Name: Ebony
Hometown: New York, USA
Work: Singer, Voice Actor, and Livestreamer
Q: What brought you to Japan?
A: I was also enamored with Japanese music when I was in high school. I was introduced to Japanese music from anime and Japanese pop culture, and I really liked the way the language sounded and that’s what started my interest in Japanese culture. And as I got older, I realized that I really wanted to know how to speak this language, I want to be able to sing and be able to understand what is being said. When I got into college, I focused on the Japanese language as my major in Asian studies, and then after college I came directly to Japan and I’ve been here for thirteen years.
Q: How has living in a different country changed your life?
A: It’s completely changed my life. I don’t know if I would be the woman that I am now if I stayed in my home country. I realize it’s a privilege and it’s something that I am thankful for everyday that I am here. It’s definitely made me way more worldly.
Q: What advice do you have for Black youth and creatives?
A: For Black youth, don’t let negativity stop you from doing what you want to do. Have all that negativity and energy change you, and make you want to do it more. Because we don’t live in a perfect world, and you’re going to have negativity and positivity. It may come from family, it may come from friends or strangers. Take it in, try your best to form it into something positive, and use it so you can make your dreams come true. For creatives, your vision is unique and it matters. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. Others may not see it, but stick to it. Your willingness to stick to it is what will make you different. If you change and try to do what everyone else is doing, it’s not the same. If you stick to your vision, and don’t have people on board with you now, just stick with it. That perseverance is what is going to make you stand out.