
Tiffany blue. But it’s not like I have a lot of things in that color or use it in my home. So I just kind of like it as a color.

──What’s your three-step morning routine?
I feed my dog, take a shower and brush my teeth.

──What do you always do before bed?
I’ve been really into Imagawayaki lately. I train and then eat a crispy Imagawayaki before bed.

──When was the last time you cried?
While filming “ONE PIECE” (upcoming Netflix original series). I cried as a part of my performance.

──What’s your favorite place you have traveled to?
Maybe South Korea.

──What do you want to attempt in the coming years?
I want to challenge myself with a more challenging role.

──What’s your motto?
Never give up.

──Thank you for your time!