In a dazzling display of talent and charm, model and actress Koki, captivated audiences during the 18th Asian Film Awards Academy held on March 17, 2025, where she shared memories and highlights from the event on her Instagram account. Koki, the daughter of renowned actors Takuya Kimura and Shizuka Kudo, posted a series of photos showcasing her interactions with fellow Asian artists, including a notable two-shot with actor Dean Fujioka, that quickly garnered numerous likes across social media platforms.
Koki, expressed her gratitude in her post, writing, "The wonderful people I met at the @asianfilmawardsacademy Thank you very much for the unforgettable experience." This heartfelt message reflects her deep appreciation for the connections she made at the prestigious event, demonstrating her commitment to fostering relationships within the entertainment industry.
As Koki, prepares to showcase her latest project, the buzz surrounding her upcoming film, Goddess Descent Before High School Debut Edition, builds anticipation. Scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, the film tells the compelling story of a girl navigating the complexities of love and self-image through the lens of makeup over a transformative nine-year journey. Following up on this installment, Koki's second film in the two-part series, titled Goddess Descent After Proposal Edition, is set to premiere on May 1, 2025.
Not only does Koki, take on the lead role in these films as the character Reina Tanikawa, but the storyline is adapted from a popular South Korean webtoon, Goddess Descends, penned by the artist yaongyi. The narrative spans nearly a decade, exploring themes of identity and growth as it chronicles Reina’s experiences from ages 17 to 25. Koki, remarked on the character's duality, emphasizing the need to distinguish between Reina's glamorous persona and her more vulnerable, natural self, a challenge she embraced while preparing for her role.
In an interview, Koki, detailed her process of portraying Reina's off-stage persona, admitting that she tapped into her own life experiences to convey depth to her performance. "I thought about what makes me look relaxed in my daily life, such as loosening my eyes and adopting a somewhat slumped posture. I aimed to express the shy and hidden parts of myself to illustrate Reina's insecurities,” she shared.
Her co-star, Keisuke Watanabe, who plays Shun Kanda, commended Koki, on her dedication to the role, saying, "Seeing Koki’s effort in bringing out Reina's vulnerabilities was heartwarming. I couldn’t help but feel like a protective older brother watching her portray these nuances" (reported by ENTAME next). This sentiment resonates with Koki’s approach to her character’s complexities, as she delivers a portrayal that is as inspiring as it is relatable.
Watanabe’s character, Shun, finds himself in a love triangle along with Yu Igarashi, played by Kaho Yuujirou, which adds further intrigue to the film's narrative. The character development unfolds throughout the storyline, illustrating both romantic struggles and personal growth. Koki, expressed that exploring these relationships brought a genuine excitement to her performance, allowing her to engage deeply with her character's journey.
The chemistry between Koki, and Watanabe is palpable, as both actors have praised the positive environment on set. Koki, noted, “The atmosphere was filled with laughter and support from the entire team, which made the filming experience genuinely enjoyable.” Not only did they create memorable scenes, but they also forged enduring friendships that enriched their careers.
As the duo tackles the challenges of playing high school students, they reflect upon their own teenage experiences—echoing surprises and nostalgia. Watanabe reflected on a humorous moment when Koki, mistakenly referred to the title of a horror movie they were to watch on set, calling it "My Neighbor Totoro," which led to laughter and warmth among cast and crew. It is moments like these that highlight the camaraderie and light-hearted spirit on the film's set.
As Koki, shares her insights on personal growth and transformation—be it through the roles she plays or her reflections on life—she believes that the right makeup can enhance one’s confidence, stating, "I feel like makeup can empower me, helping me to find my footing during tough times.” Watanabe echoed her sentiment, sharing how fashion and grooming significantly play into character development, giving them a structural basis for their roles.
When asked about their personal aspirations, Koki, shared her artistic ambition of honing her piano skills, aspiring to master songs fully instead of dabbling, showing her dedication to personal improvement. Watanabe humorously outlined a goal to become an early riser, expressing his desire to maintain a consistently happy disposition.
As anticipation builds for both installations of the film, Koki, and Watanabe encourage audiences to experience the heartfelt story of love and growth. "Every viewer can find something meaningful in the characters' journeys, making it an enjoyable watch for all ages," said Watanabe. Meanwhile, Koki, hinted that there are numerous relatable moments that will resonate with audiences, promising both sweetness and depth in equal measure.
Mark your calendars for the theatrical releases of Goddess Descent Before High School Debut Edition and Goddess Descent After Proposal Edition. With engaging performances and relatable narratives, these films are poised to capture the hearts of viewers and stand out in 2025’s cinema landscape.
