Chasing Dreams Across the Pacific: Yuko's Inspirational Journey from Conformity to Authenticity

All right, guys, well, today I have Yuki here today, or Yuko, I'm sorry, my bad. And so yeah, we're just gonna go ahead and jump right into it. So Yuko, if you want, please go ahead and share with us, you know, just a little bit about you and, you know, what you do and who you are.

Hi, thanks for your time, Luis. Okay, my name is Yuko. I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. I studied English in Japan and came to United States about nine years ago. Spent one year in New York, and then seven years, six years in LA, and now I live in Arvine, California.

Nice, and what do you do for work?

I am working in the restaurant industry, the Japanese chain, Japanese restaurant chain. I'm working for the headquarter.

Wow. Yeah. I mean, sounds pretty awesome. Sounds like a lot of work.

Yeah, it's been great. I love what I do.

Nice. So, I would like to ask you, you said that you mentioned, sorry, you mentioned that you just came to the US maybe less than a decade ago, right? So can you take us back to the moment when you made the decision to really uproot your life and move from Japan to the United States? Like what were some of the driving factors behind this really significant change?

Mm-hmm.

So when I was about around 25 years old, I used to work at the security firm. I was working at the French security firm in Tokyo. At the time, I mean any Japanese firms in Japan, mostly like our lunchtime is like 12, start at 12 and finish at 1. So I can't leave.

office if it's 1155. I really didn't like it. I thought it was kind of stupid. And so everybody from the office building goes to restaurants at 12, which means there are a huge line in front of the restaurant and we waste probably 10-20 minutes. So we only have 40 minutes for the lunch time and I felt really annoyed.

And I went to Venice for a trip, Venice in LA. And I was walking towards the beach and the guys, people, women, guys are like sitting at the beach and they didn't really care about the time. And I thought like they don't even know what time it is. They don't even have watch, you know? So I felt like, wow, this is crazy. You know, we are living in the same planet, but.

my life and their life are quite different. So I was really amazed and shocked. So that's the reason I wanted to come to United States.

Okay, so I'm kind of curious a little bit too about you know, this seems like it was really against Like the cultural norm right for you to just not want to deal with the strict rules So what did you feel like when you know, you kind of felt finally like okay, like, you know This this doesn't have to be my normal anymore

Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm. Yeah, my normal, yeah. Oh, sorry, what's that mean again?

Yeah, so like, for example, right? Like you mentioned how the whole, like everything out there when you go to lunch, like it's very strict, right? From 12 to one, everybody goes to lunch at that time. But for you, it was very different. You were like, okay, like there was a party that said, I don't want this to be my life anymore, right? So what were your feelings inside when you finally decided to say, you know what? Like this isn't for me.

No.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I think I'm always like that since I was little. Like at elementary school, I, you know, when I have questions, I just wanted to raise a hand and I wanted to ask questions. But the teachers were always saying like, hey, you gotta ask questions at the end of class. And by the time, you know, the class ends, it's like 45 minutes after, I forget what I, you know, and I lost.

what they're saying. I totally don't understand what they're saying. So I didn't like that system or the rules. I felt always uncomfortable. So I guess since I was little, I always wanted to come to the United States. So when I had a chance to come to the United States, I felt like, you know, it was like just the... I didn't feel anything. I just let's go. And that's... yeah.

Okay. Nice. Yeah. It sounds like you were very curious and just really rebellious, right? Um, so then, you know, when, when moving right between different countries, you know, it's not just like a physical relocation, but obviously there was some sort of cultural one as well. So how are you able to navigate the cultural differences and, you know, were there any particular aspects that stood out to you in the process?

Hehehe

any cultural difference.

Yeah, so I mean, of course there were going to be some, right? But like what were probably some of the big ones, if any, that you had to face and you were like, oh man, like this is super different, right?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, yeah. The biggest cultural shock was, so when I used to live in Tokyo, I go to, you know, the company I worked for, it was a really tall building. So, and our office was on 17th floor. So a lot of people, guys, women go into the elevator.

