Meet Mary Tamura

We recently connected with Mary Tamura and have shared our conversation below.

Mary, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’ve learned that being effective in situations where I’m the only one who looks like me requires both courage and advocacy. Early on, I had to overcome my natural shyness and realize the importance of speaking up, not only for myself but for others as well. Staying silent doesn’t create change, but using your voice does. I’ve found that genuine people will support and uplift you when you advocate for yourself. When faced with resistance, I’ve learned to navigate those challenges by staying true to my values, finding common ground, and communicating with authenticity and kindness. It’s possible to remain firm in your beliefs while still fostering collaboration.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a writer and producer, I’m currently working on a project called Yokai, a short film centered around the Japanese internment camp at Manzanar. This story holds a special place in my heart as it highlights a significant yet often overlooked part of history, and it allows me to champion diversity and inclusion, which is at the core of everything I do. Through Yokai, I aim to give voice to underrepresented stories, particularly those from the AAPI community, while also shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit.

I’m actively fundraising for the film, which has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s a project I truly believe in, and seeing the support from others who believe in the same mission has been incredible. This process has also reinforced the importance of collaboration and community, and I’ve been fortunate to work with a talented team of producers who are as passionate about the project as I am.

In addition to Yokai, I’m the founder and CEO of Majikku Media, a production company dedicated to creating content that amplifies diverse voices and stories. My goal with Majikku Media is to continue producing meaningful and impactful narratives that inspire and resonate with a broad audience. I want to push the boundaries of storytelling by uplifting underrepresented voices and ensuring that diverse stories are told authentically. I’m excited to expand the company’s reach and create more opportunities for AAPI and diverse creatives in the industry.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are perseverance, adaptability, and effective communication.

Perseverance – The entertainment industry is filled with challenges and setbacks, but learning to keep going despite obstacles has been key. There were times when I faced rejection or felt like I wasn’t being heard, but my determination to tell stories that matter kept me moving forward. For those early in their journey, I’d advise them to embrace rejection as a learning experience and keep pushing forward. Every setback is a step toward improvement.

Adaptability – Things rarely go exactly as planned, whether it’s in writing, producing, or running a business. Being flexible and open to change has helped me grow and find creative solutions when unexpected challenges arise. I encourage others to develop this skill by seeking new experiences and learning from different areas of their field. Being open to feedback and constantly evolving is key to staying relevant and resilient.

Effective Communication – When I’m working on a project clear communication has been crucial. It’s not just about speaking up but also listening, collaborating, and finding common ground with others. I’d advise anyone starting out to work on their communication skills early on. Building strong relationships and being able to articulate your vision and needs clearly can open many doors.

For anyone just starting their journey, I’d say focus on building these skills through real-world experiences. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate with passionate, creative individuals who are dedicated to telling meaningful and diverse stories. I’m particularly interested in partnering with writers, directors, producers, and creatives who share a commitment to championing underrepresented voices, especially within the AAPI community. Whether it’s collaborating on film projects like Yokai or developing new, innovative content under my production company, Majikku Media, I’m excited to work with people who believe in the power of authentic storytelling.

I’m also open to connecting with anyone who’s interested in supporting or contributing to the broader mission of diversity and inclusion in entertainment, whether that’s through mentorship, fundraising, or other forms of collaboration.

If you’re interested in partnering or have a project in mind, feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn or through the Majikku Media website. I’d love to explore ways we can work together to push the boundaries of storytelling and amplify diverse voices.

Contact Info:

• Website: marytamura.com majikkumedia.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-tamura/

Image Credits

Daniela Barbani, Jessie Jane