billboard women in music

Billboard Japan’s Women in Music initiative launched in 2022 to celebrate artists, producers and executives who have made significant contributions to music and entertainment and inspired other women through their work, following the footsteps of Billboard’s annual Women in Music honors since 2007. This interview series featuring female players in the Japanese entertainment industry is one of the highlights of Japan’s WIM project.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

U.S.-based dancer Shiori Murayama spoke with writer Rio Hirai for the latest installment of the series. Murayama started dancing when she was 6 and built her career in the U.S., performing in some of the most prestigious events in today’s entertainment including the Super Bowl halftime show and Coachella. She shared her thoughts on the cultural differences she experienced in the U.S., the challenges she faced as a female dancer, and her dreams for the future.

You started dancing at the age of 6 and moved to the U.S. by yourself after graduating high school. What were some of the differences you felt when you went abroad from Japan?

Trending on Billboard

I was impressed by how friendly and unpretentious everyone was. I started taking classes without knowing much English yet, but my classmates were much more open in sharing praise and telling me what they thought was good, which felt new to me. The atmosphere during classes and even during rehearsals is really relaxed, but when it’s time to run through the routine, they go full out. Obviously I don’t mean to say that dancers in Japan do things halfway, but people here are very focused on the actual performance and put lots of energy in rehearsals.

Would you say that difference in stance is something anyone who has been dancing all their lives in Japan would feel when they go to the U.S.?

Yes. I also feel that there’s less hierarchy in the U.S. I came here on an artist visa in July 2023, so it’s been less than two years. When I got a job and went to the studio, there were some famous dancers that I knew about through the media, but even they would treat me in a friendly manner without making me feel like I was beneath them. There are lots of projects that are short-term, ranging from a week to a month, and even in that short period of time, there’s good teamwork and everyone treats me kindly for the most part. People are just nice.

You’ve performed on some of the most sought-after stages in entertainment, like the Super Bowl halftime show and Coachella. Has it hit you that it’s pretty amazing to have accomplished these feats as a dancer from Japan?

I didn’t really feel it immediately after the performances, but when I received warm messages from everyone and when I watched the videos of my performances, it hit me that I had really done those things.

Are you seeing a trend toward Asians being able to perform on such stages?

I’d say it depends on the artist, but there are many projects that are culturally, racially, and gender mixed these days. Maybe Asian dancers are being hired intentionally because of the current popularity of K-pop in the music industry. I’ve never felt any barriers based on race or gender in the projects I’ve participated in. I suppose there might be instances where an artist goes, “I only want black dancers for this song” or “Only white dancers for this song,” but I feel that the range of activities available to Asian dancers like myself has expanded since I came to the U.S.

Still, it’s true that there are differences in body shape and appearance between Japanese and Americans. When I don’t make the cut, I sometimes wonder, “Maybe I was judged on my appearance?” But there’s a limit to how big I can get by training at the gym, and there’s nothing I can do about the difference in physique I was born with. I try to leverage my strengths that aren’t in that area. 

What do you think are your selling points, as you work in your current environment?

I have very fair skin to begin with, which I take in a good way because it makes it easier to recognize me onstage. And I have very long hair at the moment, so I often get complimented on my hair. People also tell me that my dancing is really powerful. Despite having a thin build, people are often surprised by the power I bring to my performances, and I think that’s one of my key strengths.

How do you think being a woman has affected you?

I believe that the female body has its own unique movements and expressiveness. I’m always trying to explore expression by imagining myself dancing to a song, like, “I could make this part more supple,” or “I could make it more feminine, attractive, and sexy.”

When I performed LISA’s song “Elastigirl” at Coachella recently, the choreography expressed the sexiness and strength of women. I wore heels, and tight clothes from rehearsals to be conscious of the shape of my body, paid attention to the angle of my neck, things like that to present myself and give a performance in a way that only a woman can, in my unique way of expression.

In what ways do you feel that dancing in the U.S. suits you better than back home?

