Kane KOSUGI

In the 1980’s, Sho Kosugi became one of the most popular actors in martial arts films. His appearance in the 1981 Cannon film ENTER THE NINJA showcased his abilities in martial arts. However, it was 1983’s sequel, REVENGE OF THE NINJA, that introduced the world to Kane Kosugi, Sho’s eight-year old son, who was already a martial arts champion.

Kane Takeshi Kosugi was born in Los Angeles, California on October 11, 1974. Kane is actually half-Japanese and half-Chinese, but considers himself “One Third-Japanese, One Third-Chinese, and One-Third American.” At the age of 18 months, his father began training him in the martial arts. From the time he was 3 until the time he was 7, Kane had won over 176 martial arts trophies.

In the 1980’s, Kane would appear in his father’s films. In 1985, Kane had a non-action role in 9 DEATHS OF THE NINJA. That same year, Kane showcased his martial arts skills with his father in the underrated PRAY FOR DEATH. In 1988, Kane appeared with his father once again in BLACK EAGLE, where Sho took on Jean-Claude Van Damme.

BIRTH
1974.10.11 (Los Angeles, California)

After the film JOURNEY OF HONOR, Kane left for Japan with Sho and younger brother Shane Kosugi. Kane would establish himself in Japan, starring in two films directed by his father, KARATE KING and KARATE KING 2. In 1994, Kane joined the cast of the Super Sentai series NINJA SENTAI KAKURANGER. Kane played Japanese-American Ninja Jiraiya, who was the Black Kakuranger. Despite his martial arts skills, Kane was doubled by Tsutomu Kitagawa, who would be known for wearing the rubber suit of Godzilla from 1999-2004. A highlight of the series was a fight scene between Kane and his father, who played Jiraiya’s mentor turned cyborg.

Kane appeared in various films and television series as well as work in various commercials. Some of the shows he appeared in include MUSCLE RANKING and SASUKE, which is seen today as NINJA WARRIOR on the G4 Network.

In 1998, Kane met Sammy Hung, the son of legendary Hong Kong action director and actor Sammo Hung Kam-Bo. A few days later, Kane took the opportunity to meet another legend, Jackie Chan. Chan was Sammy Hung’s godfather. Jackie had heard of Kane and his martial arts skills and happily met him at dinner. Kane would go on to make a cameo appearance as one of Chan’s fellow commandos in the 1998 film WHO AM I?.

In 2002, Kane nabbed the lead role for a Japanese action film called MUSCLE HEAT, helmed by music video director Ten Shimoyama. Kane played the lead role of Joe Jinno, a former Navy Seal whose life was taken away from him because he had a conscience. He was released by Amnesty to stop the distribution of a new steroid-like drug called Blood Heat. Jackie Chan had learned of Kane starring in the film and invited some of his stunt team members to work on the film. Ken Low, known as the superkicker of DRUNKEN MASTER 2, played Lee, the champion of the Muscle Dome, a ring-like structure where the lead drug dealer staged his fights. Sam Wong and Chan Man-Ching, with assistance from Anthony Carpio, served as the film’s fight choreographers. There were no CGI effects used to enhance the action, but it went old school. The film was released in the USA on DVD as BLOOD HEAT.

With the success of MUSCLE HEAT, Kane was keen on sticking to his career as an action star. However, Kane’s father Sho was not too thrilled. According to some sources, Sho was hoping that Kane would take over the family business of Sho Kosugi Institutes, where acting, martial arts, and Ninja Taiko are taught. When Kane opted for the screens, a falling out occurred between Sho and Kane. Sadly, the estrangement between father and son still exist to this day.

Meanwhile, Kane has had work in two recent films. In DOA: DEAD OR ALIVE, a live action adaptation of the Tecmo video game series, Kane nabbed the role of ninja expert Ryu Hayabusa. Directed by Corey Yuen, Kane was able to showcase his skills with some wirework. He re-teamed with Yuen and DOA co-star Devon Aoki in a small role in the Hollywood film WAR, opposite Jet Li and Jason Statham. Kane continues work for commercials in Japan as well as appear on television. He also works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics. He will perhaps be known as the “Son of the Ninja”, but Kane Kosugi has been proving with each new project that he’s more than the Son of the Ninja.

Kane Kosugi Official Site: http://www.kanekosugi.com

SELECT FILMOGRAPHY
2008 – Coweb
2007 – War
2006 – DOA: Dead or Alive
2002 – Muscle Heat
1997 – Cat’s Eye
1995 – Zero Woman 2
1992 – The Karate King 2
1992 – The Karate King
1990 – Journey of Honor
1988 – Black Eagle
1985 – Pray for Death
1985 – 9 Deaths of the Ninja
1983 – Revenge of the Ninja

Tags: Kane Kosugi, ninja, Sho Kosugi