And usually the women, like at least how I felt was, I go to the entrance, I mean, the bottom area, and I press the button, and guys or the women, usually, you know, there are lots of guys in the office building. So guys say like, hey, fifth floor, 10th floor, 11th floor, then I press the button, and I leave the, you know, door open. And when they go,

close it. I do that every day. I did that every day. So that became my normal. And then I moved to New York. I was doing the same thing. And it was the top of the building. I was still, you know, keep opening the door. And three guys are waiting for me to leave. And I'm like, Hey, can you can you just go?

And they're like, no, you go first. It's like, they felt awkward, because you know, lady first culture. And I'm like, but I felt like, no, go. They felt really awkward and I go, go. And I felt like, ah, I see, this is a, you know, lady first culture. I was really, really shocked. Yeah.

That's so interesting. So do you still find yourself doing that today? Like where you kind of serve as like the elevator person? Or do you feel like now you've broken completely from that?

Um.

I appreciate when guys do that for me, but at the same time, I have to, I would like to keep the respect. So yeah, I try, I mean, this is my habit now. So I go there and I go to the bottom, but it's more flexible, I would say.

Right, right.

Hmm, interesting. Okay. So on that, I'm kind of curious to know, you know, when transitioning to the new country for both for work, right? You know, what was the big challenge when it came down to finding a career out here? Were you already did you already have one lined up? Or were you like still looking when you moved out here? What was that process like for you?

It was quite hard. Especially I moved to New York and LA and Alvine. So I started going to UCLA Extension and took some classes. I guess that helped me to get a job. And luckily there are Japanese firms. So I started with the Japanese firms so I could utilize.

Japanese and English. So yeah, that was a good opportunity for me.

Okay. And so, you know, you're already saying that it was already kind of hard, right? So, you know, how were you able to find a balance between, you know, building this new career, but also nurturing your personal life, you know, especially when these are your initial phases, you know, of settling in the U.S.?

I feel the personal life I can enjoy way more when I live in the United States. So you know I miss going back to Japan, you know family, friends, foods. I really miss Japan going back to Japan but

The lifestyle here is way better, the work-life balance. So yeah, that's one of the main reasons why I am here.

So you mentioned the work-life balance. So in what ways were they different? I know you mentioned already that sometimes things were really strict over there, but you know, how were you able to, I guess, like what was better about it to you?

Mm-hmm.

Um, mainly the number of working hours. So my friends, um, they work like really 12 hours, 14 hours a day, even though they have kids. Um, so they seem really tired and they don't have personal life. Um, so plus, um,

Yeah, the way they work is way more serious. Like you have to reply email within 24 hours. Otherwise, you know, they think that I am a lazy, bad walker. So here it's more relaxed. Yeah, I guess that's the reason.

More relaxed? Yeah, you definitely sound like you've taken the California lifestyle, right? Of just being really chill and like by the beach, right? Yeah. Do you like often at the beach now that you're in California?

Yeah, yeah, I would say so, yes.

Yeah, I really go. Yeah, I love going to the beach like for the sunset. I love going for sunset

Oh man, yeah, that's amazing. Um, I used to live in California before, right? And yeah, I used to live on the beach in Santa Barbara where I went to school at UCSB. Um, and honestly, it was, I took it for granted. I just loved being by the water. Then when I moved to Texas, I didn't really have that anymore. And now that I'm in New York, like it's, it's kind of there, but, you know, I, I really missed that like 70 degree weather where I'm just outside just chilling by the beach, you know? Um, but yeah, so another question I had was, you know, obviously

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

Huh? Right, right.

moving, and I know this from kind of a personal experience, right? Like when I moved to Texas or to New York, like I kind of came out here alone and by myself and, you know, having a support system is really crucial during, you know, these significant life changes. So I wanted to ask who were the pillars of support for you during this transition and, you know, how did they contribute to your adaptation and wellbeing?

Mm-hmm.

Mmm.

Hmm I would say a few Japanese friends that I met in LA New York because You know they experience the same thing like language Issues You know, okay, we don't know we have no idea how the DM DMV DMW DMV works Yeah, he works

So they taught me how to, like as an example, like I wanted to buy a vacuum. I wanted to buy, you know, all the little stuff, but I don't know where to go. I don't know what Target sells, you know? So I have no idea. So like I searched the internet, where do I get vacuum? And like, you know, so it's really, everybody will understand, like hey, if it's medicine.

go to CVS, but I didn't know. So that was really, really hard.

