Name: Imani
Hometown: Rockland, New York
Work: Singer and songwriter
Q: What brought you to Japan?
A:I actually had the opportunity to visit Japan in 2006 through the People to People Student Ambassador program in High school. At the time I had a love for Jpop and some anime so I thought it would be a fun trip
Q: How has living in a different country changed your life?
A:It has shown me how there are multiple ways of thinking and doing things and I’ve grown to appreciate my Blackness even more. At home it was easy to access the Black community. Here, I have to specifically seek it out which makes the moments when we come together even more special.I’m also not afraid to try new things. Once you move to a different country with a different language and not a single person looks like you, you learn to just jump into things with a different kind of confidence.
Q: What advice do you have for Black youth and creatives?
A: Just go for it! Even if it’s for a little while. There are over 7 billion people in this world that speak hundreds of languages but in most cases you don’t need to say a single word to learn something new, create a beautiful moment, or build a connection. Home will always be there, but new adventures are priceless. Create for the sake of you first. Someone else out there might also enjoy it too and they will eventually find their way to it.