From ICU to Graduate School in New York

I am currently based in New York, working as a stage director on Broadway and Off-Broadway. My role involves overseeing every aspect of a production--from developing the overall concept and refining the script to casting, actor coaching, set design, lighting, music, and costumes--bringing together all sections to build a cohesive artistic world. Alongside my primary work, I also share content on YouTube about the possibilities that open up through using English and about my daily lifestyle.

When preparing for university entrance exams, I found myself questioning, "why do I have to choose a specific faculty or department when I have not yet decided what I truly want to pursue?" In that context, I deeply resonated with the philosophy of a liberal arts education, which allows students to traverse a broad network of academic disciplines, and decided to enroll at ICU. When I entered university, I never imagined the career I have today. In fact, I vaguely assumed I might become an office worker in Marunouchi. The turning point came during my third year, while I was job hunting. As I participated in internships at various companies, I began to ask myself more seriously, "why am I job hunting in the first place?" and "Is this truly the path I want to take?" Meeting working professionals who were struggling with their own career doubts also influenced me. The critical thinking I had cultivated at ICU enabled me to reexamine social norms and my own choices from multiple perspectives. As a result, a path to the two things began to emerge: theater, a long-standing passion of mine since childhood, and directing, which I experienced through my university dance club.

Because there were few graduate programs or environments in Japan dedicated specifically to studying stage direction, I decided to pursue further study in the United States, aiming to learn in New York, the heart of musical theater. I still draw strength from the encouragement I received from an ICU professor, who told me that going abroad would be a good choice. There is a saying in Japanese, "A life with hardships is a precious life; a life without hardships is a safe but unremarkable life." I made a firm commitment to deliberately choose a challenging path and transform the challenges into invaluable experiences.

Directed Piece "Astronauts Wanted"(c) Kat duPont Vecchio

The Resolve Forged as the Leader in the Highly Disciplined Dance Club

During my time at ICU, the days I spent in the dance club "Smooth Steppers" formed the core of who I am. At the time, the club had around 140 members and operated with an athletic, highly disciplined culture. I ran to become only the second female club president in its history. I felt that there was still an underlying assumption that the president should be male. Nevertheless, driven by my conviction that I loved the club more than anyone else, I stood for election and, through a vote by the members, was appointed president. It was there that I thoroughly learned how to address large groups and how to lead an organization effectively.

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This African proverb, shared with me by a senior member, remains deeply etched in my heart. To aim far alongside others, I had to set aside my ego and any sense of embarrassment. What was required of me was the discipline to hold myself to the highest standard and the energy to continue leading those around me. My daily life at the time embodied that philosophy: leaving the dormitory at 4:30 a.m., working an early-morning shift at Starbucks in Mitaka, rushing to campus for classes, and devoting myself to club activities until late at night--a life lived at full throttle. The physical stamina and mental resilience I developed during that period now form the foundation that sustains me in the demanding environment of New York.

Academically as well, ICU's liberal arts education laid the groundwork for my work as a director. In addition to majoring in MCC (Media, Communication, and Culture) and studying sociology, I explored philosophy, music, mathematics, and other diverse fields. This breadth of study shaped my ability to approach subjects from multiple angles, which lies at the heart of my current work. In particular, the course "Introduction to Cultural Studies" was transformative. One assignment required us to conduct group research on a topic of interest, and at the time, I frequently visited Yoyogi Park to observe and interview a group that gathered there to dance to rock 'n' roll music. I remember trailing behind my ICU peers, doing my best just to keep up, but eventually mustering the courage to conduct interviews. The mindset of going into the field to gather information firsthand and the critical thinking that probes the essence of things are deeply connected to my current directing style. For example, in a recent production, I traced the life of a real Japanese-American soldier, researching in detail the formation of his identity and the circumstances of his daily life. My commitment to investigating a subject thoroughly has its roots in what I learned at ICU.

With Dance Club Members at ICU

Overcoming Setbacks: Planting "Seeds" in the Hearts of Audiences

After graduating from university, I enrolled in the graduate program at Pace University in New York. There, however, a significant setback awaited me. At ICU, I had advanced from ELA Stream 3 to Stream 2 and considered myself proficient in English. Yet a local professor told me bluntly, "Your English is terrible." The issue was not merely linguistic ability; rather, I lacked the shared political, religious, and cultural context of the local community. I struggled tremendously to bridge this cultural gap.

I also experienced the frustration of what might be called the "side effects" of operating in a foreign language--a state in which my thoughts outpaced my ability to articulate them. Nevertheless, I completed graduate school at the top of my class, obtained an artist visa, and was even selected for a highly competitive directing fellowship. Perhaps this was because I attended classes more diligently than anyone else, approached every assignment with sincerity, and devoted myself wholeheartedly to the tasks before me. During my time as an assistant, there was an occasion when I casually handed a glass of water to an actor who appeared thirsty; that small gesture of consideration surprised others and was highly praised. Broadway may seem like a world driven entirely by meritocracy and business-minded efficiency, but I have come to realize that human warmth and emotional attentiveness can be powerful forces that move a production forward.

Through my work as a director, what I aspire to create are productions that plant "seeds" in the hearts of audiences. Just as the musical Rent once expanded my worldview while I was growing up in Nara, I hope to broaden someone's perspective on life through entertainment. And someday, I aim to bring the knowledge and experience I have cultivated in the United States back to Japan and contribute to the development of Japanese theater.

A Message to My Junior Colleagues

To all of you who are about to carve out your own futures, I want to say this: never crush your own sense of what you love. ICU fosters an environment that finds joy in differences and wholeheartedly supports individual interests. When I announced that I was quitting job hunting to pursue a career as a director, my professors and friends respected and encouraged my decision.

Once you enter society, you may feel pressured to conform or to fit into a mold of what is considered "normal." Particularly in Japan, women who take on leadership roles or choose unconventional paths may still face strong headwinds. But do not change yourself because of that. What makes you different can become a powerful form of individuality and a strength on the global stage.

If you are currently uncertain about your path or feel anxious about being different from those around you, that is proof that you are standing at the threshold of new possibilities. Trust your instincts and the things you love and move forward boldly. Those feelings will, without fail, bear fruit someday.

*This article has been edited and structured based on a public interview conducted in December 2025.