๐Chelsea Heart๐
Note: This interview was originally published in BaySpo in December 2022. It was initially available only in Japanese, so I've translated it into English for this blog post.
Profile
A squirrel charming anime singer and photographer. Driven by her ambitious aspiration of someday being chosen to sing for an anime theme song, she propels herself forward, despite her own bewilderment. She loves animals (especially squirrels) and nature, and through her own activities (such as singing, photography, and videos), she wants to convey the beauty of nature and coexistence with animals and plants. She shares her work on various social media platforms under the account @sublimesquirrel.
Q: Why did you move to the Bay Area and what were your first impressions?
When I was living in Australia, my husband won a Green Card in the Diversity Lottery, which led us to move to the United States. Until then, I had no interest in America, so I don't think I would have immigrated if it wasn't for this opportunity. We moved to the US in 2009 and lived in Sunnyvale.
Q: What were your first impressions of the Bay Area and how do you feel about it now?
For the first few years, I lived in Sunnyvale and I couldn't drive, so I honestly wondered why everyone admired America and what was so great about it. Now that I live in the East Bay, I can interact with cute squirrels, other animals, and nature, and there are delicious restaurants and a lively atmosphere, making it convenient and wonderful in my opinion.
The cover of my first original song, 'Rain Then Sunshine'
Q: What is your area of expertise?
For me, my expertise is what I love to do, and I think it's okay for it to change over time. My interests are diverse and change with the times, but ever since I was little, I have loved art and creating things with my own hands. I still love creating, both physical like crafts and non physical like digital art and currently, my focus is on art forms like singing and photography. Recently, I was able to release my first original song, and I am now working on my second one. Although I stopped taking photos professionally in 2017, I plan to resume next year with my own unique approach.
Q: What led you to pursue this path?
As for singing, I grew up with a karaoke set at home and often sang with my beloved grandparents, so I've always lived with music in my life. When I grew up, I was known for being the go-to person for karaoke among friends, bosses, juniors, and clients, and I often received CDs with requests to learn specific songs. People started telling me that my singing was healing and moving, and I began to think it would be nice to make a career out of it. But I had convinced myself that there was no way someone like me could make a living from singing, so I would tell myself that I'd be happy as long as I could sing in the bath or car. Around that time, I saw the behind-the-scenes of the production of Akihiro Nishino's "Poupelle of Chimney Town," which he completed by believing in himself and moving forward despite being laughed at and criticized. I was moved by the song Mr. Nishino created and gained courage from him. I suddenly thought it would be nice to be responsible for the theme song of a movie made by Mr. Nishino, who also supports people pursuing their dreams, and that became a significant motivation for me to resume my music making activities.
Volunteer photography in Japan
As for photography, I still receive requests from people who love my photos and want me to take pictures for them. They say it would be a waste to stop altogether. Additionally, I was deeply moved by the heartfelt messages I received in response to some photos I took as a volunteer, and this inspired me to continue in photography.
Q: Please share a success story and a failure story about speaking English if you have any.
I believe that as long as my English is understood, no matter how many mistakes I make, it's a success. And if I receive a "thank you," it's a great success. More than 10 years ago, when I still couldn't speak English very well, I remember being very happy when I was able to guide someone who didn't know where the airport security check was, and they said, "Thank you! Nobody could speak English, and I was in trouble. You really saved me!" It was a double joy, both the delight of having my English understood and being able to help someone (in English, no less).
Q: What is the significance of creative activities for you?
I believe it is the greatest form of self-expression and the greatest contribution to society. It also provides opportunities to meet people with shared values and connect them with each other. Doing what I love, first and foremost, is enjoyable for me, and being able to make others happy by doing something fun and useful is the ultimate happiness. I want everyone involved to be happy and enriched, and I want to embody the idea that even a regular person like me can achieve that, so I am dedicated to my creative activities.
With Summer The Squirrel who has been visiting me almost every day since July 2018
Q: Currently, what kind of house do you live in?
I live in a lovely home in an environment where squirrels come to visit and play.
Q: How do you spend your days off?
I spend my days off driving with my husband, going to delicious restaurants, and playing with my beloved squirrels, depending on my mood and the weather at the time.
Q: What are your favorite places in the Bay Area and its surrounding areas?
I love the University of California, Berkeley, which is close by and has a lively atmosphere with many cute squirrels. I also love magnificent and nature-rich places like Yosemite and Mount Shasta.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant?
"Kiraku" and "Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen."
During my band days, performing live at Anime Expo in LA
Q: If you won a million dollars, how would you use it?
I would love to rent out the Nippon Budokan and perform a live show there! I'd like to give it a try, even if the seats are empty!
Q: What were your thoughts and feelings when you recently returned to Japan?
I thought that Japanese convenience stores are the best and that the quality of Japanese prepared dishes is very high! Also, I truly appreciated the detailed and excellent service. On the other hand, I felt that many people were working overtime and putting on a smile while feeling stressed and unhappy inside. I felt sad that many shops were gone, but at the same time, I was moved by the courage and passion of the owners of delicious restaurants that have become popular after opening during the pandemic.
My first official solo performance at the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival in April 2023
Q: What do you expect from yourself in 5 years?
I hope to be the lead singer of an anime theme song, conveying my thoughts through music, healing people with my singing, and having people share in the emotions and empathy. Also, through my activities and experiences, I want to be a source of hope for those who have given up on their dreams due to age, skill, connections, or money, making them think, "If Chelsea could do it, I can too!"
Q: What are some movies that have influenced you or left an impression on you?
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" is one of them. The movie beautifully expressed, through stunning visuals, music, story, and characters, that death is indeed sad, but it is the presence of death that makes the present precious, and that the existence of death deepens our learning. The driving force of people lies in their hearts, and human thoughts cannot be severed even by death. I love the emphasis on believing and cherishing things that are invisible to the eye, such as the heart, love, and thoughts. I think it's a wonderful work that allows us to experience a range of emotions while reflecting on "now" and "death."
Snapped a selfie while working on a bench, joined by a friendly mother squirrel who happened to drop by
Q: If you were to compare yourself to an animal, which one would it be and why?
I would compare myself to a squirrel. They are tiny yet mighty, and somewhat fleeting. I like being on my own and am a bit shy, but I also have courage. I love nuts, and I tend to stash food that I can't finish, to eat later or sometimes forget about it. I'm a little bit clumsy but also have a playful side, which is why I see myself as a squirrel.
Q: What is your motto?
My motto is โๅฟ็ใใใ็ช็ช็้ฒ/Kokoro moetara chototsumoushin" which roughly translates to โIf your heart is inspired, charge forward with determination." I used to be easily influenced by the opinions of those who are famous or have a track record, rather than my own thoughts. So, I decided that when I want to do something, I should believe in myself and move forward without being swayed by what others say. I chose this motto because of my love for "Demon Slayer" and the strong determination it represents.