Meet Rina Maejima | Musical theater performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rina Maejima and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rina, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
At the end of my career, I see myself as a wide window offering a clear view of the world for those who seek new adventures.

Not just becoming a performer, but also becoming someone who can inspire people, and tell/teach this beautiful world of “performing” to the next generation.

I’ve always dreamed of becoming a musical theater star on Broadway, and that aspiration hasn’t changed. As a Japanese actress, winning a Tony Award is a significant career goal. However, I see it as a steppingstone, not a finish line. My passion for performing keeps me driven to continually grow and explore.

During my nearly two-year stay in Miyakojima, Okinawa, where my mother’s family originates, I discovered a new purpose for my career: to introduce musical theater to the island’s young people who have never experienced it.
They see what the Broadway, musical theater, and NYC is through me. This is a surely huge responsibility and have no substitute…only I can do this.
So, I call this new purpose “being a window” and set it as a new career goal.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a classical voice trained musical theater performer.
If I name it, there are so many performers who have the same training background on Broadway.
But I’m a petite Asian performer with a youthful appearance, and I defy the expectations.
These all can be cons when you compete with hundreds of candidates in the audition. But I believe or want to believe that the con is your strength. You just need to know how to use it.

I think I have achieved certain things. Yet, I am constantly searching better way to use my strengths.
“How can I enhance this show/song with my gifts?”

It is unwavering fact that there are tons of Asian artist who are thinking like me. Or even better than me.
we just need to be seen more often by the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Broadway musical/play for sure!!! I can give some advice which show to go depends on their taste of music.

Also, I always like to bring people somewhere has a seasonal event! Even better if I also never been there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents, especially my mother for sure!

Pursuing a career in performance is undeniably risky. Many of my music school classmates opted for more stable professions. However, my parents have been unwavering in their support, encouraging me to chase my dream. They dedicated themselves to providing me with the best education and training possible.

My mother is the driving force behind our family. She manages our finances, pushes me to reach new heights, and continues to inspire me with her unwavering spirit. Despite being in her seventies and recently widowed, she remains passionately committed to her work and cheers me on from her home on the small island in Japan.

Website: https://www.rinamaejima.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinamaejima/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rina-maejima-5220a3161

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rina.maejima.98

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rinamaejima9075

Image Credits
Headshot— SyC Photograph (https://www.sy-chounchaisit.com/)

Photos at the sea—- atnek_anam_photo