Meet Maho

We were lucky to catch up with Maho recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maho, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

According to neuroscience, our brains tend to magnify what we focus on.
If we constantly look for what’s missing or what’s going wrong, our mind will naturally keep finding more of that.
That’s why I make a conscious choice to focus on what’s good, what’s working, and what I can be grateful for.

The things we often take for granted—like having a meal, a roof over our heads, friends to talk to, or simply the ability to perform as an actress—are not “small” things. They’re precious.
When I shift my focus to those blessings, my mindset changes, and life begins to move in a more positive direction.

That’s the foundation of my optimism. It’s not blind positivity—it’s a practice. A choice I make every day.

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

I began my acting career in Japan, working in film and television. Driven by a deep desire to challenge myself and expand internationally, I first moved to Vancouver, Canada, where I appeared in a few commercials and local projects while studying acting. Although I was grateful for those opportunities, I struggled to adjust to the environment. The high cost of living and the lack of connection to the place made it a very difficult time for me—there were moments when I felt truly desperate, unsure how I would get through each day.

Eventually, I decided to return to Japan to regroup and find a better path. With renewed determination, I set my sights on Los Angeles, where I felt a stronger connection both personally and artistically. Since arriving, I’ve been fortunate to meet wonderful friends and collaborators. I’ve performed in student films, independent productions, and even vertical dramas—mostly as a volunteer, driven by my passion to learn and grow as an actress in this industry.

One of the short films I starred in was selected for both the LA Film Festival and the Pasadena International Film Festival, which was a huge honor for me.

Beyond acting, I have a deep love for traditional Japanese dance, which I have studied since childhood. Last year, I had the opportunity to perform a Japanese dance piece at the Itaewon Music Spirits event in Korea, in remembrance of the lives lost in the Itaewon tragedy. Sharing Japanese culture through performance on international stages is something I deeply value.

At this point in my career, I’m focusing on building meaningful collaborations with filmmakers and artists across cultures. I hope my work continues to bridge different worlds and offer something authentic, emotional, and empowering to audiences everywhere.

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

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my career are:

1. Resilience
This industry is full of rejection, uncertainty, and unexpected turns. What’s helped me most is not avoiding failure, but learning how to stand back up after it. I’ve learned to see “no” as “not yet,” and to keep moving forward with trust in myself and my growth.

2. Cultural flexibility
Coming from Japan and working in international environments, I’ve learned to listen deeply, to observe, and to adapt without losing my identity. Understanding different perspectives has made me a better collaborator—and a better actress.

3. Self-awareness through artistic discipline
Whether it’s through traditional Japanese dance or acting techniques, I’ve spent years learning how to connect with my own emotions and body. That connection allows me to express characters truthfully and with presence.

To those just starting out:
Nurture your inner strength first.
It’s easy to focus on external things—credits, followers, achievements—but true growth comes from the inside. Be curious, stay humble, and never stop learning.
And remember: even when it feels like no one’s watching, your story matters. Keep going.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is securing my artist visa in the United States.
As a foreign actress, I’m not only navigating a highly competitive industry but also working through the complexities of immigration paperwork, legal documentation, and proving my value in a system that often favors those born here.

To overcome this, I’ve been gathering evidence of my career—press features, film festival selections, letters of recommendation—and working closely with professionals who believe in my potential.
It’s an overwhelming process, but I remind myself that every document I collect is a step closer to my dream.

I also focus on staying active creatively. Even while dealing with visa paperwork, I continue to perform, collaborate, and grow. I believe that as long as I keep doing the work, the doors will open.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

2～4 film festival red carpet
5 singing performance
6 Japanese traditional dance performance in Korea

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