My powerful style works better here. In Japan, women are often appreciated for their flexibility, but since my dance is powerful, I can express the many facets of a woman. I feel that I have more opportunities in the U.S. to showcase my powerful moves and stylish choreography with intricate footwork. Also, Japanese people tend to prefer being like everyone else, but I like that there are many opportunities to express my individuality in the U.S.

Have you ever experienced any setbacks or come up against a wall in your long dancing career?

To be honest, I don’t remember any major setbacks, but I did experience some difficulties. After I completed my dance major in college, I was able to work in the U.S. for a year on OPT (Optional Practical Training, an internship-like visa). Until then, I wasn’t allowed to earn money as a student, so although I had connections with choreographers, I couldn’t work. I saw the people around me getting hired and wanted to be like them.

My dream was to switch to an O1 visa, so when I made it to the final round of an audition I participated in, I was elated, thinking, “If I get this job, I might be able to switch visas.” But in the end, a Japanese dancer who was a good friend got the job and I didn’t. Of course I was happy for my friend, but it was still a shock. The same day, I was scheduled to work as an assistant for a workshop, but was told that I didn’t have to come in because their usual assistant was available. It was quite hard when things like that happened simultaneously.

Some people, when they’re young, can be afraid of making mistakes or hesitate to take on challenges because they think they need to become better at it first. What would you say to encourage someone like that?

The other day, my mother said to me, “You won’t succeed unless you take on challenges” and I totally agree with her. If you like (dancing), I’d like you to have fun doing it before anything else. Of course, you’d need to train to improve your skills if you want to make it your career. Dance is such a deep field and taking hip-hop for example, there are many different styles within that genre. Watch different people, be influenced by them, and challenge yourself as much as possible.

A lot of times, things turn out all right when you take that first step even though you’re afraid to. I’d rather you regret doing something than regret not doing it.

What are some challenges you’d like to take on in the future?

For a long time, I’ve wanted to become a dancer who works on a global scale. I want to participate in a world tour and perform in Japan as well. Also, my family has supported me since I started dancing… no, since I was born, so I want to give back to them through the stage.

—This interview by Rio Hiral (SOW SWEET PUBLISHING) first appeared on Billboard Japan

Billboard Japan’s Women in Music initiative launched in 2022 to celebrate artists, producers and executives who have made significant contributions to music and inspired other women through their work, in the same spirit as Billboard’s annual Women in Music honors since 2007. This interview series featuring female players in the Japanese entertainment industry is one of the highlights of Japan’s WIM project.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Rena Yamazaki chatted with writer Rio Hirai in the latest installment of the series. The former idol group member continues to express her thoughts on society and culture through her regular TOKYO FM radio show “Rena Yamazaki’s Things I Wanted to Talk to Someone About” and her writing. The 27-year-old shared her feelings about moving from being an idol performer to working in the world of journalism, the possibilities for women’s careers, and the importance of speaking out.

What changes have you felt compared to when you used to be an idol performer?

Trending on Billboard

The biggest change is that I’ve started to be involved in news programs. I appeared in a special program on the Upper House elections in the summer of 2022, just before I graduated from the group, and since then I’ve been invited to appear on shows like Sunday Japon, Wake Up, Mr. Sunday and ABEMA Prime. I was interested in politics and the economy since when I was an idol, but never had a chance to talk about them. Now I’m being asked for my opinion more and feel that’s a big change.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a radio personality?

It’s a place where I can take time to convey my thoughts in my own words. I also like how I can get close to my listeners and hear all sorts of stories through the messages I receive. Unlike TV, there’s the difficulty of trying to convey things using only your voice and words without relying on visuals, but that’s also part of the appeal.

Is there any difference in your stance towards work between your idol days and now?

When I was an idol, my stance was to do my best within the role I was given. But now, I think about the way I work and have more opportunities to express my own opinion, so I’ve become more proactive. That means I have more responsibility, but the pressure is a good stimulus.

It’s unusual for former idols to go into journalism. What do you think about the second careers of other idols?

