Mother's Day 2025 Interview 1
- Maco Yoshioka
- 23 時間前
- 読了時間: 5分
Time That Had Stopped Began to Move Again
Interview with Essay Contributor Kyoko Abe
Interviewer: Maco Yoshioka
This spring, Single Mothers' Sisterhood celebrates the 5th anniversary of our Mother's Day campaign.To mark this milestone, we launched a special interview series revisiting the journeys of single mothers who have contributed essays to our eight past campaigns.
Our first guest is Kyoko Abe, a working mother raising a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son.Having contributed three essays over the years, Kyoko revisited her past writings and reflected deeply on how she has changed — and where she’s headed next.
We invite you to read this interview alongside her powerful essays:
Thank you, Kyoko, for taking the time to share your story with us. Each of your essays beautifully captured the perspective and struggles you were experiencing at the time. Today, as we revisit those words together, I’m excited to hear more about what you felt, how you have changed, and what lies ahead.
When you look back at the essays you wrote, what thoughts and feelings come up?
The World Looked Gray
When I think back to the time I wrote my first essay, the world seemed gray to me. I saw myself as someone unlucky, lacking confidence, and energy. Honestly, I hesitated even to apply for the essay project, raising two kids alone while working, and barely managing life.
How I Overcame the Fear of Writing
The idea of creating an "essay" felt like a huge hurdle. But seeing K-san, someone I knew from our Group Reflection program, write for a previous campaign lowered that barrier for me. Knowing that someone close had stepped into that space gave me the courage to try.
A Faint Hope for Change
Even though I was scared, deep down I realized I wanted something to change.I also recognized a strong need to let out feelings I had been holding inside for so long.Without this opportunity, I might never have noticed that.
Looking back, what feels true to who you were — and where do you feel you've changed?
Bitterness Consumed Me
Back then, I was full of resentment, mourning my circumstances and blaming others.Today, that's completely gone.I can see clearly now that even the harshest hardships brought me growth.I feel a genuine sense of progress within myself.
The Perspective Shift Adversity Brought
It might sound dramatic, but I’ve arrived at a place I could never have reached if life had stayed easy.Even painful experiences carry hidden gifts.Being able to believe that — not out of bravado, but from the heart — has been the biggest change.
Since writing your essays, what has changed most in your life?
A Shift in How I See My Career
I used to be obsessed with climbing the career ladder.Now, I no longer see success as just “upward.”Instead, I want to grow outward — expanding into different dimensions of myself. Previously, my work was all about logic and analysis.I’ve realized I also want work that engages my emotions, not just my mind.
A New Chapter Starting This January
Since January, I’ve transitioned into a new role where I collaborate with governments, NPOs, and startups to create solutions for social challenges.
Learning to Set Healthy Boundaries
Thanks to essay writing, emotional self-care classes, and Group Reflection, I’ve learned to separate my own problems from those of others.
No Longer Struggling with Relationships
Learning to tune into my emotions and needs has made relationship struggles almost disappear.Even when faced with negativity, I can now pause, stay grounded, and communicate constructively.
Rediscovering the Joy of Running
Having a clear vision for the future inspired me to rebuild healthy habits — starting with running.I realized that staying physically healthy is essential to maintaining a positive state of mind. Light stretching and walking weren’t enough — I needed the challenge of running again. It’s become a source of strength for me.
Creating Energy Instead of Conserving It
When I was at my lowest, I focused on not losing energy.Now I’ve experienced that intense movement can generate energy — a complete shift in mindset.I want to keep nurturing habits that build energy.
If you were to rewrite your essays now, would you change anything?
Not really. Sure, I might think, “I could have written better,” but those essays are a precious snapshot of who I was at that time.
How did participating in the campaign impact you and your relationships with others?
Discovering the Power of Self-Expression
Before, I didn’t even think I needed self-expression.Even when I played music or danced, I focused more on skill than authenticity. Writing essays taught me how powerful self-expression can be — and how deeply it fosters self-understanding.
The process of receiving feedback — of being seen and reflected back — was transformational.It felt completely different from simply keeping a journal.
One especially heartfelt exchange reminded me that deep, meaningful connections are what truly enrich life.I want more of that in my future.
If you could send a message to your past self, what would it be?
"Whatever you write is enough. Whoever you are is enough."
What do you hope to focus on over the next three years? Any dreams or goals?
I want to deepen heartfelt connections — at work, with my children, everywhere.Because that's what truly enriches life.
And I still dream of living abroad someday.I hope to experience that adventure — maybe even through an overseas assignment.
Through this campaign, what message do you hope to send about family diversity?
Rather than trying to "educate society," I hope single mothers themselves can free themselves from internalized stigma.Sure, there will always be a few thoughtless people.But the truth is, most people are too busy with their own lives to judge others.
When we affirm ourselves just as we are, I believe real diversity can flourish.
Thank you so much, Kyoko!
At the end of our conversation, Kyoko shared with a warm smile:"Over the course of writing three essays, it truly felt like a hop, step, and jump — I could feel myself rising back up. I’m so grateful for this opportunity."
Her smile was truly memorable. On the day of the interview, her children also kindly joined us for the photo shoot, and we captured a wonderful moment of the three of them smiling together.We will continue to cheer for Kyoko on her journey ahead!
Support the Mother's Day Campaign 2025
Thank you for reading to the end.If you feel inspired by this initiative, we warmly invite you to support us with a donation.Your contribution will be carefully used to sustain programs that support single mothers’ self-care and recovery through self-expression.Donations can be made here.
Single Mothers' Sisterhood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and connection of single-parent families.We host donation campaigns each May and December.
Donations are accepted via the Donate button below.
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