Right.

Yeah. And so now that you've kind of assimilated to everything, do you feel like you have a good understanding of like where you can get things and also like your favorite places to eat and things like that now?

Yeah, yeah, I'll say so. The more you have knowledge and information, the more you feel comfortable and feel home.

So now that you've kind of mentioned that and you can say, I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, you probably feel a lot more comfortable now, right? So what are some of your favorite places to go to since you've sound like you've been in like the major big cities, right? Like New York, LA, like these are kind of like big hallmarks of, you know, of the US.

Yes.

Um, where we want to go. If it's in New York, uh, yeah, definitely Seattle. I love Seattle's, um, hot yoga studio, um, that I was really loved. Um, LA or California definitely beach. Yeah, definitely beach. Um, I love morning walk, uh, sunset, hiking. Yeah.

That's what I do in California.

And since you've been out here too, like, you know, what do you miss the most of Japan? And do you often get a chance to go back to go do these things or visit these places?

Hmm, I would say...

Japan is quite clean. The stations, like there's no trash. Like you can lay down and sleep. It's really clean. Also like you don't need like most cases you don't need to lock your bicycle because you know nobody steals. Yeah.

I really like that and the service there is, you know, nice. When I go to convenience stores, like two people are usually saying like, いらっしゃいませ meaning like, you know, welcome. Very nice way. They're very serious about what they do. But you know, as a, the cons, pleasant cons, cons is, if I walk at...

in Japan I have to do the same which I don't want to. So great to be customers but as a worker no. Does it make sense?

Mmm.

Right. Yeah, kind of. I guess what I'm getting at is like, yeah, you really, it almost sounds like, yeah, it'd be great to kind of go and like, kind of be a tourist as opposed to like, you know, actually, actually being in the culture. Right. But like, what are some things though, that like, you know, that if, how often do you get a chance to go back to Japan and like, what are some like big things that you miss that you're like, oh, you know, like, um, maybe it's, it's this kind of food that I don't get, or like, you know, I really love this specific place that you guys don't have here in the U S.

you know, what is that like for you?

Yeah, I go back twice a year. Yeah, yeah. But I always get the Japanese pasta and yeah, which I can't get it here. Like a carbonara but a Japanese way. Has a uni, uni in it. Uni, sea urchin, sorry, sea urchin. Sea urchin.

Okay, so pretty often.

Oh, and what's what is that? Oh, surgeon. Okay.

and carbonara pasta which I love and the onsen. It's a hot spring ryokan. Hot spring like the hotel, Japanese style hotel with hot springs which I love.

Oh, so it's like it's so the hot spring is inside the hotel or the hotel, which is built around the hot spring. Nice.

Inside a hotel it's attached to it. It's inside a hot bath outside hot bath Love it. It's especially in winter when it's snowing. It's super cold and you go outside, right and Sometimes you can bring the hot sake You know hot sake Japanese sake and drink hot sake in a really cold Outside is cold and have a nice hot bath. Love it. I love it

Right.

Oh my God. Yeah, that sounds pretty relaxing. Like, I mean, I've never been in Japan, but I mean, that definitely sounds like something I'm looking forward to. Like for me, I mean, I'm a big fan of like just a couple of friends of mine who have just mentioned like going to like, you know, Universal Studios out there or like, you know, kind of like more, more touristy things. But yeah, no, I would love to talk to you a little bit more too about, you know, shifting gears a little bit back to your career. So, you know, relocating for work often comes with like.

you know, aspirations of career growth, you know, how has your professional journey really unfolded since moving to the United States, right? Because, you know, one moment you're working for this security firm, right? In Japan. And then the next, now you're involved in the, uh, like the restaurant industry. Right. So how, how much did the education play into a factor of that? And like, why, why did you decide to jump into that, to that, like, uh, line of work?

So your question is like what's the difference from the restaurant business to, I mean, the security to restaurants?

So not so much what's the difference, but like, you know, why did you decide to change industries and like, you know, what, what played a factor in that? Was it like partially, partially the education that you got here? Cause I know you said you did the UCLA extensions. Um, but yeah, like what, what drove you to want to jump into that industry as opposed to staying within the same industry.

Mm-hmm.

Mmm.