Everyone has their own path to take after graduating from being an idol, but many of them go on to become actresses. Even when I was still in the group, I liked studying things of all genres and using words to communicate, and also had opportunities to appear on TV shows, so I wanted to continue doing work that made use of my intellectual curiosity. That’s why I chose to go into radio and writing.

How did you feel when you were first tapped to be a TV commentator?

I was surprised at first, because I never thought I’d be offered a role in a special program covering the results of the Upper House elections. My management team at the time asked me, “We’ve been offered this, what do you think?” and I thought, “It’d be a challenge worth taking on.” I asked them their decision and they said, “We think it’d be good for your career and a good learning experience,” so I was able to make up my mind to give it my best.

Were you always interested in politics and social issues?

I studied media theory and writing techniques at university, and was also interested in politics and economics. I had friends who went into journalism, and I also regularly read newspapers and online articles. But I never intended to make it my career. Once I started working in the field, though, I felt I needed to study more, so I started reading books and talking to experts.

Has anything surprised you while working in the media?

That what I say has more influence than I thought. Even casual comments can be spread on social media and misunderstood, or even lead to slander. I try to choose my words carefully more than ever before.

When celebrities speak out about politics, they’re often criticized. What do you think about that?

Well, it’s true that when I talk about politics, people sometimes say things like, “You’re a smart-aleck” or “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” But I also think that if I don’t say anything, nothing will change. In fact, it feels like when young women talk about politics, they’re met with stronger opposition than when men do so. For example, when a man in his sixties talks about the same thing, he’s seen as calm and logical, but when a woman in her twenties talks about it, she’s seen as arrogant or trying to act mature.

That’s why I think it’s important to keep speaking out. My views may not always agree with those of viewers and may say something wrong at times, but if I keep quiet, people will end up thinking that young people don’t care about politics. I want to show that there are people who do care and think about it.

In today’s age of social media, what are your thoughts on how information should be disseminated?

Anyone can freely express their opinions nowadays, but I feel that this also means people have a greater responsibility for what they say. In particular, in the world of journalism, what you say can be taken out of context and misinterpreted, so I’ve become more careful about the words I choose.

Extreme opinions tend to spread easily on social media, and it can be hard to have calm discussions. In this context, I think it’s important to make your position clear, but also to offer constructive opinions rather than fueling confrontation. That’s why I try to say “I don’t know” when I don’t understand something, and want to keep being open to listening carefully to what experts have to say.

What do you think is necessary for women’s opinions to be heard?

First of all, I think it’s important to have more opportunities to speak out. I also think that we need to create an environment where women don’t feel afraid to speak out, but rather feel that it’s natural to do so. My ideal is to have a society where people who believe women’s opinions should be equally respected become the majority.

What do you think is necessary for idols and female celebrities to have lasting careers?

I think it’s particularly true in the idol industry that it’s hard for women to have long-lasting careers. It’s easy for “youth” to become part of their value, and in some cases, the range of their activities narrows as they get older. That’s why, when I was still an idol, I wanted to find other work that I could do. That’s how I was able to take the first step into fields like radio and writing, which aren’t restricted by age. What would be ideal is an environment where it’d be easy to return after leaving once, and where women could build up their careers more freely.

What do you think is necessary to make it easier for women to play a more active role in the entertainment industry?

I think it’s important to create a better environment for mental health care. More entertainment agencies are providing access to mental health counselors now, but I feel that there’s still a lack of awareness of the importance of mental health care.

When did you first become aware of the importance of mental health care?

When I was in university. At the time, I found it hard to balance my idol activities with my studies, so I sometimes went to a mental health clinic. Many people feel uncomfortable about seeking this kind of support, but from my own experience, I think it’s necessary to protect yourself.

What would you like to try in the future? And is there anything you want to share with our readers?

I’m planning on publishing two books this year, and currently preparing for that. I also want to continue doing what I’ve been doing as long as possible. I want to tell all my listeners to take care of their bodies and minds. Ultimately, only you can protect yourself. I hope that you’ll remember to take care of yourself, with support from the people around you.

This interview by Rio Hirai (SOW SWEET PUBLISHING) first appeared on Billboard Japan