Being a half Ghanaian, half Japanese actor and singer, David Yano is not only building his career , but also taking steps to ensure future relations for Ghana and Japan. While working for film, TV and on the stage, he has established a charity organization for Ghana called ENIJE’. With eyes that sparkle like a little boy, he shares stories of his career and music alongside his thoughts on identity and the serious business of running a charity like ENIJE’.
● David Yano
Ghanaian and Japanese actor, model, and TV talent, affiliated with the Remix Corporation. Also organizes his own charity work through an organization called ENIJE’. David has appeared in the film, Chanko, the TV series Minami’s Girlfriend（「南君の恋人」）, Heartbroken Relationships (「キズだらけの恋人」), and TV commercials for Intel, KONICA MINOLTA Japan, SONY, and NTT Docomo. Currently he stars in an independently produced documentary called, Hafu, which is still in production.
―I know this must be a routine question for you, but you are of Japanese and Ghanaian origins, correct?
Yup. My father is Japanese, my mother is Ghanaian and my nationality is Japanese.
I have lived in Japan since I was 6, and even though I had lived in Ghana before that, my Ghanaian is on a daily conversational level. My native language is Japanese and I definitely feel very Japanese. (laugh)
― Ok, well, just to be clear! (laugh) I met you at a party a few years ago where you were singing. I loved your voice so much that I went to talk to you immediately, but these days you are doing a lot more than just music…
Actually I’ve been modeling since I was in college as well as songwriting and performing, so music has never really been the only thing for me. But at that time you met me, I think I was more into music than anything else. Right now, I work more for TV shows and commercials.
― Among all those, I would like to ask you about Hafu. I’ve read that it’s a documentary about racially mixed Japanese living in Japan. How did you become involved?
It started a few years ago, and it wasn’t originally a film back then. A friend of mine was going to university in Britain, and he said to me, “There is this friend at my school who’s interested in interviewing lots of half Japanese people as her project. She wants to learn about their issues of identity and more. It might be interesting for you too, so I want you to meet her!” After the project was completed, a half Japanese American girl and a half Japanese Spanish girl saw the project and decided to create a film about half Japanese people.
― Wow, it expanded like that! It’s like a network of half Japanese people all around the world that gathered up in Tokyo. That’s cool.
It is! Japan is unique and different in so many ways and I think the original project was unusual, and meaningful at the same time. The project covered a number of interviews, but I was just proud to be one of them, you know. Then, the documentary started and I was featured with the 4 other main characters. It’s such an honor to be one of them, too!
― I know the film is still in the shooting stage, but I can’t wait for it to come out! Is it difficult working as a ‘half Japanese’ in the television industry?
Of course it is from time to time. It’s not just about being on TV though, as a child I’ve always had a complex about how I look, being different from the other Japanese around me. I hated al the stares and never wanted to go to popular places where a lot of people gathered. The other kids could be quite cruel; I always felt left out. Trying to rebel against those feelings, I became a bit of a delinquent, too. But, on a positive note, throughout my elementary , junior high and high school years, I met a variety of people who supported and inspired me. I gradually changed. It’s the same here in the so-called “showbiz world”. There can be tough times, but then I get “saved” by new people I meet.
― What are your future career plans? Actor, singer, model, TV talent… which one is going to be the one for you?
Hmm… I’m not sure, but I know that I definitely want to continue my singing career.
― Please do! In my humble opinion, you really do have an exceptional voice and I want you to keep singing. Speaking of which, I would like to know about your feelings towards your music.
Thank you! I do have special feelings towards music. I would never want music to be out of my life. Actually there was this one time in college that I almost lost my faith in music… but even then I kept on singing at clubs and stuff. Then, about 5 years ago I met some people at a music session, and we ended up starting a band called, “Dede”. It was so much fun! All of us got along really well, played at a lot of places and met so many people. It really restored my faith and love in music. I think the experience assured me that I could never really leave music.
― But music isn’t the only thing you are going to focus on?
To be honest, I am not sure yet. I do want to put my energy and passion towards my music, but… Like last year I was in this play called “Grey Gardens” by Amon Miyamoto. It was extraordinary! Not only did I learn a lot, I actually felt myself growing inside, if you know what I mean. So, if there is a chance of being in a play like that again, I’d definitely take it. So I guess, I can’t really narrow my career down to just one thing.
― I see. A “David, with no strings attached” kind of thing going on, right? That’s cool, too.
Well in both good ways and bad ways. (laugh) Everyone, including my agent, gives me such freedom of choice that I sometimes feel like they could attach me to some strings. (laugh)
― (laugh) Part of doing more than just one thing, is ENIJE’, your charity project for Ghana? What brought you to this project?
Oh you know ENIJE’! Great!, Thank you. Well, this one has no relation to either music or television. When I went to Ghana 3 years ago, a boy of about 6 or so started begging me for money; I said “no” instantly… but then I looked at his face and he looked exactly like me when I was his age. It shook me to my core. I sank deep down in my thoughts for the next few minutes. 2 boys, both born in Ghana and looking so much alike, but one is begging for money in Ghana, and the other lives in one of the most privileged countries in the world and has the ability to pursue anything he dreams. I thought, “What makes us so different, divides us?”
