Yukiko Sugishita is a soprano singer. Born in Saitama, she graduated from Musashino Academia Musicae and joined the Nikikai. Yukiko still performs regularly, teaches opera and music and in her spare time, she volunteers and sings at an aged care facility!
What do you think Japanese companies and/or government needs to do to help women in Japan?
Many women involved in music have to put their musical career on hold when they’re raising their children. It would be wonderful if we had more child-friendly concerts throughout Japan. Support from regional government is needed to achieve this.
What advice do you have for the next generation of women in Japan?
I was quite shy but I believe it’s music that taught me to engage with people and to have a full life. Those with a clear view of what they want are strong. Don’t be caught up by what you think people are saying about you - find that thing that you love doing!
杉下友季子さんは埼玉県出身、武蔵野音楽大学卒業、二期会、埼玉オペラ協会会員。ソプラノ。20代から現在もオペラの舞台でソプラノ歌手として活躍しながら、コーラスや後進の指導、高齢者施設での歌のボランティアも行なっている。