I was born and raised outside of Chicago in a town where the Blues Brother’s cop car originated from. I started out as an aspiring pre-veterinary student but ended up studying just biochemistry at Colby College and minored in theatre. After graduating, I lived in Boston working as a molecular biologist by day and an actor/Aikido-ka by night! I was active with a small group of Asian American artists and, at the same time, was obsessively studying Aikido under Bill Gleason Sensei at Shobu Aikido of Boston.

HI, I'M JUNKO

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Then came that fateful day when it was time to move on… so I packed my bags and moved out to Los Angeles to act. I immediately became active with Lodestone Theater Ensemble and East West Players.

What happened to all that molecular biology? Well, I traded it in for Japanese/English interpreting and translating. I found that I'm  wicked good at it and it’s led to some fun productions and even working with Disney Imagineering! I am extremely thankful for everyone I've been able to work with in the industry and strive to instill a sense of community in Hollywood.

Other fun facts about me:
– I have been riding horses since I was 4 years old and, in my free time, I am an exercise rider for endurance horses and do horseback archery (it’s lots of fun!)
– in addition to horses, I LOVES DOGS. Especially Westies.
– I'm a huge Red Sox and Patriots fan. By default, I'm also a Cubbies and Bears fan. The golden era of the Bulls are forever branded in my memory.