Today we’d like to introduce you to SAYUMI INO
Hi SAYUMI, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello, my name is Sayumi Ino, and I am a professional Japanese dancer actively engaged in various entertainment projects both in Japan and internationally.
My journey as a dancer began at an early age, fueled by a deep love for performing in front of an audience. A pivotal moment that set me on this career path was watching the Japanese audition TV show ASAYAN when I was nine years old. That particular season featured auditions for the third generation of Morning Musume, a nationally renowned idol group. I was deeply moved by the intense emotions, passionate words, and fierce determination of the contestants, and at that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Determined to follow my dreams, I moved from my hometown of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, to Tokyo. In the beginning, I worked part-time while attending numerous dance classes to refine my skills and expand my network. As I gained experience, I started securing more dance opportunities and actively auditioned for various projects. While I faced many rejections along the way, I never gave up because I was determined to achieve my dream.
In 2018, after years of relentless effort, perseverance, and invaluable connections, I had the privilege of being selected as a tour dancer for HIROOMI TOSAKA (OMI), the vocalist of Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS, for his first solo nationwide arena tour. Additionally, I was chosen as one of six female dancers—out of over 200 auditionees—for the musical FLAGLIA THE MUSICAL Yukite Kaerishi Monogatari, which featured prominent artists such as Yoshikuni Douchin from CHEMISTRY and Yoonhak from the K-pop group Supernova.
These experiences have further solidified my passion for dance and performance, and I am eager to continue growing as an artist on a global stage.
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?
Overcoming Challenges and Professional Growth
Looking back, my journey may seem like a smooth path, but in reality, it was forged through countless personal battles and perseverance.
When I moved to Tokyo at the age of 20, I initially supported myself through part-time jobs. However, within two to three years, I was able to transition into making a living solely through dance. For this, I am deeply grateful.
Just two years after moving to Tokyo, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a backup dancer and choreographer for angela, a world-renowned anisong duo that holds a Guinness World Record. Over the course of five years, I performed in numerous concerts, concert tours, music festivals, and television appearances with them.
Simultaneously, I was also involved in the globally popular Persona series, where I worked as both a motion capture actor and choreographer for Persona 4: Dancing All Night on PlayStation Vita. I was responsible for the main character, Chie Satonaka, bringing her dance movements to life.
Although these achievements might appear as a smooth progression, the reality was far from easy. At the time, I was still a young and developing professional dancer. Being entrusted with roles in globally recognized projects and working with highly respected artists came with immense responsibility and pressure. I constantly pushed myself to meet expectations, confronted my own shortcomings, and faced moments of frustration when I couldn’t perform as well as I had hoped.
However, I never stopped giving my all. Each experience was an opportunity for growth, and despite the challenges, I remained dedicated to my craft. I am forever grateful to the people who placed their trust in me, believing in my potential and giving me the chance to prove myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
A Diverse Dance Career and International Activities
My work spans various fields, including being a backup dancer for artists, a musical theater dancer, a motion capture actor for games and anime, a choreographer for voice actors and idols, as well as a dance instructor and mentor. My greatest strength is my ability to adapt beyond boundaries, working across different genres and industries.
What I am most proud of is the fact that my skills are recognized and sought after in a wide range of fields, from artists to the anime and gaming industries. My motto is “never create limits.” In other words, I strive to transcend all boundaries. I have always lived by this principle, and my continuous efforts and dedication have led to the diverse career I have today.
One of my most notable achievements is being selected as one of the ten tour dancers (five male, five female) for OMI (Hiroomi Tosaka) of Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS on his first nationwide arena tour in Japan. Additionally, I had the honor of performing as a lead dancer in the music video for “Yes we are” by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS. Beyond the music industry, I also took part in one of the world’s largest automotive events, the Tokyo Motor Show, where I performed as the main dancer for Toyota. During this event, which attracted approximately 1.31 million attendees, I delivered performances that embodied futuristic themes.
My work is not limited to Japan; I have also been involved in international projects. For example, I was responsible for dance training for “Quadlips,” an overseas sister group of AKB48, contributing to the improvement of their performance skills. This experience allowed me to refine my ability to communicate and teach effectively, even in multicultural and multilingual environments.
My greatest strength is my ability to work seamlessly across different countries, languages, and genres, leveraging my extensive experience to perform and contribute on a global scale. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had to share my skills in diverse fields, and I am committed to continuing to expand the possibilities of dance beyond borders.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sayumi_ino/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/tPNsx8qrLHI?si=vXMXfTCutY_2DCbk
Image Credits
SAYUMI INO
