Tovic Salvador

Japan-based Pinay stars in new film ‘Pulse of Tomorrow’

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751254509369image1 (6).jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Akemi Kubota&#x27;s journey has been full of unexpected turns, but she is grateful for each one.</p><p>“That’s what’s made it meaningful. Living in Japan and working as a model and entrepreneur, I’ve had to grow a lot — personally and professionally. In the beginning, I faced challenges like adjusting to a different culture, building connections from scratch, and constantly learning how to balance creativity with business,” she shared with ABS-CBN News. </p><p>She also stated that modeling prompted her interest in art and entertainment, whereas entrepreneurship provided her with a sense of purpose.</p><p>Kubota went on to remark that people can always discover new interests outside of their careers, which in her case include modeling and acting, and that age is just a number when it comes to doing so.</p><p>“There were moments I wanted to give up—when things felt overwhelming or I wasn’t sure if I was doing enough. But every time I pushed through, I discovered something new about myself. Modeling gave me a platform, but entrepreneurship gave me purpose. Now, I’m building something that reflects who I am and what I value. I wouldn’t trade that journey for anything,” she remarked.</p><p>In Japan, she would start every day with gratitude and journaling, describing life there as fulfilling but missing the Philippines.</p><p>“A typical day for me is a blend of creativity, purpose, and balance. Mornings often start with quiet moments—either journaling, meditating, or prepping for the day ahead. As a model in Japan, I might have shoots or castings, and those can vary widely depending on the campaign or client,” she said.</p><p>“When I have downtime, I love indulging in simple pleasures—exploring cafes, trying new skincare rituals, practicing yoga or dance, and reading about global issues or mindfulness. I believe that nurturing both mind and body is key to staying centered, especially in such a dynamic career,” she added.</p><p>When there is a mission in her motherland, she would return to give talks.</p><p>“We should share the blessings and opportunities that we have with others. Someone is always in need of our help, and I get to do it in my own small way,” she told ABS-CBN News.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751254557950image0 (7).jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Kubota also gave the best advice she has ever gotten, hoping to inspire others.</p><p>“The best advice I’ve ever received was -- keep showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable. That one simple line has carried me through moments of doubt, rejection, and reinvention. Whether in modeling, acting, or my work in wellness and diplomacy, I’ve realized that consistency — more than talent or timing — is what creates growth,” she opened up. </p><p>“It’s not about being perfect or always feeling confident. It’s about staying present in the process, even when things are uncertain. That mindset has helped me embrace the journey, trust myself more, and build something meaningful with every step I take,” she added.</p><p>Kubota also confirmed to ABS-CBN News that she will star in the forthcoming film &quot;Pulse of Tomorrow,&quot; which will be directed by Pinoy filmmaker Rey Coloma.</p><p>“Stepping into that role challenged me in the best ways—it really deepened my love for storytelling through film,” she said.</p><p>“Modeling and acting started as creative outlets for me — but over time, they became ways I could express different sides of who I am. Modeling lets me step into different aesthetics, cultures, and concepts — it’s visual storytelling without words. Acting, on the other hand, gives me the space to feel deeply and connect with others through emotion,” she pointed out.</p><p>Despite her success in life, Kubota acknowledged that she felt pressured at times, particularly in a world where everything is curated online.</p><p>“There are times I’ve felt that pressure, especially in this age where everything is curated and shared online. It’s easy to get caught up comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. As a model and actress building my own path, I’ve definitely had moments where I questioned if I was doing “enough” or if I was being seen in the right light,” she told ABS-CBN News. </p><p>“But I’ve learned to shift my focus inward. Instead of proving something to others, I try to stay grounded in why I started—what I want to express, who I want to inspire, and the kind of legacy I’m creating through my work. That mindset helps me navigate the noise and stay aligned with my own growth,” she continued.</p><p>“It’s not always easy, but I think there’s power in carving your own pace — even in a world that’s always rushing to show results,” she ended.</p>

<p>Akemi Kubota's journey has been full of unexpected turns, but she is grateful for each one.</p>

Akemi Kubota's journey has been full of unexpected turns, but she is grateful for each one.