Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Miyuki Matsunaga. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Miyuki, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
The “soul purpose” often relates to things we were deeply interested in or wanted to achieve in the past, particularly in childhood, but couldn’t pursue, fulfill, or overcome. It may also stem from difficult or painful experiences.
For example, if someone grew up without feeling love, then “love” becomes their soul’s purpose. If they wanted to learn but weren’t given the opportunity, then “learning” becomes their soul’s purpose.
In my case, as a child, I loved playing make-believe games. I gathered the neighborhood kids, assigned them roles, created stories, and acted them out. But eventually, I was no longer in an environment where I could do that.
I also wanted to take ballet lessons, figure skating, and rhythmic gymnastics—all the activities I dreamed of doing—but I was told I couldn’t because we couldn’t afford them.
I had an autoimmune collagen disease from a young age and spent my childhood dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, arrhythmia, thyroid issues, and blood pressure problems, leaving both my body and heart in pain.
My parents were very strict, leaving me with no freedom, and my daily life was entirely focused on studying.
Even though I enrolled in a university program for child development and education, I eventually changed my major to museum studies because I felt I wasn’t worthy of teaching others.
That’s right—my soul’s purpose lies in the opposite of those experiences: expressing myself, healing myself and others, being free, and teaching.
By keeping this purpose in mind with every action I take, and adjusting my path as needed—even when I stumble in life—the way forward begins to clear naturally.
I encourage you to review and reflect on your own past—what challenges you faced, what restrictions were imposed on you, and what you disliked.
In doing so, your life’s purpose will naturally begin to reveal itself.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello, my name is Miyuki Matsunaga, and I am an actress, voice-over artist, and yoga instructor who also provides healing and reading sessions using tuning forks. My work spans a variety of creative and healing fields, blending artistic expression with energy work to bring balance, joy, and inspiration to those I connect with.
As a Japanese actress based in Los Angeles, I’ve had the privilege of working on exciting projects like the Netflix movie Day Shift, where I performed improvisational scenes alongside Snoop Dogg and Jamie Foxx. I also appeared opposite Ewan McGregor in a tense scene in Warner Brothers’ Harley Quinn – Birds of Prey and have played lead roles in feature films such as Midori in Hawaii and Tales of the Valley of the Wind. Additionally, I’ve worked with the legendary James Burrows (Friends) on a multi-camera comedy, and starred in major commercials for AT&T, MasterCard, Toyota, HP and Harley Davidson.
Beyond acting, I teach a variety of acting techniques at my studio and am proud to be a jury member for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Asian World Film Festival Scholarship, helping to support and spotlight emerging talent.
I am also the founder of WAVE STUDIO, where I host weekly online tuning fork yoga classes, acting coaching, voice and vocal training, and healer certification courses. I also lead workshops on breathwork, meditation, kinesiology, energy fields, and understanding the mechanisms of the universe.
One of my most unique creations is Geta Dance Art, a fusion of traditional Japanese and contemporary performing arts, which I’ve been touring across the U.S. and Europe until last year.
Starting in 2023, I’m excited to embark on a new journey, traveling across Japan, Hawaii, and the U.S. to lead energy work and frequencies seminars and tuning fork sessions. In 2025, I’m planning a tour in Europe and Hawaii to continue expanding this work.
On the creative side, I’m thrilled to announce that several short films I worked on recently will be released soon!
My passion lies in combining art and healing to inspire others to live authentically and freely. Whether through my performances, classes, or healing sessions, I aim to create spaces where people can reconnect with their true selves.
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?
The essential skills I’ve focused on throughout my journey are: “Doing three times more,” “Persistence,” and “Letting go of attachment.”
“Doing three times more”
This refers to the effort I put into gaining knowledge and, most importantly, the mindset I adopt when I’m fortunate enough to receive work opportunities. I strive to deliver three times what is expected of me. This approach ensures that people feel a sense of value when working with me—a sense that collaborating with me is worthwhile. This doesn’t just pertain to the work itself but also extends to how I interact with others, small gestures like picking up trash if I see it, and any action, no matter how minor.
“Persistence”
This goes without saying—it’s a golden rule in the entertainment industry. Even if I don’t land an audition today, I might succeed tomorrow. Booking one job out of 100 auditions is already an incredible achievement. Similarly, a piece of knowledge I couldn’t grasp yesterday might suddenly make sense tomorrow. Even if I failed yesterday, I might succeed tomorrow. As long as I feel joy in what I do, I make it a priority to keep going.
“Letting go of attachment”
It’s natural for people to develop a distorted attachment to their efforts over time. Something that started out as a joyful endeavor might gradually become driven by financial gain or competitiveness. While those motivations can fuel ambition, they often turn into unhealthy attachments.
When I notice that my sense of “fun” has shifted into a sense of “obligation,” I take a moment to reflect. If I still genuinely want to continue, I keep going. But if I no longer feel the drive, I let it go.
Conclusion
These three principles are what I hold dear—my personal “holy trinity” for navigating life and work.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When you feel overwhelmed, I recommend going out into nature, taking deep breaths, meditating, exercising, traveling, changing your environment, grounding yourself by touching the earth, or simply looking up at the sky.
In any case, I suggest pausing for a moment.
I often find myself going, “Ahhh!” and then calming myself down by saying, “Relax, me.” After that, I sing to myself, “One by one~ little by little~.”
It works! Give it a try!
Or, if you feel you need additional support, consider joining me in person or online for one of my sessions, classes, or workshops.
Thank you for your interest in my journey! I hope my story inspires you to embrace your passions and explore new possibilities. Let’s keep growing and creating together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miyukiart.com and https://www.miyukiwave.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miyuki_matsunaga and https://www.instagram.com/tuningforkshealer_miyuki
- Twitter: https://x.com/miyukiart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tuningforksmeditation
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miyuki_tuningforks
Image Credits
Hideaki Nagata
Keita Hagiwara
Van Urfalian Photographs
Bruce Heinsius Photography
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