We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shoko Yanagisawa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shoko , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Living in a new country as a young adult was a turning point for my confidence and self-esteem. At 20, I left Japan for Malta, wide-eyed but utterly speechless. Ordering food was an adventure, and introductions were a blur of smiles and nervous laughter.
But travel has a way of breaking down barriers. As I explored new cultures and continents, my broken English became a bridge, not a wall. Slowly, the hesitancy faded, replaced by a quiet confidence that I could navigate anywhere.
This newfound self-belief extended to my art as well. When I first started creating paintings, self-doubt was a constant companion. Yet, with every practice session and every lesson learned, that voice grew fainter. Especially after I moved to Spain to study art deeper. Today, I hold the brush not just as an artist, but as a woman who knows she can overcome any obstacle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a children’s book, inspired by my own journey of self-discovery, that aims to instill the importance of self-love and acceptance in young minds.
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. Adaptability and Flexibility When I first traveled abroad, I was overwhelmed by the completely different language and culture. However, I gradually learned the local language and customs and made an effort to communicate, which allowed me to connect with the people around me. Through this experience, I learned the importance of adapting to new environments and embracing change.
2. Communication Skills
To connect with people across language barriers, it is essential to have not only language skills but also non-verbal communication skills. I learned how to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds using gestures, facial expressions, and attitudes.
3. Self-reliance and Self-confidence
When traveling, you need to make decisions and solve problems on your own. I learned to believe in my abilities and never give up on challenges, even in difficult situations.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to always support my passions and interests, no matter how big or small. They instilled in me the value of authenticity by encouraging me to explore my dreams, like taking me to Italy to see fashion firsthand when I wanted to be a fashion designer, and letting me go to Australia to let myself to study real english during junior high.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shokoyanagisawa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shokoyanagisawa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shokoyanagisawa22
Image Credits
photo: Yoshimasa Miyazaki
