Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Johanna Yukiko Haneda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Johanna Yukiko, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience is essential, allowing you to adapt to new situations and overcome challenges. Where does my resilience come from? It comes directly from my daily routine, which I call “Million Breath.” This routine involves listening to the sound of my breathing, which may sound small but has significantly improved my resilience. Focusing on breathing is so valuable that I recently published a book. The book introduces various practices using breathing techniques and is perfect for those unfamiliar with this method.
With different methods to suit various lifestyles, readers can find the right fit.
And, of course, I also touch on my method, which has become a cornerstone in my daily routine.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a singer named Johanna Yukiko Haneda, who debuted as a recording artist in 1988 from Sony Records and has worked with some of the most talented people in the business, including producer David Foster, Paul Anka, and more. In 2011, after the earthquake hit Japan, I decided to relocate to the US to continue pursuing my career on an international level. My primary method for personal well-being and performance technique – Million Breath – is focused on self-discovery through her breath and voice.
I was born in Japan and spent the first few years in San Francisco. It was there that the journey of self-healing began. I remember feeling spiders crawling all over her body after the babysitter read the story of spiders. I suffered from seeing illusions for some time, seeing doctors and therapists who had no clue about the cure. But I started to learn to get them under control by using and listening to her breath and humming. That was when I first understood the true power of self-healing and one’s breath. Since then, I used these techniques to overcome many challenges in my life. And each time, I was reminded of the incredible power within us.
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?
In our busy lives, we play many roles and wear many hats. It’s essential to take a moment and focus on knowing oneself. Knowing yourself, practicing resilience, and keeping your mind simple are three qualities that will help in whatever you do. As a mother, woman, daughter, creator, actor, author, business owner, and marketer, it can be challenging to slow down and just be.
But listening to your breathing sounds and practicing conscious breathing can help clear your mind.
With these skills, you can face any challenge that comes your way, both in your personal and professional life. Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Growing up, I always knew that my parents loved me deeply, but they were very strict about my behavior in public. Their main concern was always how others would judge their daughter rather than my happiness and well-being. ( I believe they honestly thought it would bring my joy) This is a typical trait of Japanese families during that time. My parents’ idea of the perfect daughter was obedient and well-behaved, someone with a good reputation. Unfortunately, I never fully lived up to their expectations, which caused a lot of internal conflict. On the one hand, I wanted to be a good girl and make my parents proud. On the other hand, I didn’t always agree with their methods, and their love could sometimes feel brutal and controlling. They would use physical discipline to “teach me a lesson” when they thought it was necessary. Despite the challenging circumstances, I learned to maintain focus and accept love on my terms rather than just obedience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.millionbreath.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jyhsing_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millionbreath/
- Other: Spotify Link https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Ud9W6I8fQrSoUM9fWJIBc?si=ukurDkf6SBmos2h-Wwrccg Amazon book link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN4L6QGY
