Meet Fuka Kojima

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fuka Kojima. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Fuka, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

What I needed most was to embrace the fact that I am different from others and learn to love myself for it.

In Japan, there is a deeply rooted cultural value that sees doing the same as others as a virtue. In a society that values harmony and consideration for others, girls my age often walk together with similar hairstyles and outfits. I was one of those people who shared that mindset. I was afraid of stepping out of the box, disliked being different from others, and always worried about how others perceived me.

This way of thinking affected me as a dancer as well. I often felt my arms and legs were shorter than those of other dancers, and I struggled to execute choreography in a way that matched those around me. This led to feelings of inadequacy. I developed a complex about being unable to dance the same as everyone else. At the same time, while I wanted to do what others did, I often felt “not myself” when I wore similar clothes. And while I wanted to dance the same as others, I found it suffocating. This contradiction caused me even more distress. The more I focused on being different, the more consumed I became with worrying about how others saw me.

It was during this time that I encountered Broadway legend Hinton Battle. I met him at an academy in Tokyo that I joined after graduating high school. During the two years I was there, I had the opportunity to learn from him several times. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp his greatness, but after coming to New York, I realized the magnitude of his achievements. Among the lessons he taught, the one that left the deepest impression on me was this: “You determine your own worth.”

This was his response when a student asked him, “How can I become more confident?” He replied, “Why don’t you have confidence?” The student answered, “Because I don’t know how others see me.” Hinton responded with this: “Do you think this ‘someone’ can judge your worth without any bias? If this someone is your mother, your value will automatically be raised. But if it’s someone who doesn’t like you, how will that affect their evaluation? Do you think such evaluations can truly be trusted?”

Hearing this struck a chord with me. I realized that even if others evaluated me positively, I couldn’t have confidence if my own evaluation of myself was negative. That’s when I decided that I needed to find a way to love myself for who I was.

I began letting go of the societal values and fixed ideas surrounding me. Instead, I focused only on the things I truly wanted to achieve, wear, and embody. I made a commitment to be someone I could trust and decided on the following:
• I can’t change the fact that my arms and legs are short, but I will pursue skills with more hunger than anyone else.
• I may not excel in turns or jumps, but I’ll strengthen my stability and rhythm.
• I’ll wear clothes I think suit me, even if no one else wears them.
• I might not follow trends, but I could be a trendsetter.
• If there’s something I’ve always wanted to try, I’ll start now.
• I’ll approach everyone with kindness and a smile, work harder than anyone else, and stay humble.

As I started putting these ideas into action, I gradually learned to accept myself as someone different from others. I came to realize that what I truly wanted was to be a version of myself that I could love. Instead of prioritizing how others saw me, I began prioritizing what I wanted for myself.

Having adopted this mindset, I now love and trust the fact that I’m different from others. I believe in myself, and I am determined to continue growing into a version of “me” that is uniquely my own.

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

Let me share my dreams with you.
I have two major dreams: one is to “succeed in my career as a dancer,” and the other is to “work with the people I love.” Allow me to tell you the story of how I’m working toward these dreams.

The Moment I Chose to Become a Dancer

I first decided to pursue dance at the end of my second year in high school. At that time, I was enrolled in a performing arts program, aspiring to become a playwright. I was fully committed to writing the script for our graduation performance, pouring every waking moment into the task. It was a play with 40 classmates in lead roles, and while I worked tirelessly with our instructors, the joy I once felt for theater began to fade. The stress grew overwhelming, to the point where even studying—something I never enjoyed—felt like a break from the pressure.

It was during this difficult time that dance saved me.

One day, my father recorded an episode of the American TV show So You Think You Can Dance, thinking I might enjoy it. I’ll never forget the shock I felt while watching it. One particular contemporary piece, about a young wife with early-onset Alzheimer’s and her supportive husband, completely moved me. In less than five minutes, the performance conveyed more drama and emotion than the two-hour scripts I had been writing. With tears streaming down my face, I thought, This is it! This is what I want to do! That was the moment my journey as a dancer began.

The Path to Becoming a Dancer

After graduating high school, I planned to go to the U.S. immediately, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to change my plans. Instead, I spent two years studying dance in Tokyo. Finally, in September 2021, I made my long-awaited move to New York to enroll at The Ailey School, one of the world’s most prestigious dance institutions. Life in New York has been a transformative experience. Unlike my time in Japan, where I often worried about others’ opinions, I’ve focused on pursuing what I love.

Of course, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve struggled with language barriers, faced moments where I couldn’t bring myself to attend school, and wrestled with self-doubt. But despite these challenges, I’ve grown stronger. In May 2025, I will graduate from The Ailey School’s Certificate Program, having spent three incredible years refining my craft.

