Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mia Ando. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of make-believe ever since I was a kid. My journey into acting started with a combination of formal training and hands-on experience. I pursued acting classes and workshops to understand the technical aspects of the craft, but the real learning came from immersing myself in various roles and productions. I took every opportunity to act, whether in community theater, student films, or any available project that would help me grow as an artist.

What skills do you think were most essential in your learning process?

I think having adaptability, empathy, and a keen observational eye are crucial parts of being an artist. I think Acting is about understanding human behavior, emotions, and adapting different characters and stories into your body, and living the life of that person. Being able to immerse myself in diverse roles and connect with various narratives required a deep sense of empathy. I always remind myself of that. Additionally, the ability to observe and learn from others, both on and off the set, has been instrumental in my growth as an actor and artist. I think it is a life-learning process.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

One of the main obstacles was the initial cultural transition to live in the U.S., especially coming from Japan. While the entertainment industry is global, the cultural nuances and expectations can vary. Adapting to a new environment, understanding the industry dynamics, and breaking into the U.S. market posed challenges.
Language has been a big part of that. I’m from the country where shame is such a big part of the culture. I often faced the initial fear of failure. The fear of making mistakes or not fully understanding a concept sometimes hindered my willingness to try certain things, or even just talk to people. Overcoming that fear required a lot. I kept telling myself it is a learning process. Also, cultural differences and building connections in a new country were things that required time and effort to overcome.

How was your experience transitioning from Japan to living in the U.S.?

It was both a challenging and enriching experience. The U.S. offers incredible opportunities in the entertainment industry, but the cultural shift was significant. I had to navigate a new social landscape, understand industry norms, and of course, overcome the language barriers. However, the diversity and openness in the U.S. allowed me to explore a broad range of roles and stories, contributing to my growth as an artist.

Mia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an actor, writer, songwriter, poet, and producer. Born and raised in Japan, I came to Los Angeles to pursue my career in acting and art. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with an amazing mentor, Robert Allan Ackerman (Life with Judy Garland, The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, and Ramen Girl), a Broadway and film director, who is so dear to my heart. I was one of the founding members of the theater company The Garage, with my fellow actors, and we produced the stage play BLOOD with Mr. Ackerman as the director and playwright.
In that production, I played the role of Koyo, a boy with HIV in the midst of the AIDS crisis, and I was nominated for a Los Angeles Stage Raw Award for Best Female Supporting Performer.

In the film The Wind Phone, directed by Kristen Gerweck, I played the role of Suzuki, a bereaved wife who lost her husband in the Great Tohoku Earthquake. Since its premiere in March 2019, the film has been screened at over 100 film festivals worldwide and has garnered over 40 awards, including Best Short Film, Outstanding Direction. Most notably, the film qualified for the 2019 Academy Awards for Best Live-Action Short. Kristen is an amazing director and I recently finished filming a new project with her. It’s a short thriller that speaks to the horrors of commodifying motherhood and the trauma of losing autonomy over one’s reproductive choices. I cannot wait to share the film with the world.

In the sci-fi short film Submittan, where I play the protagonist Chase, we’ve achieved recognition with awards such as the Best Storytelling Award, Best Performance Award, and People’s Choice Award. The film has been screened globally and had a successful release on the sci-fi network DUST at the end of last January, amassing 117,000 views and counting.

As a lyricist, I have contributed to over 300 songs for various artists, including Adabana-Sora ni Mau (Rekochoku MV Daily Rankings No. 1), Tsumugi Bito (No. 5 in the iTunes Store • J-Pop MV • Japan Division), and We’ll Find a Dawn, the opening theme for the TV anime Ame no Yamanai Mura (Village Where the Rain Never Stops).

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Supporting artists and nurturing a vibrant creative ecosystem is not just about enriching our culture; it’s an investment in the very soul of our society. We need to support each other to thrive. We must celebrate and amplify voices from all walks of life. It’s important to us to keep creating and collaborating. By doing so, we create opportunities for artists to work together, and we can stimulate innovation and the cross-pollination of ideas. Also, encouraging public participation in the arts through community projects and events is so wonderfully important too.

By taking these steps, we’re not only contributing to the cultural fabric of our society but also fostering an environment where artists can thrive economically, ensuring a sustainable and flourishing creative community.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey as an artist is driven by a passion to explore the depths of human emotion and storytelling. I believe in the transformative power of art to connect people, evoke emotions, and provoke thought. My mission is to bring characters or stories to life in a way that resonates with audiences, sparking empathy and understanding. I aim to contribute to a diverse and compelling tapestry of narratives that reflect the complexity and richness of the human experience. My goal is to inspire others, leave a positive impact to make someone’s life or community a better place, and continue evolving as an artist in this dynamic and collaborative world of storytelling.

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to connect with people on a deep and emotional level. Whether it’s through a powerful performance, a thought-provoking piece of art, or a captivating story, artists have the unique opportunity to evoke emotions, inspire, and even challenge perspectives. The idea that my work can resonate with someone’s soul, inspire genuine feelings and emotions, or spark meaningful conversations is incredibly fulfilling.
Ultimately, the most rewarding moments come when I hear from someone who has been moved or inspired by my work. Knowing that I’ve made a positive impact or contributed to someone’s emotional experience is a powerful motivator and that is what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.miaando.com
• Instagram: @mia.ando.la
• Facebook: Mia Ando

Image Credits
David Chan Photography Leslie Lausch Susumu Kimura Kristen Gerweck