The "100% or 0" Life: From Yokohama Principal to Nonprofit Founder

The Transformation

You might see me in my latest video transitioning from my everyday clothes into full Rumi cosplay, dancing alongside Zoey and Mira. It looks like fun (and it is!), but that transition represents something much deeper. It represents the many skins I’ve worn and the relentless passion I pour into everything I touch.

The Journey to Purpose

My journey didn’t start on a stage in the US. It started in Japan, where I spent my life mastering the disciplined art of Calligraphy, and later, the art of dance and choreography. Eventually, I found myself as the principal of one of the largest schools in Yokohama. Managing 300 students and their parents taught me everything about leadership and creativity, but it also fueled a fire to do more for the community on a global scale.

I worked, I saved, I barely slept, and I made the leap to the United States.

Building a Legacy from Scratch

Becoming a mother changed my lens again. I saw the potential in the youth around me and knew I wanted to help them shine. So, I started a nonprofit. I became a founder, a director, and a one-woman production team. On any given day, I am:

• The Creative: Choreographing, filming, and editing music and videos. (I’ve been a dancer for over 25 years and an editor for over 10!)
• The Educator: Teaching and instructing for over 15 years. My classroom has always been a place where passion meets discipline.
• The Designer: Working in Photoshop and Illustrator for over a decade.
• The Leader: Marketing, negotiating, and mentoring the next generation of leaders for the past 3 years.
• The Mom: Caring for my two children and managing our home for over 13 years. I’m even the family hairstylist—I cut hair for the whole family!

I do this without a paycheck because I believe in the future of these young people who love Asian Pop Culture. I want to see them smile. I want to see them win.

The Power of a Partnership

I’m not in this alone. Behind the scenes is my biggest supporter—my husband. While he runs his own company, he works double time to support my vision. He’s the “number guy” with the high IQ, building our websites and calculating the path forward.

We are two of a kind. We don’t believe in “middle ground.” We don’t do “halfway.” In our house, it is 100% or 0%. When we see a goal, we run toward it at full speed until we find a solution.

Building the Next Generation

Now, I am moving into my next big mission: teaching these young, passionate individuals to take over what I do. I am passing on the skills of leadership, production, and performance so that new leaders can be born. I am building a foundation they can stand on, and I absolutely cannot wait for the day I can reveal what they’ve been working on!

My Message to You

If I can go from a calligrapher in Japan to a nonprofit founder and a movie-character cosplayer in the US, you can learn anything. All you need is the intensity to focus, confidence, and the courage to give your goal 100%.

Let’s keep running. Non-stop.