We are delighted to present the luminous Yoko Matsuda as the cover star for our December 2024 Women Empowerment issue. Photographed by the visionary Ken Hirama, with impeccable hair and makeup artistry by Yushi Tanimoto, this stunning shoot took place at the serene and inspiring Onion Inc., owned by Naomi Kawata.

Yoko Matsuda is more than an actress; she is a multifaceted artist, humanitarian, and trailblazer whose powerful performances and heartfelt advocacy have captivated and inspired many. With resilience, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to empowerment, she redefines societal norms and champions change.

In this exclusive feature, Yoko shares her journey as an actress, activist, and UNHCR advocate, the life lessons that shaped her, and her unwavering passion for making a difference. Step into her world of vision, strength, and boundless inspiration as we celebrate the essence of true empowerment.

Women's empowerment, to me, is the art of transforming life’s challenges into stepping stones. Whether as a woman, mother, wife, or actor, I strive to craft a meaningful path, embracing adversities as opportunities for growth. The more daunting the journey, the more fulfilling it becomes.

Living across diverse cultures taught me the value of freeing myself from traditional societal expectations. I realized that true strength lies in expressing my authentic thoughts and emotions. This liberation allowed me to live confidently and comfortably, moving beyond the often-restrictive norms for women in Japan.

Through my work, I hope to show young women that beauty isn’t confined to grace or charm. By portraying the raw spectrum of human emotions—anger, sadness, and imperfection—I want to inspire others to embrace their humanity fully and authentically.

The film industry is rife with challenges, not just for women but for many talented artists. Low wages and financial insecurity often force creatives to abandon their dreams. For women, these struggles are amplified by systemic inequalities and the pressure to conform to specific ideals.

While no specific role has altered my perspective, every character I portray deepens my understanding of resilience and the complexities of human strength.

Practicing SGI Buddhism keeps me grounded. My mornings begin with self-reflection, followed by a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the world. This daily ritual aligns my personal happiness with the greater good.

My work with the UNHCR, supporting refugees, has profoundly impacted my life. Witnessing their resilience taught me invaluable lessons about strength, survival, and hope. This human connection enriches my acting, enabling me to portray deeper, more authentic emotions.

Every challenge we face, no matter how futile it may seem, holds significance. Life’s obstacles are integral parts of a greater plan, shaping us into who we are meant to be.

I’ve seen extraordinary strength in the most challenging circumstances. Refugees, especially children, demonstrate the incredible human capacity for finding joy amidst adversity. Their stories inspire me to approach life with gratitude and strength.

Angelina Jolie, a former UNHCR Special Ambassador, inspires me deeply. Her work combines artistry with advocacy, embodying a commitment to making the world better.

While I can’t share details about my current projects, my work often explores themes of renewal and joy in an aging society, proving that youthfulness is a state of mind rather than age.

I channel my personal experiences into my performances, drawing on emotions from my own life to bring authenticity and depth to each character.

Acting teaches perseverance and self-belief. It’s a constant journey of growth, where staying true to oneself is both the challenge and the reward.

Volunteering for abused children and refugee support during one of my most challenging periods shaped my life. These projects have become a lifelong mission, grounding me in service and purpose.

Beyond acting, I focus on regenerative medicine and empowering women to prioritize self-care. My goal is to support women in embracing their beauty and health, championing equality in every aspect of life.

Volunteering allows me to connect with people’s raw emotions and stories, enriching my acting with genuine empathy and depth.

I’ve seen progress firsthand, like a 95-year-old gay man reflecting on societal acceptance in Japan. Such stories remind me that equality is hard-earned, but every step forward matters.

Acting transcends language, culture, and race. Embrace diversity, collaborate with empathy, and create art that reflects a shared humanity.

While the media still reflects societal biases, I’m optimistic about the increasing representation of women’s multifaceted experiences and strengths.

In Japan, societal norms are shifting, but challenges like low birthrates and labour shortages persist. I hope to spotlight these struggles while celebrating the resilience of women balancing motherhood, work, and personal growth.

Authenticity lies in honest storytelling and conveying emotions that resonate universally, creating connections that transcend the screen.

I believe in showcasing the unique qualities of women—empathy, strength, and resilience—in an industry still largely male-dominated.

By fostering supportive communities, I aim to inspire women to recognize their strength and realize their potential collectively.

Motherhood transformed me, teaching responsibility, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Raising my daughter has been my greatest achievement and a profound source of growth.

I’m preparing for the 20th annual UN charity event supporting refugees and children and excited about the release of a film I both produced and starred in.

I’m pursuing my dream of producing and acting in a Hollywood film, which is currently in the works.

With my daughter graduating soon, I’m entering a new chapter. I aim to dedicate myself fully to creating impactful art and fostering happiness for others and myself. Thank you so much for sharing my story through your platform; it's always a delightful pleasure to work with you.

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Social Media Links:

Actress: Yoko Matsuda: Instagram