Beloved former MST family of performance artist Kino (Cedar and Ginkgo), filmmaker Michael and textile artist Mayu gives us an update on their life in Southern California of sunny beaches and musical theater.
MST
How long were your children at MST?
Michael & Mayu
Kino was at MST for 6 years, from Sunshine through Lower El, beginning in Cedar and then Ginkgo.
Actually, Kino’s older brothers Nene (23) and Ren (22) were at MST too, many many years ago, starting in Little People around 2002, and going through Sunshine and Lower El. The classes had very different names in those days, but Naoko sensei, Tomoko sensei, Kinota sensei, Maki S. sensei and Miho S. sensei were their teachers at one time or another. And James was also at the school in the old days.
What made you decide to enroll them at MST? Why a Montessori education?
Michael
I went to Montessori school in the US until high school, and it seemed natural to send my children to a Montessori school.
Mayu
I liked that Montessori encourages children to investigate what they are interested in, so motivation is built into the method.
What do you remember most fondly about the MST community?
Michael & Mayu
Our class friends, teachers, and administrators. MST is such a warm and welcoming environment.
Kino
Friends and teachers! Mochitsuki! Dance class! Playing in Arisugawa Park! Being able to walk and cycle to school by myself!
Southern California
Where are you living now?
Michael, Mayu & Kino
Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles.
How does it compare to living in Tokyo?
Michael & Mayu
Nicer weather, more space, proximity to nature are all great in Los Angeles. But we hate having to drive all the time. And the Japanese food in LA doesn’t compare.
Japan is such a clean, safe place, Kino was able to be much more independent. The US in general is quite chaotic.
What do you love most about living in California?
Kino
I have access to much more theater and musical theater in Los Angeles. I watched a lot. I’m not sure if I’m counting all, but I think I watched The Lion King, Matilda, Cats the Musical, The Sound of Music, Shrek the Musical, Robot in the Garden, STOMP, and more. I don’t particularly have a favorite, though.
What’s your favorite place there?
Michael
Hermosa Beach
Mayu
Palos Verdes. So beautiful. The farmers’ markets are nice in Los Angeles.
Kino
The rehearsal studio and theater.
What was your favorite place in Tokyo or Japan?
Michael
The Shonan coast.
Mayu
Any beautiful onsen.
Kino
Niseko.
What kind of school does Kino go to now? And what are Nene and Ren up to?
Michael, Mayu & Kino
Kino (9) is at a Montessori school, of course! Nene (23) is a professional baseball player in Japan. Ren (22) is a college senior in Japan.
Memories
What do you miss the most about living in Japan?
Michael
Being able to ride my bike everywhere.
Mayu
Onsen and food, family and friends.
Kino
Fresh sushi and soba, fresh powder snow.
What was the toughest part of living in Tokyo?
Michael
Not much. Not being able to get a haircut on Tuesdays?
Mayu
Sometimes the crowds were overwhelming.
Kino
I was born there, I don’t know!
Free Time
What’s your biggest passion these days?
Michael
Foxes.
Mayu
Ceramics.
Kino
Musical theater.
What does your family like to do on the weekends?
Michael, Mayu & Kino
Chill out on the beach, go see plays, movies, and concerts.
What would you like to say to the MST community?
Kino
I want to thank my teachers, Tomoko, Nicole, Sanjana, Kei, and Taylor for teaching me so much. Joanna, I miss your dance class!
Michael & Mayu
You’re so fortunate to be at a nice school like MST. We miss you all!