Cobra Kai‘s Chozen actor Yuji Okumoto addresses his character’s split loyalties in the upcoming season 6, part 2. First appearing in the franchise as the principal antagonist of The Karate Kid: Part II, Chozen became an ally in Cobra Kai, joining Miyagi-Do’s battle against Kreese and the Cobra Kai dojo. In season 6 part 1, the grizzled Miyagi-Do trainer seemingly vanished after hearing a conversation between Daniel and Amanda about spending more time with loved ones, but he could complete his arc in part 2.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant‘s Grant Hermanns, Okumoto discusses the upcoming episodes, and how Chozen’s story may factor into them. Given his character was absent in the final two episodes of Cobra Kai season 6 part 1, his story is due to continue, and maybe even conclude, in part 2. Okumoto talks about the split loyalties Chozen has, bound by his duty to Miyagi-Do, but consumed by the need to reunite with Kimiko. Check out Okumoto’s full comments below:
Yeah, there’s a lot of unfinished business that he has in Okinawa. I think he’s still in search of finding happiness, and I think when we see what happens to him on his journey, he realizes now that the focus needs to be on the present, which is training the kids. I think once he gets to that realization,
he focuses all his energy on making sure the kids are ready
and prepped for this big world tournament. So, I think that’s where his focus starts to go, in that direction.
Chozen Continued Absence Would Be A Blow For Daniel & Johnny, But He Isn’t Gone Yet
Okumoto’s comments seem to suggest Chozen will join the Miyagi-Do dojo at the Sekai Taikai, and help the team compete to the best of its ability. However, a change of heart should not be ruled out, and there is a very real chance he has departed for Okinawa and Kimiko, and could remain there for some time. With Miyagi-Do on the brink of chaos, this is something Johnny and Daniel can’t really afford, so hopes will be high that he returns and completes one part of his story with the group, before reuniting with his love.
His sense of honor, custom, and focus, coupled with his loyalty to the cause, have made him the heart of Miyagi-Do in turbulent times.
Since joining Miyagi-Do, Chozen has proven himself a formidable fighter and has so often been the grounding influence for the team. His sense of honor, custom, and focus, coupled with his loyalty to the cause, have made him the heart of Miyagi-Do in turbulent times. Losing him could be a blow for Daniel and Johnny as they seek to navigate the Sekai Taikai and defeat Kreese and Cobra Kai once and for all, but Okumoto’s comments hint he won’t be gone forever just yet.
Our Take On Chozen’s Cobra Kai Season 6 Story
Though He Has Split Loyalties, It Seems Likely Chozen Will Fulfill Both
Chozen has proven himself a man of honor, and one who is likely to follow through with any promise he makes, which makes it unlikely he would abandon Miyagi-Do. He’s been there with Daniel (and more recently, Johnny) for some time, and is committed to Miyagi-Do, and though the Cobra Kai season 6 part 2 trailer does not feature any footage of him, I think that the character’s eventual arc will follow Okumoto’s belief that he will focus on training the kids. Once the Sekai Taikai is complete, his Cobra Kai arc will finish with him departing for Kimiko.
Cobra Kai season 6 part 2 drops on Netflix on November 15.