Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to SAYUMI INO. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi SAYUMI, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I’ve been fascinated by the world of entertainment since I was nine years old. From a very young age, I loved performing in front of people and standing in the spotlight. One day, I happened to watch the audition program ASAYAN, and it completely inspired me to dream of pursuing a career in this industry.
The show followed Maki Goto, who was chosen as the only new member of the idol group Morning Musume from tens of thousands of applicants. I was deeply moved by the documentary that captured her journey after winning the audition—her behind-the-scenes preparations, the incredible effort she put into performing on stage, and the guidance and encouragement she received from talented teachers and producers. Their words were strict but full of care and love, and watching her growth made me truly feel the powerful and precious energy that this world can offer.
That moment planted a seed in my heart—I wanted to be part of this world, to share that same energy and passion with others. Ever since, pursuing a career in entertainment has been my dream, my purpose, and my motivation.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After turning 20, I moved to Tokyo to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer.
In 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to perform in Musical Dream High, the Japanese adaptation of the hugely popular Korean drama Dream High. I was part of the core dance team for a month-long run, sharing the stage with top Korean artists like SE7EN and JINJIN from ASTRO, as well as Japanese singer and voice actor Shouta Aoi. I also had the honor of performing alongside legendary stars such as Masahiko Kondo and Masayo Kawasaki, appearing in every show and fully showcasing my skills.
That same year, I was selected as a dancer for Nami Tamaki, the internationally acclaimed singer known for performing the theme songs of Mobile Suit Gundam. We performed at Anime Friends, the largest anime festival in Brazil, delivering dance performances that deeply moved anime fans and left a lasting impression.
From 2012 to 2017, I toured extensively as a dancer with angela, one of the world’s most popular anisong artists. In 2018, I was chosen as one of only ten dancers to join Hiroomi Tosaka (OMI) from LDH’s Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS on his nationwide tour across Japan.
More recently, in 2023, I performed in Flaglia THE Musical alongside Korean artist Yoonhak (Super NOVA) and Japanese artist Yoshikuni Douchin (CHEMISTRY), continuing to expand my experience on major stages and collaborate with talented performers.
Through these experiences, I’ve been able to combine technical skill with expressive storytelling, connecting with audiences both in Japan and internationally. Moving forward, I will continue to collaborate with artists across music, theater, and live performances, expanding my career globally. I also aim to keep inspiring new audiences through dance, supporting young performers, and contributing to innovative projects that blend different cultures and art forms.
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?
If I had to pick the three qualities that have mattered most in my journey, they would be gratitude, communication, and taking initiative. Of course, having strong professional skills and continuously improving them is essential—that’s the foundation. But on top of that, these three qualities have been key to creating real opportunities and achieving success.
You can’t do everything alone. It’s the people you meet, the connections you make, and the collaborations you build that really make a difference. When someone thinks, “I want to work with this person again,” or “I want to ask them for help,” or “I need their energy and drive!”—that’s when the results naturally follow. From my experience, focusing on gratitude, communicating openly, and taking initiative has been what truly opened doors and helped me grow.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was, quite simply, to give me the gift of freedom.
I was born and raised in a region somewhat removed from the major cities where the entertainment industry thrives. When I decided to move to Tokyo at the age of 20 to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer, I know it must have been incredibly worrying for my parents, especially as I am the eldest daughter. Yet, instead of holding me back, they quietly supported me and allowed me to follow my dream with complete freedom. Because of that unwavering support, I was able to seize opportunities both in Japan and internationally, not only as a performer but also as an instructor.
In 2024, I was selected as the dance instructor for Quadlips, an international unit formed from members of the iconic “48 Group” spanning Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Being chosen for such a role was highly competitive, and the experience gave me both tremendous confidence and recognition as a Japanese artist working on the global stage.
Building on that momentum, in 2025 I was cast as a dancer in the Japanese stage adaptation of the hit Korean drama Dream High. Over a month of performances, I shared the stage with Korea’s top stars, including SE7EN and JINJIN from ASTRO, as well as renowned Japanese performers such as Shouta Aoi, Masahiko Kondo, and Mayo Kawasaki. The choreography for this production was created by Choi Youngjoon, the world-renowned choreographer who has worked with groups such as SEVENTEEN and TWICE. To perform his choreography with excellence and to receive direct praise from him was both an honor and a validation of my ability to meet international standards of artistry. This experience further expanded my career beyond Japan, solidifying my path as a truly global performer.
I know with certainty that every success I have achieved and every leap forward I have made stems from the quiet strength of my parents, who supported me wholeheartedly and gave me the freedom to pursue this path. Their belief in me is what allows me to continue striving to grow as an artist with a global presence.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sayumi_ino/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sayumioftheworld?si=UqkUfvM4hIletpz2
Image Credits
SAYUMI INO
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