My Strengths and Aspirations

I believe my greatest strength as a dancer is my expressiveness. My background as a playwright has given me a vivid imagination, which allows me to create unique interpretations and performances. I embrace freedom in my movements, using my breath, timing, and relationship with music to add depth to my dance. I love the process of layering these elements with emotions and building a story step by step.

For me, being a successful dancer means earning a living solely through dance and continuing to evolve in the ever-changing world of art. I aim to create performances that move people, telling stories that go beyond simple emotions like joy or sadness to explore complex relationships, meaning, and existence. My mission is to touch the hearts of those who see my work and leave a lasting impression.

Beyond Dance: Building a Community

My other dream is to work with the people I love, and I’ve already begun taking steps toward this. One of my current projects is an international student community called Linked Map 1 (LM1). This initiative uses social media to support students studying abroad or aspiring to do so. By connecting Japanese students from various countries, we share useful information, provide encouragement, and create a platform where people can exchange experiences and learn about other cultures.

The LM1 Instagram account, which restarted in October, has grown by 100 followers in a month and currently has 420 followers. While it’s still small, I’m determined to expand it into a meaningful, impactful community that inspires people to take their first step toward studying abroad. If this project interests you, please check it out!

Looking Ahead

I’m committed to exploring new challenges beyond dance. Although I still have much to learn about business and leadership, I’m eager to grow, meet new people, and eventually create a base where I can work with my friends and collaborators.

If you’re interested in my journey or want to support my activities, please follow me on Instagram. I’m also looking for people who would like to join my projects and work together. Whether as a supporter or a collaborator, I would be delighted to have you join me on this exciting path.

Let me know if you’d like adjustments or have specific phrases you’d like to emphasize!

【Performace History】
“Memoria“Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
In New York City Center（2024） Ronni Favors
Time Capsule Project ×NY Dance Artistry
“The Nutscracker and Marie“ Ai Toyoshima
MODArts Dance Collective（MADC）Presents Move to Change
“Gap in the Heart“（2024） Tsubasa NIshioka
Japanese Cultural Day Celebration of Japan
Sign Language Performance（2024） Tsubasa Nishioka
A.T.Dance Company（2024） Aya Takeno
Time Capsule Project“My Way“（2024） Choreograph by myself
“CUPADAN” in Shymphony Space (2024) Choreograph by myself
Independence Performance“Tegami“（2024） Choreograph by myself
“When We Collied” January Explosion
in Ailey City Group Center(2023) Brandi Nicole
“Memoria”Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
In New York City Center (2023) Ronni Favors
Spring Concert in Ailey Citigroup Theater(2023) Ephrat Asherie
“Marah” January Explosion
In Ailey Citigroup Theater(2023) Blandi Nicole
Opening Night Gala Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
“Festa Barroca” in New York City Center (2022) Clifton Brown
New York City Japan Parade(2022) Mami Hariyama

【Up Coming Event】
Earl Mosely Divercity Of Dance 1.18.2025 7:30pm-、 1.19.2025 2:00pm-
January Explosion In Ailey City Group Center 1.23/24.2025 7:30-
Ailey School Performance Group
In Whitney Museum of American Art 1.22/23/24.2025 11:00am-
At the end of March or the beginning of April, I’m planning to hold an independent performance in Manhattan with my friends, who are actors and dancers. The details and schedule are still being finalized, but please stay tuned by following my Instagram for updates!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The speed of moving from thought to action, the ability to assess what’s needed instantly, and the ability to enjoy the journey.

When you have the desire to do something, don’t be afraid to try it. Whether you can or can’t do it, you won’t know until you try, and often you’ll find you can. It’s important to always be aware of what you need in any given moment.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I am currently facing is my visa. As I am set to graduate from school in May next year, I dream of continuing my career as a dancer in New York. However, obtaining an artist visa (O1 visa) is essential for this, and it seems to be becoming increasingly difficult and costly each year. Honestly, just thinking about the process makes me anxious, and lately, I’ve felt quite discouraged when considering my future.

Some of my Japanese friends have said, “No matter what, do whatever it takes for the visa.” But I don’t feel that strongly about it. Even if it’s for something I love, if it’s something meaningless to me or something I can’t enjoy, I don’t think I can pursue it. Someone once said, “You can’t afford to think that way,” but is it really just a “naive” way of thinking? I believe if I have the skills, I could live the life I want. It’s difficult, but I don’t want to give up. Instead, I want to continue honing my skills, building connections, and searching for what truly brings me joy. I believe that will lead to a resolution.

With the support of many people I’ve met along the way, I will overcome this obstacle and achieve my visa!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lit.link/en/fukakojima
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuka._.nonbiryy/profilecard/?igsh=MXgydmNqd3p1bWFr

Image Credits

Nir Arieli
Brennan Conley
Ai Photo