ZENRA Exclusive Interview: Kaho Imai

ZENRA had the pleasure of asking a few questions to Kaho Imai, one of the actresses with the most recorded sales in 2020! At just 22 years old, she is one of the most promising actresses in the Japanese porn industry. A decisive tone, an enthusiastic expression and a great desire to get involved are the formula that the actress proposes to the public -- a definitely winning formula, in our opinion. The actress told us about her experiences, the present and the future, telling the Western audience about herself in this exclusive interview. You can check out Kaho Imai's social media here. In addition, the actress recently opened a FanCentro.

[ZENRA] What are your hopes for the future, career-wise? Do you have a goal set in mind?
[Kurumi Shiiki] My goal is to become famous!
 

[Z] How did you get involved in the industry?
[K] I simply had an interest and nothing beyond that.

[Z] Out of all the movies you’ve done, which was the most enjoyable?
[K] Every one of them was a blast to film!
 

[Z] How long do your shoots normally take?
[K] The entire day.

[Z] How has the environment on set changed since COVID-19 began?
[K] Everyone now wears a mask.

Check out the trailer of MIAA-145!

[Z] Would you ever want to appear alongside a foreign actor?
[K] I sure would, and I actually have done so once already.

[Z] Do you watch JAV for enjoyment?  What about western porn?  If yes for either, what do you watch?
[K] Yes, I do and my tastes vary from vanilla to gay. I even frequently watch group movies and S&M.

[Z] If you had the opportunity to direct a movie, what would it be about?
[K] Something that really shows off all the curves of my body.

[Z] Are you able to separate the sex and pleasure you may feel on set with the same sensations you feel in private?
[K] I sure can.
 

[Z] Do you have a boyfriend or have had one during your career? How does he feel about what you do?
[K] I’d like a good guy who is sincere; someone who shares similar values to me. He’d have to understand what I do and know it’s not a bad industry. If he wants to go to brothels, he can, but then maybe I’ll make use of them too.

[Z] Are there actresses that you want to work with?
[K] Ichika Matsumoto-chan.

 

[Z] Have you ever been spotted by fans?
[K] I have! It's always a pleasure!

[Z] If you did not decide on doing JAV, what would you be doing now?
[K] I’d be working some regular job in order to support my fun lifestyle.

[Z] How long do you see yourself working in JAV?
[K] There’s no deadline set for me, of course. So long as I enjoy doing it, I’ll keep on doing it.

[Z] What do you want your legacy to be in JAV?
[K] Coming off as hard-working and enjoying it to the fullest.

[Z] Are your relatives and real-life friends aware of your career? If yes, how did they react? If not, how do you think they would react if they knew?
[K] My relatives and friend circles do know about my job and they support me.

[Z] You've had long and short hair throughout your career, do you have a preference for your hairstyle?
[K] I prefer short hair.

 

[Z] Recently there has been an influx of tanned / gyaru actresses entering the industry. Do you see them as competition for yourself or do you think there is room for a large number of such actresses?
[K] I think they’re competition in some ways, but I hope we can all film many movies.
 

[Z] Do you prefer to star in videos where your gyaru look is the focus of the video, or do you think it's best that your looks are only just another facet of the video?
[K] Hopefully I look as the director intended me to look.
 

[Z] You tend to star in a lot of schoolgirl videos. Do you see that as limiting for you or do you view it as a product of your age? Or maybe you just like wearing schoolgirl outfits?
[K] I figure it’s what I look good as and is what many people want to see me doing.
 

[Z] You've starred a couple of times now with Aika, a 10 year veteran most would say is the leading gyaru in the industry. Were you able to learn anything from working with her? Did she impart any wisdom?
[K] Aika is really, really kind. Seeing her act from start to finish has been really educational.

Check out the trailer of VENU-884!

[Z] You've starred alongside several of the most popular debuts from your year, including Ruka Inaba and Yuria Yoshine. What is it like working alongside your contemporaries compared to veterans like Aika or Kurea Hasumi?
[K] We may have started around the same time, but I feel they are considerably better performers than me.

[Z] You've starred in videos that have had actresses with a mix of career lengths, including one with Eri Akira (who has had a 15+ year career), Tsubasa Hachino (4 year career) and Honoka Tsujii (who debuted the same year as you). Do you notice any differences between veterans compared and newer actresses?
[K] On top of their performances, they are much better at ensuring the well-being of those around them.
 

[Z] You recently started a FanCentro account and have even been promoting it in English on your Twitter. Do you think there's room for the industry to do more to attract English-speaking, foreign fans?
[K] Yes, I figured using these services would make it easier to connect with foreign fans. It will help get my name out there more.
 

[Z] I see you are a fan of mixed martial arts, do you want to try doing one of those wrestling videos from Rocket?
[K] I definitely am a fan of mixed martial arts, but I rather not do that kind of videos.
 

[Z] Did you know that in 2020, you were the 20th best-selling actress? How does it feel knowing you are such a fan favorite?
[K] I’m super happy about it. However, I don’t think I interact enough with my fans compared to other actresses, so I am thankful for their support.

[Z] Is there something you haven't done that you would want to do in the future? For instance, same-sex or interracial videos?
[K] I don't really know, to be honest. I’m thinking about this one.
 

[Z] What is firmly on your no-fly list? Such as anal sex or bondage.
[K] There are some things that are a no-no for me: anal is one of those, at least for now. 
 

[Z] Who is your favorite male actor to work with? Who is your favorite actress to work with?
[K] I don’t have a preference.
 

[Z] Outside of AV what do you want fans to know about yourself?
[K] I hope they see more as more physically active outside of my on-screen performances.
 

[Z] Have you ever watched your own videos, for fun or self-reflection?
[K] I actually do watch my own videos from time to time.  

[Z] Any message for your foreign fans?
[K] Please learn more about me and please enjoy my videos!