Hmm, I see. Okay. So when I used to work at a security firm in Japan, I always, you know, I was interested in economics, how economy works. But I guess the security job doing, you know, working in front of the PC, you know, building the models by Excel sheets,

Um.

That's interesting, but it didn't fit to my nature. So I was always looking for the job, like what kind of job can be fit to my nature, my personality. So I was always looking. And when I came to California, and I was interested in marketing, so I took the classes and...

I was fascinated by the branding, marketing, how we can increase the value of products or services. Then I got a job at the Japanese restaurant chain. I worked at the marketing department first.

I had an opportunity that I could move from marketing department to executive department, which means I work with the CEO and the founder. So that really changed. So I learned how the founder or the CEO sees company and that company was growing company, amazing brand.

I really, really learned so much how we can create a company or grow the company. Because when a company grows, the organization always needs to grow, change the form and grow. That was fascinating for me. And that's what I do now with this current job as well.

Right, right.

Right. Okay. So, you know, that's super interesting to me, right? Like you come here, you take everything you have and you just completely move to a new country and you start off from the bottom and make your way all the way up to like, you know, being like shoulder to shoulder with like the CEO and like the founder and stuff. Right. So can you talk to me a little bit about that experience? Like, you know, you said there was an opportunity for you that came up from being the, uh, like working with the marketing department to now working with the founder. So how did that opportunity come up? Like what?

Were you thinking when it came up, did you feel like you were ready for it? Like, this was exactly the role that you wanted? Like, can you explain to me a little bit about that?

So yeah, I worked at the marketing first, but of course the founder and the CEO is, you know, like so many CEOs, founder, they are into branding, right? Especially the founder. So he was really passionate about branding and I learned next to him and... Sorry. Could you...

What was the question?

Yeah, just explaining a little bit about like, you know, what that was like when a you started and be like, when you were now given this new role to start working with the founder, you know, did you feel like you were ready for it? Like you were up to the task or did you feel like, you know, maybe this was something you were going to have to grow into or something.

Oh, really?

Yeah, I was not ready at all because I had to do the translation as well for him because he was not like an English speaker. He was from Japan. He didn't speak English much so I had to translate for every conversation and which I was not ready but I really loved the brand.

And I really wanted the company to grow and him to be successful as a founder of the company. So I had to do it. So I really, and I really wanted.

I wanted to be like a bridge for between the Japanese founder and the American co-workers. I mean my co-workers. So if they understand well, we can align and we can move forward. So my key, my role was to for them to understand each other. So I had a passion and I was proud of.

what I was doing.

Yeah. So actually that was really interesting. So what about this made you feel so passionate about like, you know, you talked about wanting to be this bridge, you know, what was your driving force behind wanting to be the bridge between, you know, these American coworkers and your founder from Japan.

I feel that...

The founder really wanted to bring the delicious, fresh, authentic Japanese food to the United States. And he had a great passion. He has great passions. And I understood. And he needed help, you know, to translate, for translation. And it's almost like his dream became my dream.

Yeah, and I was imagining if I can introduce the amazing Japanese foods to the United States and they understand how great Japanese foods are, that's something meaningful for me as well. So yeah, that became my dream.

Nice. Okay. So you speak really highly of this, um, the, the founder, right? So would you say like, he's kind of an inspiration to you? Like, you know, what, what were these things that made you feel so passionate about his dream? Like he must've been pretty like influential, right?

Mm-hmm.

Yes, definitely. He taught me how to... I don't know, he really taught me that being passionate. Because I was never ever been so passionate, but he was passionate. So actually there are lots of my co-workers who are like me.

one guy was telling the CEO, you know, I went through the really difficult times, but you gave me the opportunity to move forward and overcome. So I was like, wow. So I think someone who has dream and tried to achieve, I think a lot of people wanna help the person.

So even though he could not speak English, you know, lots of people wanted to help him because, yeah, it's just amazing.

Right?

Yeah, so on that too, like, so you mentioned how now he brings out this part of you that has never felt passionate before, right? So would you say that aside from this, um, aside from work, is there anything else that you're now passionate about now that you've kind of learned what it is to feel very passionate about something?

