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by maiko uchida

Where were you born?

in Providence, Rhode Island, USA

What did you want to do when you were a child? What were you interested in?

I just wanted to be happy. I grew up in a divorced family and it was very hard on me. I felt like I had to grow-up too fast. I've always enjoyed making people laugh, but I never seriously thought about doing it for a living. I've always loved the outdoors and meeting people 'different' from me.

What were you like in school?

In high school and college I was a very serious student. I enjoyed high school very much, but in college I always felt a bit like a caged animal- my running and school felt like a full time job. Also, I really didn't know what I wanted to study in college.

Tell us about your experiences as Ranked 2nd in American Track & Field 1500 meters and Alaskan Fisherman,

Running like the wind effortlessly was an amazing feeling, but after I graduated Stanford in 1990, the next Olympics were in 1992. One must be extremely focused and hungry as a professional athlete and I didn't want to commit another 2 years of my life just to running. It had been a great experience, but as my coach used to say, "When the gum loses its flavor, spit it out."

Being an Alaskan fisherman was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The power and beauty of the animals and forces of nature are inspiring and humbling. Living in modern America & Japan its easy to forget that we are animals too, and that to retain vibrant lives we must continually re-connect with nature. I remember waking up at 4:30 in the morningto cut fish heads and put them on hooks--hundreds of them. I was thinking to myself, 'What in God's name am I doing this for? I've got a collegee diploma." But that's exactly what made it such a memorable and growth-filled experience.

2001- present President BC Light, LLC specializing in US-Japanese entertainment: public speaking, acting/comedy, cultural consulting, translating services
2000-present SAG actor in Hollywood
1992-present The first professional, non-Japanese Rakugokatraditional Japanese comedic storyteller, performing internationally. Employed by Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a cultural ambassador to the United Kingdom and United States, and by the Ministry of Education appearing in national junior high and high school text books. Regular columnist for Japanese newspapers and magazines, and TV/radio personality. Extensive overseas travel including Iran and N. Korea
1991-1992 Top salesman for Savin's color copier division in San Francisco Bay area
1991 Alaskan fisherman for king salmon and black cod
1990 Graduated Stanford University.

Why did you decide to become a rakugo-ka?

Master Rakugoka Katsura Shijaku studied English at my small English conversation school. One day I was asked to try Rakugo in English with him. I said OK.

What kinds of things inspire rakugo in you?

Making people laugh gives me a natural powerful high.

How long have you been doing rakugo?

on my futon in my 4.5/yojo-han in Osaka, every morning and every night Then before a big show with Shijaku I'd go to his house and he'd critique me.

What does rakugo mean to you?

A universal cultural bridge of laughter

Who are your favorite rakugo-ka?

Shijaku and his deshi Kujaku.

Who are your comedy/rakugo influences?

Shijaku and his deshi Kujaku and all the people around me that I see everyday

What about your efforts to export "rakugo laughter" overseas?

I love it. It's my dream to use Rakugo in English as a way to build bridges between different cultures by showing them that we are all more alike than different human beings. I do classical Rakugo stories, modified versions, and new stories. As long as I don't do stories that rely on a lot of Japanese 'Share' non-Japanese can enjoy Rakugo too.

What was it about those particular actor/ actress that attracted your attention?

Peter Sellers and Curly of the Three Stooges

Give us a brief actor history of yourself!

I've been pursuing acting in Hollywood for 4 years. It's tough. I'm a SAG actor and acting has helped me grow immensly as a person. I've done a lot of films, but nothing on the big screen yet. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Anything can happen at anytime in this town.

What is your goal of life?

My goal in life now is do what fulfills me. In the past I've excelled at things because I felt that was what I should do or had to do because of family and societal pressures. I want a career that is creatively, financially, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually fulfilling. I'd also like to get married and have a family someday.

Where do you want to be a year from now?

In a place where I am loved and happy.

Where do you want to be 10 years from now?

Same as above, but also add a nice house filled with my family.

If you could give any message to youth who want to be a rakugo-ka today, what would you tell them?'

Do it because you love it, no matter what anyone else says to you.

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