Okasan Ganbatte

Kyoko Takeyama

It has been 8 years since the last time we have lived together in the same house. I clearly remember how I felt the day I found out that you would be moving to Japan because of your career. That was one of the hardest things for me to understand as a 13 year old. I felt abandoned and scared that you were going to leave me. I think that that time in my life was one of the hardest times of my life. It was the time when I really needed a female role model in my life and you were not there to guide me. However, your distance made me a stronger person. You taught me to be my own person and to never depend on someone else to make me happy. You taught me to never let anything or anyone hold you back from doing something you really want to do. And most importantly, you taught me to love myself.

I am 21 years old now, in college, away from you, my father, my brothers, and friends, all alone. But I do not feel scared or lonely because of the strength you have given me. For a long time, I didn't understand why you left us; why you left me when I needed you the most. And for a long time, I resented you. However, I finally understood why you decided to take this career choice. I understood that you were not just my mother, but also a person just like myself. I understood that you had goals and dreams and a life of your own just like I do. And this is when I began to accept you for who you were. I always thought of you as my mother, the person who nurtured me and took care of me, and nothing more than that. As a result of you leaving everything to pursue what you desired to do made me realize what a strong, powerful woman you are.

It makes me happy to see that you are enjoying your life. I wish that you could be more apart of my life. I wish we could be that close family we used to be when I was a little girl. But your career choice has changed the family for the better. We have all learned to become independent and live our lives for ourselves. You have taught us that when you are presented with an opportunity of a lifetime, to take a chance. Without taking risks, I think that people will miss out a lot of great things in life. I am proud of your success in your 3rd campaign. I will always be by your side to support you. Thank you for being the most amazing woman that you are. Hurray, Hurray, Okaasan!