Cuppa with Akami

Who is your hero?

Anh Do

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Melbourne. I’m originally from Japan, so I’ve already achieved the dream to live where I want to.

What was your first job?

Checkout chick at a supermarket when I as 17.

If money was no object, what would you do all day?

Perform. I’m a stand-up comedian. I love making people laugh. I’m also love taking lessons in singing, acting and dancing. I would love to combine all of the skills in my show one day.

What is your favourite book or movie?

Mrs Doubtfire

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Noodle soup

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

Edamame for a snack

Do you love or hate rollercoasters?

Metaphorically, I love rollercoaster situations in life if they are good ones.

I don’t mind rollercoasters at amusement parks but I can only ride once a day nowadays. If I ride more I get sick.

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

A 4 seasons waterproof tent, a fishing rod and a good pillow.

What was your favourite subject in school?

English

Do you collect anything?

Magnets from where I travelled.

Who was your favourite teacher? Why?

Mr Murata at my primary school. He as kind and fun.

Why did you get involved in the production of “Flourishing”?

To test and expand my performing skills

Who is your favourite character in the show and why?

Florence Nightingale. Her dedication to help and recover the wounded, and courage to stand up for herself.

Florence Nightingale was known as the lady with the lamp because she spent time with her patients and really stepped into their darkness and cared for them. Who is a person who is not a family member who stepped into your life and helped you flourish?

A friend who lives in Colac. I met her through a Japanese drumming group in Melbourne, Murasaki Daiko, 20+ years ago. She’s been there for me whenever I needed her whether happy or sad. She encouraged me to peruse any interests that I had in various times of my life. I value our friendship very much. She even came to see my solo show at the comedy festival from Colac this year. It made me really happy.

Vincent van Gogh dreamed of people being deeply moved by his art.

If you had all the talent in the world, what kind of art would you want to be creating?

Anything form of performing arts.

Helen Keller once said: “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

What is your “one thing” you can offer to help a person in a tough place flourish?

Find humour even in a tough situation. To make people laugh. People need that especially when they are going through difficult time. I’m also a good listener.

What messages, thoughts, and/or feelings would you like the audience to leave with after watching “Flourishing”?

Follow your gut. Trust your instinct. Reach out when you are overwhelmed. You will find help with what you need if you reach out. Keep talking to friends and other people until you find the right help. Keep perusing your interests and dreams as this will give you hopes. Don’t give up.