Meet Liana Kurogi

We recently connected with Liana Kurogi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Liana, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Confidence and self-esteem have been lifelong lessons for me. My first professional stage performance was when I was 10 years old in Japan. I was thrilled but also terrified—I had never faced such high expectations before. The year-long audition and rehearsal process was grueling, and stepping onto that stage for the first time felt like stepping into the unknown. But by the end of the six-month tour, I realized I had achieved something incredible, and it gave me a foundation of self-belief. I began building my confidence by focusing on what I could control—practicing my craft, learning from every experience, and celebrating small victories.

However, self-esteem is more than just feeling capable; it’s about valuing yourself even when things don’t go as planned. At 16, I faced a turning point when work opportunities began to fade. It was humbling, and I started questioning my worth. That period taught me an important lesson: my value isn’t tied to external success. I focused on understanding who I was beyond the stage—what I stood for and what truly mattered to me.

Today, I see confidence as the courage to step forward and self-esteem as the ability to stand tall, even in failure. They’re both rooted in knowing your worth and trusting your journey, no matter how uncertain it may seem.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

From a young age, I was deeply influenced by musicals, movies, and art. These forms of expression were my refuge, my escape, and ultimately, they played a vital role in shaping who I am today. I’ve always believed in the power of art to change lives, and I’m passionate about sharing my experiences to help others, even in small ways.

As a Japanese musical theater actress, I see my role not just as a performer but as someone who can inspire and uplift others, just as art has done for me. My journey began in Japan, but it truly expanded when I moved to the U.S. in 2020, choosing to immerse myself in new cultures and artistic perspectives. Since moving to New York City, where I’ve had the opportunity to perform Off-Broadway and at Bryant Park, I’ve been able to share my story and connect with audiences in ways that feel deeply meaningful.

What excites me most about my work is knowing that, through music and performance, I can reach people on a personal level. Art has the power to heal, inspire, and bring change, and if I can contribute, even in a small way, to someone else’s growth or perspective, that is my greatest fulfillment. My brand is rooted in sharing those transformative experiences and using my voice to bridge cultural divides, celebrate diversity, and inspire change.

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?

First, resilience has been essential. There have been many challenges and moments of self-doubt, especially in the early stages of my career. For example, when I moved to the U.S. with no knowledge of English, it was a constant test of my patience and persistence. But resilience taught me to push through the tough times and to keep going, even when the path seemed unclear.

Second, adaptability has been key. I’ve had to constantly adapt to new environments, whether it was adjusting to life in a different country or navigating various artistic spaces. Moving from Japan to the U.S. and from Idaho to New York has required me to embrace change with an open mind. The ability to adapt not only to different people and places but also to evolving artistic demands is something that has shaped my work and my personal growth. For anyone starting their journey, I encourage them to stay open to new experiences and be willing to evolve along the way.

Lastly, cultural awareness has played a huge role in both my personal and professional life. Being able to understand and appreciate different perspectives has allowed me to connect with diverse audiences and collaborators. It’s important to recognize that every culture brings something unique to the table. To those in the early stages of their new careers as me, I recommend seeking out opportunities to learn about and engage with different cultures. This will not only enrich your artistry but also open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

A book that has been particularly influential in my development is *The Courage to Be Disliked* by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. This book has helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself and the way I approach relationships and challenges.

One of the most impactful lessons from this book is the idea that we have the power to change our lives by changing our mindset. It taught me that we don’t have to be bound by our past experiences or other people’s expectations. This resonated with me, especially when I was navigating the pressures of a new culture and career in the U.S. The book’s message helped me recognize that the freedom to pursue my dreams is within my control, no matter the external challenges.

Another key lesson was the importance of accepting ourselves as we are, without the need for constant approval from others. In the performing arts, it can be easy to get caught up in trying to meet external standards of success. *The Courage to Be Disliked* reminded me that true self-esteem comes from within, and it’s more important to stay true to who I am rather than seeking validation from others.

Lastly, the book emphasizes the idea that all our actions and choices are driven by our desire to contribute to the greater good. It inspired me to shift my focus from self-centered fears to how I can share my talent and experiences with others to make a positive impact. This perspective has been especially valuable in my artistic journey, reminding me that my work isn’t just for personal gain, but to inspire and help others.

Contact Info:

• Other: Email：lianakurogi.ny@gmail.com