Today we’d like to introduce you to Takaaki Hirakawa.
Takaaki, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I came from Japan in 2011 to study music (Vocal) at Musicians Institute Hollywood. Graduated in 2013, started working as a musician/performer. I was able to get my artist visa in 2014 and started really working on both stage and music.
As a singer, I released a single/music video last year “Dance To Star” as The Bussers. You can watch it on YouTube, listen on Spotify, Apple Music, google play, etc.
As a performer, I have been on stage (99 seat theatre type) productions such as BLOOD (5 nominations as a production in Stage Raw Theater Award, 2016), SHOUT (2017), but what really changed recently is after I started studying improv at The Second City Hollywood. I’ve been on their premium show (SUPER SEXY SEXY SUPERHERO, 2018), I’ve joined their house sketch team (FEVER DREAMS, 2019-), and founded a historic All Asian sketch comedy group NO SHOES ALLOWED (2019).
English being my second language, studying at The Second City really set me free from mental obstacles speaking English.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Two things I have struggled with are language and cultural differences/finding your uniqueness.
I was raised in Cleveland OH from 4-7 years old so I had a basis of English language. Growing up in Japan I was one of those who could speak and communicate in English way more than others. I was very confident in English. But the very first class I had in music school, the note I got was not about my performance or musicianship. It was about my accent. This broke my confidence and pride significantly. When something you are confident of is being exposed as your fault, it is really tough for a human being. It took me more than three years to come back to feeling comfortable speaking English. But thanks to my friends who hung out with, and constantly exposing myself to native American language, I was able to come back, and now I have practically no accent.
Living in Japan, you were surrounded by fellow Japanese or Asian folks. Meaning I was the majority. I was naturally unique and confident in the way I behaved and acted since I felt no obligation doing anything because you understood the culture, people and the environment. But once I moved to United States, all of a sudden you were a minority. You had to adapt to a different culture. I lost the sense of being unique and rather felt “odd” just existing.
When I look back, the sense of “being majority by nature”, the unconscious confidence that this state of mind brings to you is a significant factor as an individual. Teachers and my mentors always told me to “find your uniqueness” as a performer but back then, I was lost rather than being able to search for it. Now that I have a better understanding on many things and ease to speak in English, it is not hard to say it is better in searching for my own voice. (Although I haven’t found one, or I feel like this will be a life long search)
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a Singer-songwriter/performer. I specialize in writing and performing. I have released a single (Dance To Star – The Bussers) as a Singer-songwriter, and am performing at The Second City Hollywood (FEVER DREAMS, NO SHOES ALLOWED) as writer/performer.
As an individual, I am proud to be a native Japanese coming to the US and working with talented people from around the world here in Los Angeles. I am proud to communicate and perform in English in front of a live audience. Although I know this is a normal thing for native English speakers.
I would like to say that the preparation is what sets me apart from others. I have mentioned so many times by now (Sorry!) but English being my second language, I am always anxious and feared of my ability. All I can do is to prepare better so I feel comfortable performing at any time.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
One significant good luck I had is that my father picking up my call when I told him to study entertainment abroad.
I was studying medical biology in Japan (earned Bachelor’s degree in science) but I was feeling very low back then. I started music after I got into college. Music became my main interest. So naturally, I felt a gap between what I was studying and what I wanted to pursue. One day in the afternoon, when I felt I couldn’t take it anymore, I made a call to my father. Despite the fact, I knew he was working and busy. But he picked it up. I was able to express my feelings and what I really wanted to do. After some time, he accepted me. And gave me words of support. If he hadn’t took my call, I may have rethought about my career, not making a phone call. I may still be in Japan working at a company. Making money but not happy.
Of course, after that I was lucky enough to meet the right people, to propel my career and grow as a human being. I am grateful and lucky that I met so many wonderful people through my life.
Bad luck… I don’t know. I always look at bad luck or failure as a life lesson so I don’t feel depressed for what you cannot control.
Pricing:
- FEVER DREAMS (Monthly sketch comedy show on Wednesday 8pm) – $5
- NO SHOES ALLOWED (Monthly Asian American sketch comedy show, Thursday 8pm) – $10
- DANCE TO STAR (The Bussers) – $0.99
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @takaaki1130
Image Credit:
Kentaro Terra, Serena Creative, Rachel Luna, Brandon Clark, Ed Krieger
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