My nine years at Asahi has made a lasting impression. I was not the model student my parents had hoped I would be, but perhaps that was because I knew my life would go in another direction that did not require a higher Japanese education. It was very difficult to study diligently, but in retrospect, I am grateful for my parents’ persistence in continuing my enrollment. As a result, I am able to apply the discipline of the Japanese work ethic to my endeavors as an adult.

Since leaving Asahi, I have developed a career for myself as a performer. I’ve been trained in dancing, singing and acting, and have gotten work in the theme park and cruise ship industries. I reached the pinnacle of my career upon my induction onto the Broadway stage in New York, where I currently am resident. For four years, I was a performer in the ensemble of Disney’s musical, Aida, and my proficiency in Japanese came in handy when Geki-dan-shiki, a prestigious theatrical organization in Japan, enlisted my assistance to develop the show for Japanese audiences. Being bilingual certainly revealed it’s opportunities, even in the performing arts.

My Japanese education does not directly serve any relevance to the present, but the investment my parents made in enrolling me in Asahi Gakuen has brought about a life-enriching experience that holds more value to me than a diploma. I am full of pride to represent a small fraction of the Japanese/American demographic to have a successful career in the theatrical world, and I still have the valuable support of my Asahil friends to share my experiences with.

My performing career continues to flourish as I am now touring nationally in another Disney musical, Mary Poppins. My Asahi friends are already excited to see me perform on the stage when the production arrives at the music center this November (2009). It’s so wonderful to have the support of my peers from years ago and I look forward to seeing them and my family in Los Angeles where my heritage thrives.