I served as an interpreter for workshops and a Japan-US cultural exchange symposium titled "Art for Humanity," featuring Adam Gerber from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting NY.

What is the transformative power of art in society?
How can art contribute to solving social issues?

During the symposium, 11 panelists passionately discussed the role of art in society, sharing diverse perspectives.

The Stella Adler Studio in NY, through its division called Arts Justice, offers free programs like "Adler Youth" and "Summer Shakespeare" to children in poverty who don’t have access to theatre education (99% of whom are Hispanic).

One program that left a strong impression on me is "Ritual4Return", supporting individuals who have experienced incarceration in overcoming trauma and social biases.

As an interpreter, I watched an interview video on the Stella Adler Studio's YouTube channel about "Ritual4Return."

In this video, a Black woman who had been incarcerated for seven years due to substance abuse shared how, through art, she learned to accept and express her pain, guilt, and shame, profoundly healing and allowing her to move forward in life.

In this program, various methods such as movement, dance, singing, poetry, and straightforward narratives are used to help individuals release the traumas that bind them to their past.

This is just one example; art possesses an incredible capacity to heal individuals emotionally. It facilitates the development of expressive skills involving both the mind and the body. This self-expression, rooted in understanding our true selves, fosters greater empathy towards others and promotes acceptance of diversity.

The power of art is limitless.

In countries like the US, theatre education is mandatory for children, just like art and music. However, in Japan, theater education hasn’t been fully integrated.
When I attended middle school in the US, choosing drama course was as natural as choosing art or music. On the other hand, my memories of encountering theatre in Japanese classrooms were limited to watching performances of an opera, "Madama Butterfly," and a kabuki, "Banchō Sarayashiki".
I didn't recall them being particularly interesting; I mostly ended up feeling sleepy.

From the desk arrangement of Japanese classrooms, it's evident that the traditional learning style has been focused on students facing the teacher, listening to the teacher's explanations, and diligently transcribing them into notebooks.
In contrast, in the US, students gather around large desks in groups of about four, emphasizing student-to-student interaction rather than just teacher-to-student interaction.

Methods that involve mutual learning and equal exchange of opinions leave a lasting impression.
Communicating by looking into each other's eyes and expressing one's opinions in one's own words, while at the same time listening to the other person's words, reading their facial expressions and gestures—this is the foundation of communication.

Japan has long been a homogeneous nation, and the phrase "mura hachibu" (literally, ostracism by the village) reflects the societal value of conformity.

However, as society becomes increasingly globalized, we need to learn diversity and inclusion, accepting others as they are and recognizing the value in our differences.

Playing roles, reading scripts, working together as a team toward the common goal of "creating a play"—through these experiences, we deepen our understanding of ourselves, gain the ability to affirm ourselves, and that, in turn, leads to understanding others.

With personal experience in working with middle and high school students to create theatre productions, along with involvement in directing and acting coaching, I genuinely believe that theatre education has the power to significantly expand our human potential as we navigate an increasingly global society.

Of course, art encompasses more than just theatre.
Drawing on my personal experiences and extensive involvement in the theatre industry, I have explored the diverse possibilities inherent in theatre.

In my conversation with Adam, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of providing students with "access to theatres," which has left a lasting impression. Just as sports experiences are readily available and accessible to children in Japan, I sincerely hope that the opportunities for children to engage with theatre will continue to grow and expand in our society.

Regarding the symposium, it will be archived and made available for streaming at a later date. Once the schedule is finalized, I will provide further updates.
Please stay tuned for more information and anticipate the vibrant discussions that took place!

A 5-day workshop, where Adam and I tackled a dynamic learning experience as one!

One thing I always keep in mind when interpreting is to "interpret as if I'm acting."
I approach each session with the intention of "playing the shadow of the speaker."
Being an actor myself, I can’t help but immerse myself in the role of the speaker.
However, I firmly believe this very approach enables me to deliver the essence of the speaker's soul directly to the hearts of the listeners.

