Hikari Shares Her Journey to Directing ‘Rental Family’ and the Oscar Winner Who Inspired Her Name Change

Hikari, an artist with a diverse background, has navigated multiple careers from selling shoes and makeup to working as a ski instructor and waitress before settling in Hollywood. Her journey culminated recently in the release of her film Rental Family, a project that garnered several audience awards on the festival circuit and opened just days ago. The film seems to have eased her access to an industry that often presents closed doors.

The narrative of Rental Family is inspired by a unique phenomenon in Japan, where approximately 300 companies offer actors and service providers to meet the needs of lonely individuals. Hikari’s personal experiences resonate throughout the film, which explores the essential human desire for connection, particularly relevant in today’s divided world.

In addition, she discusses her decision to adopt the name Hikari to differentiate herself from the renowned Oscar-winning director whom she admires yet is not related to. Hikari shares the story of forming a friendship with Stevie Wonder during her time as a waitress at House of Blues, a now-closed restaurant on Sunset Strip.

This conversation delves deep into Hikari’s inspiring journey and the creative process behind Rental Family.