A Mix of Modern Times
Trekking between New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, actor Tim Kano has discovered a harmonious way to cultivate a culture within his professional work.
Life as an actor has its ups and downs. Being able to deal with the constant auditioning and occasional dead ends is one of the hardest parts of the job. When you’re booking and working, you’re on top of the world doing something you love and making a life out of it. Having just come off of a three-year project, Tim Kano, 32, is currently re-climatizing to life as an actor. “I was drawn to performing at a young age. I always loved films and plays and was fascinated by how they were made. I used to love to sing solo and in a band, so performing sort of fell into one big outlet for me as an artist. It’s always fun, and a challenge, understanding a character you’re portraying while telling someone else’s story.”
A huge fan of both independent and blockbuster action films, Kano has been actively eyeing the horizon for similar genre projects. In hopes of working abroad, the actor wants to build upon what is already available in Australia. “I’m excited about moving into other roles. Neighbors were amazing, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in terms of pace and adaptability!” Entering the acting scene at a young age participating in school and local plays and musicals, Kano eventually moved into television work — while still in the early stages of high school — and modeling became another addition to the already busy résumé. “I had agencies in Japan, New Zealand, Belgium, and New York. For me, and like most teenagers, my parents weren’t always so supportive of me pursuing a career in the arts. While also working in politics and advertising between casted roles, acting was always something I had pursued and felt natural to me. My most recent job on [Australia’s longest-running drama series] Neighbours was great for reminding me where my heart lies.” With more than 8,000 episodes to date, since its premiere in 1985, the show meticulously follows the suburban lives of six families housed on Erinsborough’s cul-de-sac. Since adding face and talent to the popular television series, Kano understands the value of separating personal and private happenings as a public figure. “I try to keep the two quite separate as sometimes it’s nice to step back and have a break from anything work-related which is the same working in any industry or job.”
Part of a day’s work in the field, attending various events and industry gatherings for anyone it can become quite tiring. “On top of a daily schedule, staying true to yourself and not taking it too seriously helps you to enjoy the experiences and treat it as fun rather than work.” Very much an introvert, the New Zealand native says having a public persona that is much the same as the private, escaping the industry world and maintaining a small intimate group of friends is what keeps his gears active. “There’s so much going on and so many moving parts, it’s important not to take things too seriously or personally. Everyone has a job and purpose in what they’re doing and it’s important to focus on yours and not worry about what anyone else thinks. As long as you’re doing what you’re there to do to the best of your ability nothing else matters. If you surround yourself with loving, supportive people you’ll be set to soar.” Kano constantly reminds himself of the importance of his job, first and foremost, being a storyteller. Whether on or off-screen, the actor wants to put and keep viewers and fans at the forefront. “By using social media and a visible platform, I want to express important messages, the ability to get them out, letting people know they’re not alone with whatever they may be struggling with. It’s also a great tool for helping friends, who are pursuing something, to share their message. It’s not something I feel so confident in — definitely not around the clock —I do understand it’s becoming a part of the work and industry now.”
As an extension of oneself, fashion has been a lasting outlet for decades. For Kano, traveling, an education abroad, and working with diverse individuals has allowed the actor to bring those same experiences to both television and handheld screens. Influenced by the likes of classic cinematic works and timeless music, Kano is unable to pinpoint a particular favorite era, yet he wholeheartedly enjoys seeing stories from another period in time. “The music, costume, language all elements take you on a journey to time from the past or future and that for me is memorable. My favorite films across all genres and eras, but stick with me usually due to a deep character-driven plot that can make you happy or leave you deeply saddened.” Usually reflecting a particular mood, Kano’s style inspiration has spawned from days living in Antwerp, simplicity of luxury powerhouses Margiela, Dries Van Noten and Demeulemeester, and icons of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. “I’m a huge fan of the 50s and 60s for men’s fashion and film. There was a transitioning in culture from the extreme class divide and formal to smart, casual yet maintaining a sharp dapper aesthetic. I love music and bands such as New Order and The Cure. I guess a lot of my style inspiration comes from the era of the 70-80s British rocker. I love my Acne leather jacket as it’s timeless and can go with anything. Black on black is always easy for me. Simple. Good jeans and a tee.”
Focused on clean lines, minimalism, professional and intellectual cuts, and quality fabrics, living in Tokyo opened the actor’s eyes and imagination, hugely impacting him. Always ahead globally, in terms of trends and experimentation, Japan has etched itself into Kano’s being. “Japan will always be a country I look to for trends and creativity in personal expression.” Currently residing in Melbourne, Australia, Kano’s experience with the world stems from crossing waters. Having attended university in Tokyo, the actor fell in love with the country’s chaotic yet serene city, its mix of culture, history and modern times all somehow working harmoniously. “New Zealand is the polar opposite. Being very relaxed and laid back, yet I had the best of both worlds. More importantly, the cuisines!” With unspoken respect, Tokyo’s influential execution being the hub of the future, the likes of design and trends emerging will indefinitely be subtly infiltrated into western cities over the next decades to come. In the states, New York City’s heir of individuality is just one jewel on the pedestal globally. With resounding love and respect, the magic of The Big Apple will likely rub off on anyone. “That place gives you more freedom to experiment and play around with things you may normally like, but not feel the confidence to try anywhere else.” Naturally, as now, a lot of fashion and style have been configured to fit the standards of the consumer and its overall functionality. Exploring the world, using global cultures as teleportation, or film and music to live or relive an era, Kano wants to continue using whatever readily available platform to present a reflective view that who one is, where one came from, who one once was, and where one can go. Stating that this form of representation is paramount.
