We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ikumi Makino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ikumi below.
Ikumi, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My parents have been living separately since I was 2 years old. I have four older sisters, but they are significantly older than me and were already working, so I was often home alone.
When I was young, I was profoundly moved by a popular singer who could sing and dance on television. At the age of 15, I began dancing. From that point forward, my thoughts were constantly consumed by dance. I neglected my school studies and attended dance lessons almost every day after school.
The time spent with my friends at these lessons was incredibly enjoyable. In retrospect, I believe I was trying to find a way to distract myself from the loneliness of being at home alone. I am truly grateful that I found something I could immerse myself in.
Because of my own experiences, I am committed to my work every day with the hope that children who feel the same way can find happiness through dance. Through dance, they can discover a new self, learn to love themselves, and form meaningful friendships. I aspire to provide them with opportunities and spaces where they can grow in any capacity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In my dance group, about 100 children, ranging from 6 years old to high school students, attend classes regularly. Despite the age differences, it is a very close-knit and homey company. While I certainly focus on developing their dance skills, I place even more emphasis on teamwork, cooperation, creating togetherness, and mutually inspiring one another.
Given the prevalence of social media, many children have poor or limited communication skills and are not physically active. Therefore, I hope they learn things here that they cannot achieve alone.
During performances, even the 6-year-olds are responsible for managing their costumes and changing clothes. We also teach the older children to take care of and lead the younger ones.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Keep Going
Even if there’s only one customer, don’t give up. In the beginning, you might not make much money, but don’t let that bother you.
2. Believe in Yourself
No matter what others say, do what you want to try and what you think is right. Even if you fail, there’s always something to learn from it, and you can make improvements.
3. Enjoy Yourself
Enjoy yourself first and foremost. That enjoyment will surely be conveyed to your customers and students.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Currently, I am focused on developing the next generation of coaches. I believe in educating young individuals who have more energy than myself, fresh perspectives, and great potential for growth. We discuss what it means to stand in front of others and teach, what makes a good leader, and more while having tea with teenagers, learning together every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ai-vibration.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ai_vibration/
- Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/ai_vibration?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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