Performer Nobuko Miyamoto
A Life of Art, Activism, and Community
“Take risks. Experiment. Don’t be afraid to fail because every failure is a learning experience.”
In this interview, we sit down with Nobuko Miyamoto, a renowned Japanese American performer, activist, and cultural icon who has made groundbreaking contributions to the arts. Known for her work as a dancer, choreographer, and actress, Nobuko's career spans decades of advocacy for Asian American representation in the arts. Through her performances and activism, she has reshaped how AAPI stories are told, celebrated, and understood in mainstream theater and beyond. In this conversation, we delve into her journey as a trailblazer, the realities of being an AAPI artist, and her unwavering commitment to creating spaces where AAPI voices can thrive. Nobuko, you’ve spoken about how important it is for artists to master their craft. How can young AAPI artists stand out in an industry where they might not always fit the mainstream mold?
It all starts with training and working hard to be the best at what you do. Whether you’re a dancer, actor, or musician, mastering your craft is essential if you want to stand out. For AAPI artists, who may face additional challenges breaking into mainstream spaces, it’s even more important to be at the top of your game. The more you work on your skills, the more opportunities you’ll be ready for when they come your way. So, don’t slack—keep leveling up!
Finding your voice as an artist can be difficult, especially when the industry has certain expectations. What advice would you give young artists about owning their unique voice?
Don’t be afraid to step up and be yourself—on stage and in life. Your voice is your power, and no one else has the exact same story or perspective as you do. It’s important to find that voice and use it. Don’t let fear or outside expectations silence you. The world needs to hear what you have to say, and you can’t be afraid to claim that space, no matter how different you feel from everyone else.
Sometimes artists feel they must wait for the perfect role or opportunity. How did you approach that in your career?
Waiting for the perfect role or job isn’t always the best strategy. If there’s something you want to do, create it yourself! Don’t sit around waiting for someone to hand you a role. Write your own songs, tell your own stories, and carve out your own path. That’s how you stay true to yourself and avoid being boxed into roles that don’t represent who you are. I’ve always believed in making my own lane and encouraging other artists to do the same.
You’ve also said that artists should think beyond just their individual careers. Can you explain what you mean by that?
It’s important to remember that it’s not just about building your career. There’s a bigger world out there, full of issues that need addressing, and as an artist, your talent can be a powerful tool for change. Get involved in what’s happening around you. Whether it’s political, social, or environmental, use your platform to be part of something bigger. When you do, you’ll find more meaning in what you create, and your work will resonate on a deeper level.
Community seems to play a big role in your journey. How can young artists build a supportive community around them?
Your community is your lifeline. It’s important to surround yourself with people who believe in you, understand your vision and can support you when things get tough. Don’t be afraid to lean on them—art can be a way to heal, both for yourself and for others. Use your community to grow and thrive, and remember that you don’t have to go through the challenges of being an artist alone.
You’ve often talked about pushing yourself beyond the roles you’re given. What does that look like for an artist?
It’s easy to stick to the roles or gigs that people offer you, but growth happens when you push beyond that. Take risks. Experiment. Don’t be afraid to fail because every failure is a learning experience. The more you challenge yourself, the more you’ll grow as an artist. Sometimes that means creating new opportunities for yourself or saying yes to something outside your comfort zone. That’s how you grow.
Financial stability is a real concern for many young artists. What advice do you have for those who feel the pressure to make a living while pursuing their passion?
It’s tough to make a living doing just art, especially in the beginning, so don’t stress if you need a side hustle to support yourself. Some of the best artists I know balance their creative work with other gigs. The key is to keep creating, no matter what. Success isn’t always about making art full-time; it’s about staying in the game and continuing to do what you love. The hustle is part of the journey, but it shouldn’t stop you from being an artist.
Being an artist today requires more than just performing. How can young artists take control of their careers?
You’ve got to be the boss of your own career. Being an artist isn’t just about performing anymore. Learn how to produce your own projects, build a team, and manage the business side of things. It’s about more than just talent—it’s about being able to make things happen for yourself. Whether that’s booking your own gigs, creating your own work, or running your own production, you have to learn how to be in control.
Finally, what’s the key to having a long, sustainable career in the arts?
Play the long game. If you want to stay in the arts for the long haul, you must be flexible and ready to evolve. Keep learning, adapting, and growing. Whether you’re 25 or 75, your art and career will always be changing—that makes it exciting. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and be willing to grow with every new phase of your journey
The Full Interview
Nobuko’s Top 9 Pearls of Advice
Level Up Your Skills: Whether you're a dancer, actor, or musician, you've got to work hard to be the best at what you do. If you want to stand out, especially as someone who might not fit the "mainstream" mold, mastering your craft is key. Training gives you the tools to crush it when opportunities come your way.
Own Your Voice: Don’t be afraid to step up and be yourself—on stage and in life. Your voice is your power, and it’s unique to you. Find it, use it, and don’t let fear or expectations silence you. The world needs to hear what you’ve got to say.
Make Your Own Lane: Don’t sit around waiting for the perfect role or job to fall into your lap. If there’s something you want to do, create it. Write your own songs, tell your own stories, and make your own path—this is how you stay true to yourself and avoid being boxed in.
Think Bigger Than Just You: It’s not just about building your own career—get involved in what’s happening around you. The world is full of big issues, and your art can actually make a difference. Use your talent to be part of something bigger, and you’ll find more meaning in what you create.
Lean on Your People: Your community is your lifeline. Surround yourself with people who support you and your vision, and don’t be afraid to lean on them when things get tough. Art is a way to heal both yourself and others, so use your community to grow and thrive.
Push the Limits: Don’t just stick to the roles or gigs people give you—take risks and push yourself beyond what’s expected. Experiment, fail, and try again. The more you challenge yourself, the more you’ll grow as an artist.
Hustle Smart: It’s tough to make a living doing only art, so don’t stress if you need a side hustle. Some of the best artists balance their creative work with other gigs. The key is to keep creating, no matter what. The real success is staying in the game and doing what you love.
Be the Boss: Being an artist today means more than just performing. Learn how to produce your own projects, build a team, and manage your career. It’s not just about talent—it’s about being able to make things happen for yourself.
Play the Long Game: If you want to stay in the arts long-term, you’ve got to be flexible and ready to evolve. Keep learning, adapting, and growing. Whether you're 25 or 75, your art and career are always changing, which keeps it exciting.
Nobuko Miyamoto's career is a powerful reminder of the importance of amplifying AAPI voices in the arts. Through her activism and artistry, she has not only pushed boundaries but has also paved the way for future generations of AAPI performers to have their stories heard and seen. Her journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges, highlights the deep connection between art and cultural identity. As Nobuko continues to champion the representation and celebration of AAPI communities, her legacy serves as an inspiration to artists and activists alike, proving that change begins with the courage to tell our own stories. To explore more about her work and upcoming projects, visit https://www.nobukomiyamoto.org/.
