Today we’d like to introduce you to Shoko Aoyama.
Hi Shoko, I’m so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I reflected on the question “What was the most significant moment in your life?” I realized it occurred during my time as a cheerleader in high school. I genuinely enjoyed seeing people smile as they watched our performances.
However, upon entering college, my focus shifted from dance to a passion for traveling and exploring the world. I’ve visited nine countries, including study abroad and volunteer experiences, but despite my extensive travels, I didn’t feel entirely satisfied. The memories of bringing joy to people through cheerleading lingered in my mind, and I couldn’t forget the moments when I cheered for people, and they smiled back at me.
Motivated by these memories, I decided to become a professional cheerleader for a pro basketball team in Japan. Despite facing numerous audition rejections, I persevered because I wanted to bring happiness to others through my cheers. The journey was challenging, lasting six months, but I never gave up. The reason I persisted was my desire to witness the joy on people’s faces as I uplifted them. It was during these moments that I felt the world was at peace.
Despite my dedication, I wasn’t fully accepted into the team due to some individuals’ reluctance to embrace my unique personality in the Japanese cheerleading context. I faced opposition for being myself, as standing out is not widely accepted in Japan. Despite finally making it to the main team after multiple auditions, there was someone consistently trying to bring me down. Eventually, I had to quit.
With a dream of becoming an NBA dancer, I continued to improve myself and never gave up. After eight months, I joined another team, the highest-level cheerleading team in Japan. I vividly remember the moment I received the result, but my joy was short-lived as the opportunity was revoked right after I got in. I’ve always known that my personality doesn’t align with the Japanese circle, making it challenging to fit in.
Aiming to become an NBA dancer, I thought the best approach was to be part of a team in Japan first, build a career, and then pursue the NBA after a few years. However, after facing challenges with the Japanese team, I decided to try out for the NBA dancer position in 2023. Originally planning for a two-week workshop and mock audition, my full-time job and limited leave forced me to make a tough decision. Despite only being allowed 10 days off, I needed at least 14 days to explore Miami and see if I fit in with the Miami Heat Dancers. This led me to quit my job abruptly.
Initially planning to return to my previous company after exploring NBA opportunities, I ended up staying in Miami until my visa expired, as I also wanted to witness a Miami Heat pre-game. Now back in my home country, I am preparing to become a part of the Miami Heat. While preparation is crucial, I’ve learned that knowing what you want to do and where you feel most comfortable is equally important. Reflecting on my decision to audition last year, I am grateful and have no regrets. Without taking that chance, I wouldn’t be where I am now, preparing for my first NBA dancer tryout.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been the most challenging journey of my life. I sacrificed everything, including friends, family, job, and money. This was the most significant investment I’ve ever made in myself. As I mentioned in “Your Story,” I felt mentally exhausted after not being accepted despite putting in a significant effort. No matter how hard I tried, my private life was scrutinized, and some individuals attempted to find flaws in me. Although I always managed to recover and maintain a positive outlook, success in another endeavor brought me down once more. I began to question if being a cheerleader was truly meant for me.
Beyond the mental challenges, abruptly quitting my job and deciding to pursue this NBA tryout brought about numerous discussions with my parents upon my return to Japan. While I consistently told myself that “everything happens for a reason” and “everything will be fine,” I eventually had to confront reality. Having not worked for three months during my time in Miami, the financial discussions with my parents were beyond intense, unlike anything I experienced while traveling.
Pursuing my dream is undeniably a challenging endeavor, but I refuse to give up. I will continue to do everything within my power to make it happen.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I am involved in various jobs and businesses, but let me discuss two of them. Firstly, I am engaged in an inbound business catering to international tourists in Japan. I offer a luxurious Japanese cultural experience to affluent foreigners and serve as a tour guide for any foreign guests visiting Japan. The reason I joined this company, specializing in Japanese cultural experiences, is because I believe it aligns with my future aspirations.
My career goal is to attract numerous tourists to lesser-known areas, including less developed places in developing countries. Upon discovering such locations suitable for tourist companies, I aim to draw in visitors, who would then pay to enter these places or participate in activities. The objective is to empower people in these areas to generate income and foster self-sufficiency, rather than relying solely on external aid for sustenance. Although my current activities differ from my ultimate goal, I believe I can acquire valuable skills in designing package plans, negotiating with tourist companies, and establishing connections with them.
The second business I am involved in is the skincare industry. While this type of business may be commonplace in the United States, it is gaining popularity here in Japan as well. My decision to enter this field was not primarily driven by an interest in skincare but rather by the principles of the company. Their core business revolves around skincare products, and our responsibility is to promote and sell these items. Notably, these products contribute significantly to developing countries. Many large companies may display Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on their websites, but I wanted to be actively involved with a company where I could witness the impact firsthand.
This company has its facility in Africa, and when we purchase their products, a portion of the proceeds directly benefit malnourished children living there. Additionally, they are involved in creating textbooks for elementary schools in Japan, where students are often expected to conform to societal expectations without expressing their voices. These textbooks aim to instill confidence and leadership qualities in the students. Witnessing these initiatives deeply impressed me, prompting my desire to contribute to this company. Thus, skincare serves as just one step in the process of reaching my ultimate goals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe that I’ve had bad luck, as I can turn all the negative things that happened to me into positive outcomes. However, my greatest stroke of good luck is my ability to attract people into my world. I possess the power to encounter amazing opportunities, especially when I am in another country. One of my most recent significant opportunities was being featured in this media. It was unexpected that we would be featured in the media of the country I was visiting. First, I was interviewed by the most famous dance studio in Miami, Showstopper, and then I had the chance to be featured in this media.
Regarding bad luck, as I mentioned before, I have always faced setbacks from people who didn’t like me. No matter how hard I tried and finally managed to join my dream team, those dreams always ended before they even began. However, if I hadn’t faced those challenges, I don’t think I would be in this media spotlight now. I got this opportunity because I was in Miami, and the reason I was in Miami at that moment was due to those unfortunate events. Still, I don’t see those experiences as bad luck. Without going through those experiences, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cheer-up.asia/20230330-full
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shokoiseverywhere/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoko.aoyama.102
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoko-aoyama-a1641a18b/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shokoeverywhere
Image Credits
Say Less Creative Agency
