Johanna Yukiko Haneda shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Johanna Yukiko , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
For a long time, I had forgotten what true joy felt like, especially after losing my beloved Chihuahua. Even before that, joy often felt distant.
The loss of my Chihuahua deepened my stress into trauma, which began to take a toll on my body. I experienced weight gain, hair loss, hip pain, and arthritis in my hands. At one point, I couldn’t even hold chopsticks, and I was limping when I walked. Despite all this, my blood tests came back normal. Doctors offered pain medication and even recommended hip replacement. The medication dulled the pain temporarily, but real healing didn’t come.
I’ve practiced breath and voice healing since I was three years old—using vocal toning to balance body and mind. But this time, I knew I needed help beyond what I already knew. It was a crucial realization that led me to begin exploring other healing practices. I found that focusing mindfully on each part of the body helped deepen and expand my own work.
Through this process, I’ve learned how to realign my nervous system and restore harmony between my body and mind. This journey of rediscovering joy was not easy, but it was worth it. That’s when I felt true joy return—not as a fleeting emotion, but as a state of deep connection and vitality.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I began my professional career as a singer, debuting with Sony Records in 1988. Singing has always been more than just a profession—it’s my healing tool and a way to connect deeply with others. When the pandemic hit in 2020, and the world paused, I felt called to share the healing methods that had supported me for so long. Even if it helped just one person, I knew it would be worth it. That intention led me to publish a book and eventually establish my company, Million Breath LLC.
At the core of Million Breath is healing, a fundamental aspect of life. Through my work, I’ve observed that most suffering can be categorized into three areas: health, relationships, and finances. I guide individuals to rediscover their inner healing tools, fostering self-love and mental clarity. This clarity is a catalyst for making better choices in all aspects of life, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.
Most recently, I published 19 Days of Somatic Healing Workbook: Grounding Practices to Reclaim Your Authentic Self — A Coloring & Reflection Journal. This workbook grew out of my healing journey and is designed to help others reconnect with their bodies, process emotions gently, and reclaim authenticity through daily practices of grounding, reflection, and creativity. It is both a personal offering and a gift of healing I created for my mother, and now share with anyone seeking a simple yet powerful path to wholeness.
Interestingly, when it comes to financial challenges, transparent and mindful bookkeeping can be a powerful diagnostic tool. It reveals where you stand and helps reduce stress, creating space for better decisions. That realization inspired me to expand my offerings to include bookkeeping services, infused with the same care and intention as my healing work.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Sometimes, it takes only a small gesture or a few careless words to break the bond between people, especially when those words hurt or when we believe we’ve hurt someone else. What often follows is a flood of emotions that overwhelms our sense of self-worth and clouds our ability to think clearly. I’ve been in that space many times, and I know how easy it is to get stuck there, even to the point of turning pain inward and hurting ourselves.
However, over time, I’ve come to realize that restoration begins within. When I focus on my body and truly listen—especially to my breath—it becomes a pathway back to myself. The breath holds so much information if we take the time to notice it. It might sound simple, but step by step, when you bring gentle attention to each part of your body and engage in an honest conversation with your breath, you begin to break free from those negative patterns.
Reconnection—with yourself first—is what ultimately restores the bond with others. It opens space for compassion, clarity, and healing.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, many times. I’ve been a single mother for a long time, and after the devastating earthquake in Japan in 2011, I lost my home and my family’s business. Strangely, I didn’t lose hope then. Instead, I made a bold decision to relocate to the United States with my children and our pet Chihuahua. Because I had a career as a singer alongside our family business, I was fortunate to obtain a legal visa.
But the most challenging part came after we arrived. Unlike those who relocated through a company or as students, I had to figure out everything on my own—from setting up basic utilities to navigating a completely different healthcare system. I had to find schools for my children and could rarely work because I couldn’t leave them alone. Financially, we were highly vulnerable.
There were moments, especially when driving alone when I wondered if my life insurance might make things easier for my children if I were to pass away. But then I would think—no. It’s not just about money. They need love. They need me.
The bottom doesn’t last forever. But when you think things might get better, another challenge often appears. Each time I was knocked down, lying there emotionally and physically exhausted, I would almost give up. But in those quiet moments, I’d see the faces of my children and my pets. I would feel my shallow breath, and that breath would bring me back. One breath at a time, I chose to return.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe that no one can fully show their true self all the time—not even to themselves. We’re all on a profound journey of self-discovery, constantly evolving, and part of this journey is understanding what “authentic” truly means for each of us.
With this in mind, I make a conscious effort to be sincere and genuine when I present myself to the public. I do not aim to construct a flawless image. Instead, I strive to depict my current state with transparency, openness, and honesty. The ‘public me’ is not a separate entity from the real me; it is a part of the whole that is constantly unfolding.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Honestly, if my loved ones are happy and strong enough to live their lives, I would be content even if they don’t remember me. I don’t need a legacy in words or stories. Just knowing that they are living fully and joyfully would be enough.
But if there is something to say—especially from my children—I hope it’s this: “I’m glad I was born into this world as her child.” That alone would be the greatest blessing I could ever receive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.millionbreath.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jyhsing_/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millionbreath
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@millionbreath