It's not just about conveying the words spoken, but also transmitting the energy, gestures, physical presence, and the mindset of the storyteller.

What brought me joy this time was that Adam exclaimed, "I see my own shadow in you! – an extension of myself!" and realized, “It’s like there are two Adams."

In Japan, where an environment for learning acting is still not well-established, having a teacher like Adam, overflowing with humanity and having an aesthetic sense of the world around us, is truly precious.

Stella Adler's technique, stemming from the teachings of Konstantin Stanislavski, known as the "father of theatre" in the late 1930s and branching into the United States, is one of the acting methods that utilizes the power of “imagination” for character development.

What I love about Stella is her exceptional spirituality.
In her renowned book "The Art of Acting", there is a chapter I absolutely adore called, "Class 18: Actors are Aristocrats."

To stand on stage as one’s authentic self is presumptuous.
Even if you try to draw from your own experiences to act, the world depicted in the script is much larger than real life.
To bridge the gap between oneself and the imaginary world on stage, one must use imagination to vividly capture the surroundings and meticulously construct the world intended by the playwright.

Here, I'd like to share a compilation of memorable quotes from Adam that he shared with us during the workshop. Every phrase is like a precious gem.

"Everybody wants to cry.
Everybody wants to feel.
But when we just let out emotions on stage, it's boring.
It becomes self-indulgent.
Once we start focusing on how I'm feeling, we minimize the circumstances of the play.
It ostracizes everything around you."

“Always remember: ACTION PRECEDES FEELINGS.
More than anything, what’s crucial is, ‘Action comes before emotions.’”

"When you invest yourself in doing what's in front of you, the emotions will follow."

"Everything that happens on stage, we have to give it life. We have to raise it to a higher level of understanding. Otherwise, why would people want to go to the theatre?"

While listening to Adam's teachings, there were many moments where each participant’s spirit tightened, and the entire classroom united as one.
As Adam would say, “Let’s take a deep breath!” everyone would breathe deeply, thoroughly incorporating the actor’s mindset and the foundation of character building into their hearts and bodies.

The ideal that Stella seeks in actors, as conveyors of the truth of this world, is as high as scaling the summit of a mountain.

But that is precisely why the work of an actor is so fascinating.

I'm eagerly awaiting the day when Adam returns to Japan.

We love you, Adam!
Come back to Japan real soon!

Curtain falls on the final concert in Osaka!

From tending to backstage matters to ushering performers onto the stage and providing stage interpretation, it has been a whirlwind of days without a moment to catch one's breath. Nevertheless, I've been relishing happiness in every single moment.

What an honor to have supported Futo-san and Ramin as an interpreter!

When interacting through an interpreter during a conversation, it can sometimes become monotonous and difficult to break through a language barrier to establish a deep connection. Nevertheless, I hoped to capture their emotions and energy in order to facilitate a heart-to-heart talk, as if there were almost no interpreter standing in between.
As we had more chances to talk in the dressing room, I felt the connection was growing stronger each day. I believe we were able to convey our joy directly to the audience.

I can never forget how he taught us backstage that in order to be an artist, you have to have these three things: "Hard work", "Heart" and "Devotion".

I'm dumbfounded every time he tells us that he had no vocal training, but having accompanied him throughout the shows, I have fully realized that behind his incomparable voice lies his extraordinary effort and strong determination as a singer.
Even on stage, I distinctly remember him saying "prepare, prepare, prepare" in order to avoid getting nervous before singing.

It was truly a gift to have worked with him.
Every time I listened to Futo-san and Ramin's celestial harmony from the wings, I had to fight back tears to ensure I wouldn't stumble while interpreting on stage.

I am profoundly grateful for the miracle of creating a stage together with the audience who came to the theatre, as well as those who watched the show from home through live streaming during these most challenging times. Both on and off stage, I cherish every moment shared together in my heart.

Although the concert with Ramin is over, I strongly feel that this is only the beginning.
The sight of Futo-san and Ramin together reminded me of the very last line at the end of the movie “Casablanca”, included in the concert setlist:
“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

May their friendship last for all eternity.
May their voices “in one combined” bring light to this world.