Mm-hmm.

passionate about it's something I would like to do so now I live in the United States and I feel more free I feel free and so I want to tell I want to I want to make I want to tell the Japanese women in Japan like hey you know there's

different ways of living. I'm not saying the way they live is incorrect or wrong or correct or anything like that but I want to tell them there are different ways of living and if you want to go for it, if you want to stay in Japan that's great but I want to tell them.

Hmm.

Hmm. So you pretty much you want to be that living example of like, Hey, like you, you can also live a similar life to this. Or what do you mean by that exactly?

Yeah. Meaning, um.

It's hard to explain, but in Japan, the women's rights are not exactly same as men. So yeah, in politics, you know, not so many women's politicians. So yeah, I guess in a daily life, I just feel...

I have, it's easier for women to live in the United States. So yeah, in terms of career, I feel like women in Japan, they should know like how to be treated in the United States. But if they like to live in Japan, that's okay, that's great. But I want...

to offer them options.

So is there anything that you're doing right now that is reaching towards that goal? Is there anything that you're doing in terms of speaking to anybody out there, kind of telling them your story? Is there anything that you're doing at the moment to kind of relay your story to any of the women in Japan?

No, not right now. That's the that's one of the reasons why I recently went to Tony Robbins seminars. Yeah I went through some stuff with my personal life for the last four or five years. I felt like I shouldn't be successful or I shouldn't

you know, I shouldn't aim what I want to do like but now like after the seminar I feel like I should I should do it so I'm trying to do it.

Mm.

Nice. Okay. So then I mean, first off, like, I'm glad you kind of mentioned, you know, Unleash the Power Within with Tony Robbins. I mean, yeah, personally, I had such a great experience. So I'm, I'm actually kind of curious to learn, you know, what kind of things did you learn there that now made you feel so driven to really start coming up with the plan to, you know, getting your story out to the women of Japan.

Mm.

So there's a one lady, I think it was day one of the seminar, she was saying she has a dream and as a being a number one being a CEO she wants to grow her company but at the same time she had a you know kind of like what do you call it because of

her family situation, she feels like she doesn't deserve to be successful or, you know, achieve what she wants to do. And I was so related to it, and I felt like because I couldn't, I felt like I couldn't succeed making my loved one happy, I feel like I don't deserve to be.

happy and I punished myself intentionally I didn't even know but I felt like oh I felt like I was doing that to me like I couldn't make my loved one happy I shouldn't be happy I shouldn't be happy but I kind of like untouched to the belief so I felt like you know what I'm gonna be happy I wanna be happy.

So I will achieve my goal. Yeah, that's how I felt.

Yeah

I mean, first off, you know, like, thanks for sharing that. Like, you know, that's, um, I just appreciate you sharing that. Um, and also too, I just wanted to mention, you know, that's, that's actually part of the large reason why I started this podcast as well. Right. Because just like you're saying, it's so important for people to hear stories of other people, because, you know, for all we know, like, I don't know if you remember the conversation with, um, I believe her name was Jamie Kern Lima, right? How she was talking about how, you know, that

Sometimes people just need to hear certain stories, right? Like whether it was, you know, the woman out there that needed to hear that she, she can do whatever she wanted to do or the guy that was, that needed to know, like he deserves to be loved or whatever the case may be. Right. That's, that's kind of what I'm trying to do. Right. So, you know, I appreciate you even coming on to share your story because I think, you know, hopefully with luck, there's, there's someone out there that can hear it and, you know, say, Hey, you know, I, I also have what it takes to go out and just, just live my life and just totally uproot.

and go somewhere else or you know that I have what it takes to you know say that I just deserve to be happy and just you know deserve to chase my passion. Right. So on that like I am kind of curious to you shattered this limiting belief and now you have this new belief of like hey I deserve to be happy I need to achieve my goal. So I'm curious to see you know what kind of things are you now putting into motion right like how are you starting to think about you know sharing your story.

with the women of Japan or even just making yourself happy.

I am going to start creating social media and started showing how I live in the United States.

tell the women in Japan, you know, how we can have a great life, believe in them. Like the lady, she said, like, we gotta believe in us, right? So I'm actually reading her book now. Yeah, the first one. Not the worst one. The worst one. The first one. Believe it.

Oh, worthy? Oh, um, uh.

or something. So yeah, I'm reading that now. Yeah, she's really, really inspirational. Yeah, I want to do the kind of, you know, same thing for Japanese women.

