Meet Madoka Wilson

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

Madoka, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from life experiences that showed me the power of a positive mindset. I’ve always been a pretty naturally positive person, but that was tested during some of the toughest moments in my life. At my lowest points—like fighting a brain tumor, moving to the U.S. without speaking English, and experiencing two serious car accidents within five months—I was able to stay positive and found a way to keep moving forward. These challenges taught me how resilient I can be and how much strength comes from staying hopeful. They also deepened my appreciation for the life I have today and the incredible support system of friends and family I’m fortunate to share it with.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

When I was a kid, my dream was to become a singer. I’m incredibly grateful that my parents supported that dream and let me attend music school when I turned 10. After years of training and practice, that dream officially came true when I recorded my first studio album at 22. For the next decade, I performed as a duet with my older sister, Sayaka. Together, we recorded 13 albums and performed in over 100 shows.

Even though there was a lot to feel proud of, I faced many challenges in the Japanese music industry. Around the time I turned 31, I realized my passion for music, the thing I had always loved, was starting to fade. Trusting my instincts, I made the difficult decision to leave Japan and move to the U.S. on my own to figure out the next chapter of my life.

For the next seven years, I felt a bit lost without music at the center of my life and identity. But in March 2024, I was invited to perform in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York City at a Japanese community event, which reignited my passion for singing. Now, I’m excited to continue reconnecting with music by creating a chorus team that shares the beauty and power of Japanese pop through harmony.

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?

1. Positive Mindset

One of the most important qualities has been maintaining a positive mindset. No matter how difficult the situation, staying positive has always helped me push through. Especially when I faced illness or setbacks, my positive energy became a driving force. My advice for those starting their journey is to always try to find the positive side of things, even during tough times, and remember to be grateful for what you have.

2. Adaptability

Being able to adapt quickly to new environments and situations has been essential. When I moved to the U.S., I faced language barriers and cultural differences, but I was able to overcome them by staying flexible. It might feel tough at first, but the key is to keep learning and embracing challenges as they come.

3. Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Growth isn’t just about mastering your core skills. Being open to learning in other areas makes a big difference. As a singer, I’ve stayed committed to my training while exploring new skills outside my main focus. My advice to those starting out is to stay curious and seek out knowledge that helps you grow in ways you might not expect.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The biggest challenge I’m dealing with right now is getting back into singing after a seven-year break. It’s been tough to remember how to use my body properly and tap back into the muscle memory I used to have.

To work through it, I’ve been practicing regularly and taking things step by step. I’ve also started looking for opportunities to sing on stage, which has been helping me slowly regain that feeling of connection with my voice. It’s definitely a process, but I’m learning to be patient with myself and trust that with time and effort, it’ll all come back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: madoka_on_earth