We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ai Toyoshima. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ai, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
As I am writing, directing, choreographing, and designing the stage for The Nutcracker and Marie, my own version of the Nutcracker production, I usually have many different tasks related to the production throughout the day.
For instance, the other day I went to an audition in the morning, then went back home, took a quick shower, had a snack, and began replying to emails from both my production team and personal contacts. After that, I did some online shopping for costumes and props, headed to rehearsal, then returned home to write a few more emails before going to bed.
On other days, I might just spend time doing research for The Nutcracker—and that’s it.
Right now, I spend so much of my time working on The Nutcracker and Marie.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a freelance theater creator with a passion for both performing and directing/choreographing.
I am also the Artistic Director of the Time Capsule Project, an organization dedicated to empowering and representing New York–based Japanese theater artists, such as playwrights, composers, and choreographers—helping them become the next generation of creative leaders in both the U.S. and Japan.
The Time Capsule Project was founded in 2024, with its inaugural one-week theater festival held in New York in July of that year. As its winter project, The Nutcracker and Marie was performed in December 2024.
What makes The Nutcracker and Marie truly unique is that my version offers an even more family-friendly experience, blending traditional ballet with fresh, modern elements. In our adaptation, the lead character, Marie, speaks directly to the audience and takes them through the story, allowing even young viewers who have never attended live theater to easily follow and enjoy the tale of The Nutcracker.
Of course, audiences still get to see all the beloved characters, such as Candy Cane and Chinese Tea, dancing in the Land of Treats, but in our Nutcracker, no one gets left behind, as Marie personally takes them on the magical journey of The Nutcracker.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Myself, actually.
I’ve been fortunate to have some wonderful mentors in my life and I’m grateful for all the advice I’ve received, but the best teacher for me has always been myself.
You can only truly learn a real lesson by trying, by doing, not just by listening to someone else’s story. Of course, a piece of advice from another person can open your eyes and give you a new perspective, but in the end, me trying is the best teacher.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Success doesn’t have a universal definition—you get to decide what success means to you.
Often, people will try to tell you what your biggest success should be: “Booking a job on Broadway,” “Working on a Hollywood movie,” and so on.
Of course, those are incredible career milestones, but if you let others define success for you, you might overlook the many smaller successes that happen every day. When that happens, the path toward your dreams can start to feel like a struggle.
Owning your power to define your own success gives you the strength to keep going because if you look closely, you’ll find small successes all around you, every single day.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Continuing to run the Time Capsule Project is one of the responsibilities I feel deeply committed to.
When it comes to creating live theater or any form of art, there’s very little you can do entirely on your own. People need one another to bring something to life.
Last year, during our one-week festival, I truly felt that an authentic artistic connection was born within our Japanese community. As individuals, Japanese artists are often known for their strong work ethic and independence—they are great at running solo. However, as I mentioned, there’s only so much one person can do alone. I’ve always wanted to build a community where artists can connect with one another, support each other’s projects, and grow together artistically.
My commitment is to help the Time Capsule Project continue to grow and to expand creative possibilities within the theater industry in both the U.S. and Japan.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
Not trying.
As I said earlier, trying is the only way to learn and to get what I want.
Without trying, I gain nothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.timecapsuleprojectnyc.com/thenutcrackerandmarie
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timecapsuleproject.nyc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/u2GdECGWJvE?si=2xm1FnBNH_5gx2yC
- Other: Ticket Link for The Nutcracker and Marie 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-time-capsule-project-presents-the-nutcracker-and-marie-2025-tickets-1598005159449?aff=oddtdtcreator
Image Credits
First Photo/Headshot: Jebbel Arce
Second Photo/The Nutcracker and Marie 2025 Flyer photo and design by Miku Hirayama w/ iPhoto
Third Photo/ Manish Chauhan
Fourth Photo/ Ai Toyoshima w/ iPhoto
Fifth Photo/ Art Couriers International
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