I myself will continue to do my best to be a bridge between Japan and the world in the theatrical entertainment industry.
It was such a gift to be a part of Ramin and Futo-san's beautiful friendship… "I'm so happy".

“Life, business, success… it’s just like a nightclub.

There are always three ways in.

There’s the First Door: the main entrance, where 99 percent of people wait in line, hoping to get in.

The Second Door: the VIP entrance, where the billionaires and celebrities slip through.

But what no one tells you is that there is always, always… the Third Door.
It’s the entrance where you have to jump out of line, run down the alley, bang on the door a hundred times, crack open the window, sneak through the kitchen – there’s always a way.”

Embarking on an unprecedented challenge in my interpreting career, I devotedly undertook my recent assignment. Through a serendipitous encounter, I had the honor of interpreting for Alex Banayan, the author of "The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World’s Most Successful People Launched Their Careers," in collaboration with Marie Kondo at a closed event.

Simultaneously interpreting between English and Japanese, I immersed myself in a seamless flow.

If I took notes, the flow would break!
The audience's focus on Alex's story is at stake!
Since I had to hold a microphone, I completely gave up on taking notes.

Within the limited days of preparation, fearing potential pitfalls, I ended up creating a meticulously crafted vocabulary notebook, exceeding 100 pages.

"Facing rejections"
"Experiencing failures"
"Making mistakes"

Alex's words from his book resonated not only in delivering his powerful message to the audience but also in confronting my own fears and uncertainties.

As I delved into Alex's genuine spirit through his book however, my initial doubt – “Can I truly convey his message to the audience?” – slowly shifted into a firm conviction: “I don't just want to deliver it... I will deliver it.” With every page turned, my commitment strengthened.
Taking on the challenge of bringing Alex's nine-year journey to publish his book to life, I was determined to step into his shadow and portray his character with unwavering resolve.
The curtain closed on this event yesterday, culminating in resounding success.

"The courage to step out of line."

On the path we should take, the obstacles ahead remain unknown.
Yet, we refuse to conform, rejecting the notion of “staying together with everyone."
Instead, we choose to diverge from "common sense."

Opting for an unexpected path may draw the disapproval of parents...
We might encounter failure...
We might face rejection...

Nevertheless, we can't resist taking that step onto our "own path".
That small stride into the unknown world holds the key to unlocking the door.

This is how Alex encourages us.

Alex emphasized that even well-known figures often perceived as "fearless" were not without fear; instead, they embodied courage. Fearlessness and courage, though subtly nuanced, serve different purposes.

"Being fearless" means acting without considering the consequences, like jumping off a cliff without thinking. On the other hand, "being courageous" is acknowledging one's fears and still moving forward.
Every notable person experiences fear, and this fear persists throughout their journey, not just at the outset of their careers but consistently.

No matter how much knowledge one possesses about succeeding, there are times when life becomes challenging. However, if each of us has the courage to believe in our inner potential, life will inevitably change.

Those who confront and embrace their fears, courageously moving forward, can open the third door.

“The Third Door" unexpectedly appeared in my life, serving as a metaphor for my role as an interpreter.
Beyond each assignment lies a vast world, and with sincerity and dedication, I aim to continue fulfilling the ongoing chapters of my dreams.

Whether as an actor, director, or interpreter, I aspire to be a storyteller.
Alex's empowering message is extended to anyone hesitating to take that crucial step forward.

My heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this event a success.

For those intrigued, I recommend checking out Alex Banayan's book!

"The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World’s Most Successful People Launched Their Careers"
https://thirddoorbook.com/

The curtain falls on the "Lalala♪ Musical Concert"!

During the concert, Marisha's astounding singing voice led to multiple show-stopping moments, creating an exhilaration that we won't soon forget.

