Rina Takeda is a Japanese actress and black belt in Ryukyu Shorin-ryu Karate. She was born on June 15, 1991 in Kanagawa Prefecture. She is currently represented by Sony Music Artists, Inc. Reportedly, Takeda was first inspired to get into karate at the age of 10 when she witnessed her father get eliminated from a tournament and became determined to avenge his defeat. In 2005, she auditioned to become a 7th generation member of the J-pop group Morning Musume, but was eventually beat out by now-graduated member Koharu Kusumi. However, her participation eventually led to her being scouted as an action trainee by Stardust Promotion. Ironically, fellow Stardust member Kou Shibasaki was picked to play the lead in the 2008 martial arts film Shaolin Girl, receiving training directly from producer Fuyuhiko Nishi. That June, Nishi left a message on Takeda's blog and encouraged her to audition for the lead in an upcoming martial arts film he planned to direct. Although she had no experience as a film actress, she eventually passed the audition and made her debut in the 2009 film High Kick Girl! (Source: Nippon Cinema)

More