Meet Ryoka Matsumoto

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryoka Matsumoto a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ryoka, 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?

My optimism is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the unwavering support of my family and friends. Growing up, I was a naturally curious child, always eager to try new things. Whenever I said, “What’s that? I want to do it!” my parents never discouraged me. Instead, they nurtured my adventurous spirit, which shaped my positive outlook on life.

One of the pivotal moments in my journey happened when I was two years old. My father, after a business trip to New York, brought back a VHS of the musical Annie. I was mesmerized. I watched it every day, curling my hair like Annie’s and imitating her. Seeing my enthusiasm, my parents took me to watch a live performance of Annie in Japan. I was immediately captivated and declared, “I want to be on that stage!”

At first, my parents were hesitant. I had no experience in singing, dancing, or performing, and they weren’t sure I could make it. But my passion and determination convinced them to let me audition. For my first attempt, I wrote a handwritten letter to include with my application, hoping it would convey my love for Annie. Although I didn’t succeed on my first try, I made it to the final round on my second attempt.

This experience fueled my desire to improve, and I started taking daily lessons in singing, dancing, and acting. My parents became my biggest supporters—finding great teachers, driving me to lessons, and encouraging me every step of the way. Their belief in me paid off when, at eight years old, I landed the role of Tessie in Annie. Standing on that stage, I discovered the joy of performing and the incredible energy of connecting with an audience.

Years later, I decided to take another leap and move to New York to attend theater school. After graduating from university in Japan, I told my parents about my dream of studying abroad, and they once again supported me wholeheartedly. Moving to New York alone was daunting, but their encouragement kept me going. After two years of training, I graduated and am now working as an actor in the city.

Being far from home has made me realize how many people believe in me. My parents, of course, have always been my biggest supporters. When I return to Japan for visits, they welcome me with a table full of homemade dishes and say, “Don’t come back until you’ve made it big!” My friends celebrate my successes as if they were their own, and despite the distance, I always feel surrounded by love and encouragement.

Before every audition, I repeat a mantra my father taught me: “It’ll work out. It’s going to work out. It will definitely work out.” And whenever I audition in Japan, my mother sends me off with her lovingly made onigiri (rice ball), a reminder of her support.

This strong foundation of love and support has taught me to see challenges as opportunities. Even when things don’t work out, I remind myself, “It’s okay! Let’s move on to the next thing.” My optimism comes from knowing I’m never alone—whether I’m on stage, in an audition room, or pursuing my dreams in a faraway city, I have an incredible network of supporters cheering me on every step of the way.

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

As an actor originally from Japan and now based in New York City, my passion lies in creating meaningful experiences for audiences. I deeply believe that people are moved when they witness something that someone has dedicated years of preparation, training, and effort to bring to life. Growing up, I found immense inspiration from watching musicals and plays. Those performances gave me the strength to push through difficult days, and after seeing them, I often felt a renewed sense of motivation to pursue my own goals. That’s what I aim to do as an actor: to be part of a production that inspires even one person to take on life’s challenges with renewed energy.

Since moving to New York three years ago, my journey has been one of immense growth. I’ve learned to take initiative and discovered that this city is full of people willing to help you bring your ideas to life. This supportive environment has given me the confidence to dream bigger and take on new challenges. I’ve been fortunate to meet many incredible people along the way, and I look forward to the connections and opportunities yet to come.

Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of performing in both theater and film. From musicals to contemporary plays and music videos, each project has given me a new way to connect with audiences. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to share stories that resonate with people on a personal level, helping them feel seen, understood, and inspired.

Currently, I’m involved in two exciting projects. One is a musical performance gig at a restaurant, where I’m not only performing but also organizing the event. It’s been an incredible experience to curate an evening of musical theater songs for an intimate audience. The other project is a collaboration with fellow Japanese dancers and actors. Together, we’re creating a production that blends our shared cultural backgrounds with our individual artistic expressions, and I’m thrilled about the unique perspective we’ll bring to the stage.

Through every performance, I hope to bring the same joy and motivation to others that I’ve received from the arts. I’m committed to continuing my growth as an artist, collaborating with others, and contributing to the world of storytelling in a meaningful way.

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?

Looking back on my journey, three key qualities have shaped who I am as an artist: curiosity, resilience, and gratitude.

Curiosity has always been my driving force. From the moment I discovered musicals as a child to the decision to move to New York to pursue acting, my desire to explore and learn has guided me. It’s what keeps me open to new opportunities, ideas, and challenges. For anyone starting out, I believe curiosity is essential. It invites you to step into the unknown and discover possibilities you might never have imagined.

Resilience has been just as important. The world of acting—and life itself—can be unpredictable and, at times, full of rejection. Resilience has helped me navigate those moments, whether it was facing setbacks at auditions or adapting to life in a new country. It’s not just about bouncing back but about using those experiences to grow stronger and more determined.

Lastly, gratitude is something I hold close to my heart. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of those around me—my family, mentors, friends, and collaborators. Their encouragement, guidance, and willingness to stand by me have made all the difference. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who has been a part of my journey, whether big or small. This sense of gratitude keeps me grounded and reminds me to always cherish the people who make my dreams possible.

For anyone early in their journey, embrace curiosity, build resilience, and hold on to gratitude. These qualities will not only guide you but also fill your path with purpose and meaning.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always eager to connect with people who are passionate about creating exciting and meaningful work. I love embracing new experiences, and collaborating with individuals who share a curiosity for exploring the world through art is incredibly fulfilling to me.

I came to New York three years ago as an international student from Japan, and while I’ve faced challenges—navigating cultural and language differences—it’s also been such an eye-opening and rewarding journey. I find cultural differences endlessly fascinating. Of course, there are moments of frustration, but more often than not, I’m amazed by how much we can learn from each other. Living in a diverse city like New York has taught me to enjoy these differences and to see them as opportunities for growth and creativity.

I’m particularly interested in working on projects that transcend language and cultural barriers—art that can bring people together and spark joy or curiosity in audiences from all walks of life. If you’re reading this and have a project or idea you’d like to explore, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s create something amazing together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ＠ponryoka

Image Credits

“IDENTITY” by Charly Wenzel, Photographs by Max Martínez
“Next Stop, New York! ” by Suitcase of Dreams, Photographs by Max Martínez
“The Nutcracker and Marie” by Time Capsule Project x NY Dance Artistry, Photographs by Miku Hirayama, w/ iPhoto