In fact, I still haven’t found the answer to that question, yet. But the only thing I was sure of was that there must be some reason for it. And that at least, I have a way of connecting Japan and Ghana somehow.
― And the connection came to you as ENIJE’. How long did it take to start the project after your return to Japan?
Almost right away. I mean, what everyone needs is a friend, always. I came back with just the feeling of “I want to do something,” right? Then I spoke to a friend about it, and she suggested, “You should do something with your music, like events!” Instantly, I was like, “That’s it!” And went on to think that if I were to do it, I wanted it to be more than just a typical charity where people feel sorry and bad for whatever cause the charity is supporting. I wanted it to be the kind of organization that people can enjoy and take away a good feeling from the event.
― That’s where the name ENIJE’ comes from… It means “Joy” right?
That’s right. So at ENIJE’ events, there are performances of Ghanaian traditional music and instruments, my performance, and much more. They really are for the audience to have fun. I would want them to have positive feelings towards the event, therefore, for Ghana as well. I am not really in to charities that just give away money or food. And by organizing ENIJE’, I truly feel that I am learning something and have been given much more than I’ve offered the Ghanaian people. It even makes me feel like I want to somehow “pay them back” for what they’ve given me.
― You are a very unexpected person, (in a good way) David. One minute you are just like a little boy persuing your dreams and wants, and the next you turn in to “Mr. I’ve-Seen-Everything at the age of 29″!
You know, that’s actually what I’ve been told by “spiritual” people. They say, “you are just like a newborn baby,” or “you’ve probably already experienced 3 lives before this one.” It’s always one or the other.
―How unusual and special. And you have such beautiful eyes- they sparkle like those of an innocent child or something! People must never have a bad first impression of you.
That’s super! Thank you! Oh, and I thank my father and mother! (laugh)
― Throughout this interview, I’ve felt that you value the circle of people you’ve meet. For the last question, can you tell us the 10 most influential people in your life?
Only 10? Not nearly enough! (laugh) Ok, let me try.
1) The nurse who took care of me during elementary school: we still write to each other and I truly think that she knows more about me than anybody else in the whole world. She’s like my mentor for life.
2) My homeroom teacher during 5th and 6th grade in elementary school: I was bullied by my classmates at the time and she was the first one to teach me that I should take action, too. A half year after her advice, I was already able to become good friends with everyone.
3) My gym teacher when I was in my last year of Junior High: He told me that “those who believe will be saved,” and when I really did believe in myself, I became a triple crown winner at our school’s Sports Day event. I won the 50 meter race, cross-country, and the high jump. I was the first to do so in the school’s 50 year history.
4) My soccer club coach in high school: “Whether you aim at 5 meters away or 50 meters away, kick the ball with the same level of concentration,” was the first thing he told us. “If your ball is off 5cm for a 5 meter kick, can you imagine how big the mistake will be by the time it gets to 50 meters away? Our life works the same way, and I want you to remember that.” His words were illuminating and so truthful. He’s given me many more influential words to live by.
5) The bar owner I used to work for during my college years: He used to be an interior designer and was very successful. He taught me how to enjoy my life and stuff, and a lot more.
6) This adjunct teacher at my college: She really believed in the good in people. She taught at many different colleges but never judged people by their university affiliations or how they appeared on the surface. She really valued what was inside of me.
7) A visiting American professor from another college: When I was struggling with my career in music, I was very, very down. She took a notice of that and talked to me with the warmest of words: “Even if things don’t work out now, I know you will have another chance coming right at you, a big chance comes along with your big smile!” It really encouraged me and helped me keep my chin up.
8） An older friend who took me out a lot in my early 20s: I used to be very logical – almost too much. But this guy taught me that I should sometimes “feel first then think.” Now that I think back, I think it was an important and influential lesson for me.
9) A photographer I met at a random bar: There was this time when my career was going very well and I became a bit of a snob. He drew me out of it in a good way. He was very caring and he took me out for drinks and stuff, and then told me that I should never pay him back, but instead should carry on his example to the next generation.
10) The boy I met in Ghana 3 years ago: If he’s still alive and well, I think he must be about 10 now. To be honest, when I’m organizing ENIJE’, there are tough times that could really destroy my enthusiasm for the project. But then his face pops up in my head, and it encourages me.
― Wow, 10 people and all such powerful images! (laugh) Really, you do seem to have so many good encounters with people. I’m almost jealous!
Yeah, I do think that I’m really lucky to have meet all these incredible people. I mean, 10 is not nearly enough for me!
― I’ll have to hear more about it next time, maybe with a few glasses of sake in our hands! I wish you the best for your career and thank you very much for today.
Thank you, too!
interview: Natsuki Yamada
photography: Ikumi Mochida
●Official Home Page of ENIJE’:
For ENIJE’ events, hear David Yano’s own music live and Ghanaian traditional music and more. The latest information is on his official homepage.
●Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/devid/ (Japanese)
