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Daily Inspiration: Meet Miyuki Matsunaga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miyuki Matsunaga

Hi Miyuki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Miyuki Matsunaga – Spiritual Actor, Singer, Yoga Therapist, and Tuning Fork Frequency Healer

Miyuki Matsunaga is a multi-talented artist and healer based in Los Angeles, effortlessly blending the worlds of acting, singing, yoga, and holistic therapy. Originally from Japan, Miyuki’s artistic journey took a pivotal turn in 1997 when she won a scholarship to the prestigious Winners USA National Dance Program, organized by Tony Selznick, Russell Clark, and Barbara Uemura. After a three-month solo backpacking adventure across the U.S., she relocated to Los Angeles in 1999, where her career in film, television, and theater flourished.

Miyuki is renowned for her original ‘GETA DANCE ART’ ©, a Japanese fusion of dance, vocals, and live calligraphy performing art. She has worked extensively across Europe and the United States as both a performer and actress and continues to take on projects worldwide. Her versatility extends to being a bilingual emcee for banquets, concerts, and other events, alongside directing music videos and theatrical musicals.

In 2017, Miyuki founded WAVE STUDIO, a non-profit organization in Torrance, California, dedicated to acting, dance, yoga, vocal training, martial arts, arts and crafts, mindfulness, and healing arts. Initially established for the Japanese community, the studio now serves students globally, including those in Japan.

Miyuki’s holistic journey led her to train extensively in the U.S., Japan, and India, becoming a certified yoga therapist and frequency healer specializing in Tuning Forks. Her classes, including the Tuning Fork Frequency Healing Certification course, have reached over 5,000 students worldwide. Her workshops in Japan consistently attract large audiences, and she now participates in various psychic and healing fairs across the U.S. Her diverse talents and dedication to her craft make her a true force in both the entertainment and wellness industries.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path I’ve walked hasn’t been an easy one; it’s been a thorny and challenging road. Although I was invited to the U.S. for dance, my skills didn’t resonate here. I decided to focus on acting, but without a work visa, I couldn’t find employment for the entertainment industry at all. Financially as well, I was constantly on the brink.

It took 10 years after arriving in the U.S. before I finally obtained a work visa. From there, I began taking on background roles in films and TV, creating an original performing art that combined Japanese dance with calligraphy, teaching dance and yoga classes, and even establishing a studio. After 20 years in America, I finally reached a point where I could support myself solely through the work I truly love—acting, singing, and healing through my practice.

When I started my original performing art, ‘GETA DANCE ART,’ where I perform wearing edgy self-made kimonos and geta, dancing and singing like wild, elemental creatures, I faced significant challenges. Since my art was completely different from traditional Japanese performances, I received a lot of criticism from people who deeply respect the traditional ways. However, after a couple of tough years, people began to recognize that my performance was not just different but uniquely my own. Gradually, they started to accept it, and even give my some compliments.

I’m incredibly grateful for that. But without those 20 tough years, I wouldn’t be able to communicate in English as I do now, nor would I have developed the strength and depth in my acting, singing, and healing therapy work. I now see that all the struggles had meaning, and I’m filled with gratitude for each of them.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Miyuki gained some recognition for her role as “Momoko” in the Netflix hit “Day Shift,” where she shared the screen with stars like Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg. She also appeared in Warner Brothers’ “Harley Quinn – Birds of Prey” as Mrs. Keo played a role with Ewan Mcgregor, and took on lead roles in “Rasch und mit Feuer,” “Midori in Hawaii” on Amazon Prime, as well as “Tales of the Valley of the Wind” and “100 Ways to Die.” She recently joined a short film “Hafu” shoot in Chicago.

Beyond film, Miyuki’s talents have been featured in commercials for major brands, including a global campaign for a credit card company and a healthcare organization. Her voice is also in demand, with work spanning commercials, movie dubbing, YouTube and video games. And she also has experience working on a multi-camera comedy show with a well-known director for the industry.

With her exceptional acting skills, even more exciting projects are on the horizon, Miyuki continues to offer Tuning Fork sessions and private and group coaching in acting, vocals, meditation, breathing techniques, and spiritual wisdom.

For inquiries and class bookings, visit her website at miyukiart.com and miyukiwave.com.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
As everyone says: work hard, keep going, don’t give up, and get used to rejection. As an actor who auditions almost every day, rejection has become a normal part of life. But if you keep working hard at what you love and give 200% to each job you get, opportunities will come your way.

Mistakes often come with things you care about. I’ve failed at many things and embarrassed myself too. The key is to investigate why it happened, learn from it, and move on. If you can avoid making the same mistake, even if you make a different one, you should be proud of yourself because you’ve grown in that area.

I also recommend incorporating some form of meditation or healing practice into your life, whether through inner work, spending time in nature, or seeking help from others. When you quiet your busy mind, you gain clarity in your daily choices, which is crucial when looking at the bigger picture. By addressing and healing your traumas, you get to know and love yourself more deeply, and you won’t be bothered by small things. With mindfulness, you can be kinder to yourself and others, and work more efficiently.

Don’t forget that your health comes first! Once you lose your healthy state, your energy levels drop, leading to a lack of motivation, interest, and curiosity, which can make you lazy. Eat healthy exercise! Keeping your health in check ensures that you can continue working hard and stay engaged.

No one wants to hire someone who doesn’t live their own life fully or who has a victim mentality. Be the person you’d want to hire yourself!

Pricing:

  • $99 zoom tuning fork healing and reading
  • $50/1.5h acting coaching
  • $40/1.5h voice & vocal training
  • $99/3h spiritual coaching
  • $40/1h yoga tuning fork therapy

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Miyuki Matsunaga
Headshot: Van Urfalian Photographs

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