We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mari Haruno. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mari below.

Mari, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

As someone who was born and raised in Japan, I’ve truly felt a sense of difficulty in my daily life. Japan has a deeply ingrained tradition of “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” where conformity and following the crowd are seen as virtues. Being different or stepping out of the mold is often taught as something negative.

However, I believe that being unique is a positive quality. Not only in Japan but around the world, education tends to focus heavily on “input”—the acquisition of knowledge. While input is crucial, it alone can lead to wasted potential if not paired with “output”—the application of that knowledge. It’s essential to create educational approaches that respect and encourage individual differences and viewpoints, allowing for natural and confident expression.

In learning environments, it’s important to foster a culture where making mistakes is acceptable and where students can confidently share their opinions. Building such an environment is key to helping each person thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I believe my mission can be broadly divided into three main areas:

Canada Study Abroad Expert
Since 2016, I have been supporting over 1,000 Japanese international students who travel to Canada each year, particularly to Toronto. I offer counseling to those who are still in Japan and are unsure about studying abroad, and assist with arrangements for their schools, homestays, study permits, and work permits.

Special Educational Teacher
I have been supporting children with developmental disorders and those who are not attending school for over 20 years. Originally, I simply loved teaching, but naturally, children with special needs—both kids and adults—seem to gather around me. While I may not have any particularly outstanding talents, I am dedicated to discovering the latent abilities within people and boosting their motivation. I support them in gaining confidence and preparing to take flight in the world. Since 2019, I have established my own school, offering both in-person and online classes. In-person lessons utilize trampolines, ladders, and color cones instead of traditional textbooks, desks, and chairs, creating a class environment that incorporates elements of neuroscience and physical activity. Online classes also avoid using textbooks, focusing on nurturing each individual’s unique traits and building their confidence.

Influencer (Public Speaker, YouTuber, Instagrammer, Radio Personality)
I have had a life full of ups and downs. I once faced an 18% survival rate after sustaining severe burns from an accident, and I also suffered from severe bruises and lost all my teeth while helping a child who was about to be hit by a car. Despite these various experiences, I chose not to view them negatively. Instead, I turned them into positive stories to inspire and uplift people worldwide. I have given lectures and seminars in Japanese in Japan and have published two autobiographies nationwide. However, to further my mission of energizing the world, I began delivering public speeches in English this year. Recently, I placed third in a speech contest in Canada. Although everyone else was a seasoned native English speaker, I was told, “You have proven that passion can overcome language barriers.” Many Japanese people are shy, intelligent, and knowledgeable but lack confidence and courage to step forward. I hope that by taking the lead and venturing out into the world, others will think, “If Mari can do it, then I can try too,” and that they will follow in my footsteps, aiming even higher.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I was in middle school, there was an important track meet. It was the final of the 1500-meter race. The intensity and determination of everyone around me made me incredibly nervous. The nerves were so overwhelming that I could feel a pain in my stomach and noticed that my legs felt heavy and unsteady.

Immediately after the start, I took a dramatic fall and was abruptly left behind by the pack. I thought, “It’s over. It’s too difficult to make a comeback now. Maybe I should just withdraw.” Negative thoughts flashed through my mind.

But I quickly shifted my mindset. No, that’s not right. I had trained harder than anyone else every day, morning and night, even on holidays. I couldn’t give up here. I tightened my core, got up quickly, and then began chasing after the leaders with all my might.

It was tough, and the gap between me and the front runners seemed hard to close, but I refused to give up. I told myself, “I can do this. I am going to win.” I pushed forward without compromise. Gradually, the gap narrowed, and I caught up with the leading pack.

Now that I was this close, I had to aim for victory. To be honest, it was the first time I had ever felt so exhausted, with my breathing so labored. But then I remembered: humans are often too soft on themselves. Even when you think you’re at your limit, you’re probably only using a fraction of your potential. I told myself, “Even if you push yourself a little harder, it won’t kill you.”

With that encouragement, I mustered all my remaining strength and surged forward with a final burst. I reached second place. With just the last curve to go before the finish line, I told myself, “You’ve got this. You can win. You’re not going to die, so give it your all!”

I crossed the finish line in first place, ahead of the second-place runner. I believe that the result was due to my daily efforts and the confidence I had in my training. No matter the situation, if you never give up, results will eventually follow.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Back in University, I sold 518 melon buns(pastries) within one hour at a convenience store.
The daily average was only 3. However, when the owner asked me, “How many do you think we can sell in a day?” I didn’t want to settle for just three or five. I wanted to push the limits.

I asked, “What’s the maximum number we can order in a day?” The owner replied with an astounding figure: “580.” For a moment, I was taken aback, but then a strong determination to achieve this goal surged within me. I repeatedly told myself that I could definitely do it.

I created an original melon bun song and started singing it energetically inside the small convenience store as I began selling. Naturally, customers were surprised and looked over at me. Despite this, I didn’t stop. Gradually, more and more people began to flock to the store. They kept picking up melon buns and buying them. In just one hour, we sold out all 580 melon buns.

Give it a shot!! Believe in yourself!! Because your possibilities are endless!!

This story has become one of my signature speeches, loved by many people every day. It shows that if you don’t give up, results will inevitably follow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motivator_haru/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariharunobeinspired
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariharuno/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@motivator_haru
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@harunglish
  https://www.instagram.com/haru.tamin/
  https://stand.fm/channels/638b578082838c6aa3913b57

Image Credits

Mari Haruno
Speaker Slam