#Japan #Tokyo #Essay #Aimi Satukawa #Practicing Living

The Journey of Aimi Satukawa: Practicing to Live for Oneself

Aimi Satukawa, a prominent actress known for her captivating performances in films, TV dramas, and stage productions, is set to release her first essay titled "Practicing Living for Myself" on June 10, published by Gentosha. This book serves as an authentic account of her experiences and reflections since she began her artistic career.

Since making her cinematic debut in "Cen Shigure" in 2005, Satukawa has enchanted audiences with her roles across various media. Now, as she navigates her late 30s, she candidly examines the intersection of her professional acting life and her personal growth. The essay provides insight into her journey of self-awareness and the significance of living for oneself.

Satukawa's narrative chronicles her encounters in the film industry, the joys and challenges of solo travel, her aspirations for a fulfilling life, and her ventures beyond acting. Throughout her journey, she confronts the pressures of societal expectations, recognizing how often she placed others' desires ahead of her own. In this process, she learns the vital lesson of prioritizing her own feelings, realizing that living for oneself is about making choices rooted in personal fulfillment.

The book draws from Satukawa's ongoing series "How Long Can I Do My Best?" launched in September 2021 on Gentosha Plus, which has already seen over 100 installments. This collection curates the finest entries from the series, enriched with newly penned essays, including her reflections on living in hotels for two years—details that were previously undisclosed.

This essay is a gentle, empowering nudge for anyone grappling with the complexities of life and relationships, reassuring them they are not alone.

Satukawa's Insights
In her own words, Satukawa shares, “In the past, I had a strong urge to meet expectations perfectly. But I slowly began to realize that living for myself doesn’t mean doing everything flawlessly. It involves acknowledging my feelings and finding joy in the everyday. Embracing my struggles and disappointments, it’s all part of what it means to live for myself.”

The book encapsulates her growth from ages 33 to 37, detailing her imperfect but enriching experiences. She hopes readers will find solace in her story and think, “There are people like this too.”

Table of Contents
1. Working as an Actress
- Manners Lessons
- Nightly Routines on Set
- Discoveries from Sleepless Nights
- Coughing and Performances
- Shooting in Heavy Snow
- Thoughts on Cancellations
- My Workplace
- Meeting a Director at 14
- The Excitement of Life

2. Embracing Travel
- Meeting an Elderly Couple in Vienna
- Passport Stories
- Shocking Experiences in Paris
- House Sitting for Lily
- The Apple Juice Misbelief
- Nine Hours at the Airport
- Solo Travel Insights
- Appreciating Different Perspectives

3. Desiring a Fulfilling Life
- Interest in Daily Living
- Mopping the Floor
- The Best Alone Time
- A Memory from Shibuya
- Meeting Atsune at McDonald's
- Lunchtime in Business Districts
- Two Years Living in Hotels

4. Continuing the Journey
- For More Than My Roles
- Identifying What Matters
- Extended Breaks in 2023
- Where Are My Feelings?
- Nostalgic Favorites
- Conversations with Uncle and Aunt
- Go for It, Ai-chan!

Conclusion

About Aimi Satukawa
Aimi Satukawa, born in 1988 in Shizuoka, Japan, has been a dedicated actress since her debut in 2003. Her notable works include films like “Show Me Your Love, You Cowards” and “Hime-anole”, as well as popular TV dramas like “Chimudondon” and “The Second to Last Love”. With over 20 years in the industry, she is driven by a passion to share the magic of cinema with a broader audience and is planning to establish “Eiga to Nakama Filty” by 2025, focusing on events and workshops for aspiring young filmmakers.

Publication Details

• - Title: Practicing Living for Myself
• - Author: Aimi Satukawa
• - Publisher: Gentosha
• - List Price: ¥1600 (+tax)
• - Release Date: June 10, 2026
• - ISBN: 9784344045880
• - Format: 208 pages, A5 paperback
• - Book Design: Ayumi Miyamoto
• - Cover Illustration: Yukari Suematsu
• - Publisher's Page: Gentosha