“Keep believing in yourself no matter what”

"I grew up on a pig farm in North Carolina, and I never imagined that I would sing in front of a large audience in Tokyo. But I grew up in a family that loved singing, and I've loved singing since I was 5. The decision to pursue a career in singing came when I was in college, and it wasn't early at all. However, I became my own biggest supporter, believed in my talent no matter what, and continued to fight. Now, it feels like the seeds I've sown are finally bearing fruit, and it's harvest time. It feels like I'm living a dream!!! That's why I keep singing."

Marisha shared this heartfelt story with tears in her eyes but a sparkling smile on her face.

While backstage with Marisha, we discussed that even if someone appears happy on the outside, they may be carrying pain and sadness in their hearts. The visible is not always the whole truth about what someone is going through.

However, within a song, though lasting only about three minutes, there is a hidden power to heal people's hearts. That's why I keep singing.

Backstage was bustling, but Marisha, with her cute and radiant smile, continued to brighten up both the cast and the staff. She also revealed that starting from next June, she will be appearing in the West End production of 'Hairspray' as Motor Mouth! How I wish I could go see it. I'm rooting for Marisha's ongoing success!

Dearest Marisha, please remember that you always have a home in Japan.
Definitely come back soon!!!

Curtain falls!!!

Sending all my heart to Peter and Gunilla from Sweden who brought so many smiles to the Japanese audience.

Since rehearsals began, the final performance came in the blink of an eye! In every show, the audience was on their feet! Just like the ending of the musical "Mamma Mia!", everyone came together to sing and dance to ABBA's songs♪ Not only the audience but also the backstage staff sang and danced♪ Everyone was in high spirits♪

"Music has the power to bring smiles to people."

Through ABBA's music, it became a concert where everyone celebrated life – truly a wonderful experience!

Now, I'd like to share some backstage stories that I can reveal because I was by the side of the two, Peter and Gunilla. I had the opportunity to translate and proofread their dialogue page in the pamphlet, as well as being involved beyond the role of an interpreter, even in direction. It was a fulfilling time with many learning experiences.

While the concert was mostly composed of ABBA's songs, they also performed songs from the musicals "Chess" and "Kristina," produced by ABBA members Björn and Benny.

In particular, "Kristina" (first performed in 1995) is a work that has not been performed in Japan. The song "Gold Can Turn to Sand" holds deep meaning for Peter, as it played a significant role in shaping his career as a singer.

Despite time constraints during the MC segments, it was important to convey Peter's strong desire to share the background of this song with the audience. It was personally rewarding to structure it in a way that communicated the story of the song to the Japanese audience, who might not be familiar with the content of the musical.

("Gold Can Turn to Sand": Set in the late 19th century, the song narrates the story of Robert, played by Peter, who, while halfway on a journey from Sweden to America in search of a gold mine, tells his lover Christina about a friend who died in the desert. Swedish version of “Gold Can Turn to Sand”: https://youtu.be/e2tdBKFKOrU)

In welcoming the two, the focus was not only on on-stage support but also on how to communicate during their off time. I aimed to steer clear of typical questions like “where did you go sightseeing?” and “what Japanese food do you like?” in order to keep the conversation more engaging. This involved touching on their values and life paths as much as possible before meeting them.

When I was in Peter's dressing room, he shared a very memorable story. There was an early release of Peter's new album "HUMANOLOGY", featuring the song "The Mask."
(”The Mask”: https://youtu.be/_oHQcAKt2vg)

In the lyrics, the following lines stand out:

“Nobody knows the man I hold inside
I play the part and wear a mask to hide
And it took me time to pull the monster from the man.”

Peter, known for playing the Phantom in both Broadway and the West End, was reminiscent of "The Phantom of the Opera" with these lyrics about the "mask." I asked if this was inspired by his experience in "The Phantom of the Opera," but surprisingly, the answer was no.

He shared that this is a story about himself. He grew up in a dysfunctional family, hid his identity as a gay person, and felt ashamed of his life for a long time. However, a few years ago, he took off the mask, stopped hiding his true self, and started living his real life. This struck a chord with me.

