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

Miyo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I think that the timing of one’s creative journey is never wrong. It is always the perfect time for individuals to embark on their own path of creativity.

Personally, I feel that the timing of my creative career has worked out exceptionally well for me. However, I also acknowledge that had I started earlier or later, my journey would have unfolded differently, yet equally meaningful. Each path has its own unique advantages and opportunities, and regardless of when one begins, it will always be the best choice for that particular journey. What truly matters is embracing the present moment and making the most of the opportunities that come our way, no matter when we choose to ignite our creative spark.

Miyo, 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?

In 2004, I moved from Japan to the United States with the expectation that simply living here would magically perfect my English skills. Yep, I was delusional. Even after living here for years, my English wasn’t going anywhere because as a computer programmer, I didn’t need to talk to anybody.

To force myself to speak more, I joined Toastmasters at the end of 2009, focusing on developing my public speaking abilities. Initially, it was an enjoyable experience, but after five years or so, I found myself growing weary of the routine. That’s when I fortuitously stumbled upon StoryMasters, an advanced Toastmasters club, dedicated to the art of storytelling and evaluation. I was captivated by the power of stories.

However, the true turning point in my creative journey came when I had the privilege of meeting my mentor, Jane Morris. It all began with one evening when my friend and I decided to attend an improv show called “Immediate Theater” at the renowned Fanatic Salon Theater in Culver City. The show itself was fantastic, with each performer delivering an outstanding performance. Yet, amidst this sea of talent, it was Jane who radiated an undeniable brilliance on the stage, captivating my attention. A quick Google search revealed that she also conducted a writing workshop—an opportunity that beckoned me into the captivating realm of storytelling. I am truly grateful to Jane for her invaluable support and guidance. She has been an exceptional mentor to me. Without her, I would have been completely lost in understanding the intricacies of storytelling. From the very beginning, Jane has taken me under her wing and generously shared her profound wisdom with me. Even to this day, she continues to inspire and educate me with her wealth of knowledge. Jane is a true artist who wholeheartedly prioritizes the love and passion for art above all else. Every time she speaks, I am enriched with fresh insights and a deeper understanding of the craft. I cannot express enough gratitude for the profound impact she has had on my life.

I also cherish the storytelling community. For over the years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a multitude of exceptionally talented individuals who have left an indelible mark on my artistic development. Each one of them whether big or small, has contributed to my growth as an artist.

And not to mention that my friends have played an important role in my storytelling journey. They have supported me since the beginning, even when I didn’t fully grasp what storytelling was all about. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and creative collaboration have been invaluable assets that have propelled me forward, and I am forever grateful for their contributions.

Storytelling connects us to the very essence of our shared humanity. It transcends borders, cultures, and generations, weaving a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and wisdom that unites us all.

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

Throughout my journey, I have encountered countless rejections and faced the persistent notion that my English was not good enough. People often told me that it would be a barrier to my success. As a non-native English speaker, these doubts and criticisms made me question my abilities and feel insecure about expressing myself. Regardless, I refused to succumb to self-doubt because I have friends who have supported me and my journey.

As I look back on this arduous journey, I can proudly say that my perseverance paid off. I have defied the limitations imposed on me and have surpassed even my own expectations.

I still make lots of grammatical mistakes. There are lots of words I cannot pronounce. But I keep trying!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most fulfilling and heartwarming experiences as a performer is the deep and meaningful connection with the audience. Recently, I performed at the San Diego International Fringe Festival. What made this experience truly special was the fun interactions I had with the audience after each performance. They shared their thoughts, emotions, and personal stories inspired by my show. The joy and excitement radiating from their faces filled my heart with immense gratitude.

In addition to storytelling, I distribute monthly newsletters, which contain not only upcoming shows but also my candid and rumbling thoughts on various topics. Often, I get emails or phone calls from my readers, for which I’m grateful! It not only signifies that my words have resonated with them but also opens up a dialogue where we can exchange ideas and perspectives.

The true beauty of performing arts is the ability to touch hearts, ignite conversations, and create lasting memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://miyo.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/miyo.thestoryteller
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/miyo.thestoryteller
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miyo.thestoryteller
• Other: Merchandise: https://shop.miyo.net

Image Credits
Michael Hirabayashi Anthony Phills