Oh, yeah.

Hmm. That's honestly like first off truly amazing, but even the goal itself, like it's so, it's just so epic, right? To wanting to help all of these people or all these women out in Japan. I mean, I can't relate because I really don't know, you know, how, how influential that is, but, you know, by all means, I, I'm sending you all the energy I can possibly give you. And hopefully, you know, maybe, maybe someone from Japan listens to this and understands, like, you know, Hey, like I, I can also live a, a different life, right. In the U S.

Um, so I kind of want to jump back a little bit, you know, and talk about, you know, this life changing, these life changing moves can sometimes bring like unexpected discoveries. So were there aspects of yourself or your surroundings that you discovered in the process of moving to us? Like maybe there was something that you didn't know, like that was in you that you finally discovered why you were here.

Right? Like obviously one of these things might be the passion that you have for wanting to live a different life and share that with other women in Japan. But you know, was there anything else that you felt like, um, kind of made itself known when you went through all of these transitions?

Mm.

I would say when I used to live in Japan I did not like Japan much because of all the rules, how they think, how we need to dress. I felt like really you know tight, I feel like I gotta go, I gotta go somewhere.

outside of Japan but I really do appreciate I was really I am proud that I am from Japan. Japan is such a beautiful country and I didn't know how passionate I was for Japan to be better country so yeah

Because I enjoy living in America, I want to... I'd like to influence Japan positively so that from outside of Japan, I can do something to make them happier in Japan. Yeah, I think that's my role.

Mm, right.

I love that. Yeah. Especially too because I mean, you know, you sound like your heart is still there, right? It's not like you've completely moved and you're like, oh, you know, I don't love Japan anymore. Like, I'm glad I got out of there. It's more so like, hey, like, I've experienced this something else, this difference in America, but like, I would love to give back as much as I can because that is my home, right?

So on that, I'm curious to see, you know, for those people that are out there currently, you know, navigating a similar journey, you know, maybe they're also thinking about uprooting from one country moving to another, trying to figure out what their passion is. You know, what advice do you have or words of wisdom for these people? You know, like if you were to talk about, you know, maybe, maybe again, maybe there's a little girl in Japan thinking the same thing, right, about like, you know, trying to figure out whether she wants to leave.

because she saw somebody at Venice Beach on her trip, right? Like, what would you tell this person?

No.

say people say like all the risks and you know don't do that you can't do it just ignore just ignore them because that's not right for you know even though they you know they might be your loved ones you know family best friends just ignore

Just move forward what you want to do, what you believe. And even though you can't speak English, doesn't matter, just go. And it's gonna be hard, but there are lots of Japanese people in the world or other people from different country, they can help you. So just follow your gut and go.

Oh, honestly, you go. That's beautiful. Thank you so much. Um, and lastly, before we, uh, we end. So typically before I end the show, I always ask, um, you know, a random question just as a form of like a palate cleanser, you know, and sometimes just to keep you on your toes. Right. Uh, so the question that I have for you is name a song or it's not a question, but, uh, name a song that makes you instantly want to dance. So what would that song be?

It's a Japanese one. It's a witch. It's a it's a really famous singer hip-hop singer in Japan She's awesome. She's like my Yeah, she's I'm a very like a big fan of her and Yeah, like all of her songs I dance I dance and sing in the car

So, okay, so then what's one of your favorite songs? Sorry, her name was A-Witch?

Yeah, her name is A-Witch. Um... Oh, I can't remember the title. It slips my mind now. Yeah, was um... I don't remember, sorry.

Well, I mean, how does it go? Like, do you have a line that where you're like, you can kind of, no, let's hear this singing a little bit. Maybe the rapping.

Sorry, I can't sing.

No, okay. That's fine. Um, do you have any for anybody listening like a witch check them out or check her out, but, uh, yeah, before we also leave, is there anywhere that people could find you? Like you talked about creating a social media for, you know, um, to start your influence for these women of Japan. Uh, do you have that out now? Can people find you online?

Yeah, Yuko Sasaki, that's in IG, Instagram.

Okay, so you heard it guys again you go. Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it and yeah, thanks

Thank you. Thank you so much. Bye.