We all, to some extent, wear masks to live in this world. Living authentically in today's society is very challenging. Nevertheless, artists have the role of revealing their true selves in public. By exposing the depths of their hearts on stage or on screen, artists inspire someone in the audience to take a step forward, facing the difficulties in their own lives.

The intense light that Peter emits on stage is the light that comes from overcoming significant challenges in life. I touched his strong soul and understood why he is a star.

Even during the album signing event, where I was constantly by Peter's side, conveying the gratitude of the audience to him without missing a single word was a significant responsibility. The landscapes, new encounters, and reunions unfolding before my eyes are valuable signposts guiding me to the path I should follow – simply gifts from God.

Passion for pursuing acting:

“Keep going! How many people can say 'yes' to the voice in their own hearts?”

Gunilla's words resonated deeply, prompting a gentle push on my back that, once again, brought me close to tears. Like her, I hope to grow as a performer, inspiring many with the courage to embrace life.

Gunilla, who played the role of Donna in the Swedish version of "Mamma Mia!", is truly warm and radiant like the sun. Her rendition of "The Winner Takes It All" is truly Donna! It was an overwhelming performance!

To win the role of Donna, she went through multiple auditions, and in the final callback, she received a direct phone call from Benny Andersson asking, "Don't you want a fun job?" The audience was always captivated by this story. And amazingly enough, the number of performances she carried out as Donna for two and a half years was 555 times!!! Truly miraculous!
(Swedish version of "The Winner Takes It All": https://youtu.be/Kc8XrZ5Mc9c)

She also shared an interesting story about meeting Meryl Streep at the premiere of the movie "Mamma Mia!" and having an exciting time together.

Every moment spent with the two is precious. I hope that Gunilla, visiting Japan for the first time, and Peter, making his fourth visit, will come back to Japan.

Wishing that the bridge between these two Swedish stars and the Japanese audience has been successfully built.

While still immersed in the endlessly bright world of ABBA and with the lingering feeling of not wanting to say goodbye, I am stepping into the next scene.

Curtain falls!

I had the privilege of serving as the interpreter for West End star Ruthie Henshall, and it was an incredibly joyful and serendipitous connection.

She earned the Laurence Olivier Award for her portrayal of Amalia in "She Loves Me." In "Chicago," she astonishingly embodied all three major roles of Roxie, Velma, and Mama Morton. Additionally, she took on various characters, including Wilkinson in "Billy Elliot." Most notably, I vividly recall watching her perform the legendary Fantine in the 10th-anniversary concert of "Les Misérables" on DVD until the disc wore out.

From rehearsals to hair and makeup, costume preparations, and the moment she stepped onto the stage until the final curtain fell, I stood by her with all my heart and offered my consistent support.

Over the intense four days, we exchanged numerous stories about her experiences as an actress, the struggles of being a star, memories from past performances, and the current state of the theatrical scene in the UK.

"Follow your heart, focus, continue to work hard, and do what you need to do to reach the goal. Never settle for anything. You have a bright future ahead, darling."

No matter what challenges come your way, whatever obstacles you face, even if you have to take a detour, never give up if you have a dream. By accumulating the things you need to do, you will undoubtedly reach your goal.

The words Ruthie repeatedly shared with me, tightly gripping my hand backstage, are treasures for a lifetime.

What I focused on this time was:

1. Never let the energy drop in communication between Ruthie and the cast and staff.
2. Convey Ruthie's emotions entirely in a fresh state.

I love both standing on the stage as an actor and working behind the scenes to make the performers shine. I love acting, singing, and the theatre itself more than words can express.

Being involved as an interpreter this time allowed me to feel firsthand how much the stage is supported by the efforts of many behind-the-scenes staff, and it was a humbling experience.

I am determined to continue contributing my full effort to ensure the further development of Japan's performing arts and the revitalization of international exchanges. Step by step, I want to steadily accumulate what needs to be done.

It was a wonderful concert where the enthusiasm of the talented cast and staff came to fruition, overflowing with love.

I look forward to embracing new challenges with courage in the future.