The incredible journey of Keiko Imai Inoki showcases the strength that comes from following one's heart, never giving up, and never letting go. As one of this year's JESSICA Most Successful Women Award winners, inspiring entrepreneur, and sports doctor, she has defied societal expectations by navigating the challenges of motherhood while pioneering wakesurfing in Asia. Her impactful journey in equestrian sports and her vision of fostering work-life balance through niche sports demonstrate her resilience and empower others. Her story is one of relentless pursuit and visionary thinking. In an exclusive conversation with her, she shared the significant events and deep insights that made her an inspiration to women around the world.

"Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. The question is how to use this time effectively."

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

Venue: Asia Yachting, Exclusive Dealer of Nautique Boats in Hong Kong

Always Defying Expectations: From Doctor to Sports Pioneer

Since a young age, Keiko has strongly desired to contribute meaningfully to society. "Ever since I was little, I had a vague idea that I wanted to somehow contribute to society. I chose to become a doctor who could work with people of all ages," she reflects. Keiko pursued her passion by defying societal norms, becoming a sports doctor, and later serving the Japan Equestrian Federation. Her daughter, a national Japanese champion and representative athlete at the National Athletic Meet, profoundly influenced her journey. "To support the tournament and ensure the safety of the athletes, I obtained my sports doctor qualification," she explains. Her dedication to safety and support went beyond her immediate family. "Any tournament can only be held if there are organizers, staff, and players. To express her gratitude and appreciation for this environment, my daughter continues to volunteer even after she retired from playing," Keiko adds, showcasing the power of passion, the importance of familial support, and the impact one can have by following an unconventional path.

How Keiko's Grandmother Shaped Her Ambition

Her grandmother's respect, diligence, and integrity lessons significantly impacted her life perspective. "I was born to a father who worked at an embassy and a Japanese mother. Although my parents were Asian, there were many occasions when society judged me to be different from the average Japanese family," Keiko recounts. This unique upbringing and her grandmother's sage advice fortified her resolve to succeed on her terms. "My grandmother taught and disciplined me to be accepted into society. 'Don't be jealous of others; treat others with respect. Try harder than others. She recalls with a smile, "If you do that, people will accept you." Today, Keiko's guiding principle remains, "My motto is still to do what I deserve," a reminder of the enduring power of family heritage.

How Keiko Brings Balance to Her Life and Family

In a mother's and an entrepreneur's bustling lives, Keiko masters the delicate art of balancing work and family with enviable finesse. She shares, "Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. The question is how to use this time effectively." Her strategy revolves around maintaining a joyful and broad mindset, which boosts efficiency and enhances overall well-being. "Thinking happily, broadly, and positively will improve your efficiency," Keiko advises, emphasizing that this outlook allows her to find pleasure in both professional endeavors and personal time. She adds, "Life-work balance is important. I enjoy my work and think everything I do is meaningful. My 24 hours may be filled with fun." Her insights guide readers in managing multiple responsibilities, highlighting that our approach can shape our experiences even amidst challenges. "However, if we act with aversion or negative feelings toward others, time is wasted," she cautions, suggesting that attitude is just as crucial as action in cultivating a fulfilling life. Keiko's insights provide practical advice and inspire a more joyful and efficient approach to daily challenges.

Riding the Wave: Keiko's Dedication to Wakesurfing and Innovation

Keiko's journey into wakesurfing began in 2015, a pivotal year marked by her daughter's retirement from competitive equestrian sports and the start of her medical studies. "I started wakesurfing in 2015. This was the year my daughter retired from her competitive equestrian career and began her path as a medical student," she recalls. The sport gave Keiko the perfect balance, allowing her to adjust her time and practice with a driver. Recognizing its potential, YANMAR invited her to help transform wakesurfing from a leisure activity into a structured sport, leading to the formation of the Japan Wakesurfing Association. "Around the same time, YANMAR formed the Japan Wakesurfing Association and asked me to help evolve wakesurfing from an activity to a sport. This was the birth of the JWSA," she explains. By 2017, Keiko had brought international wakesurfing standards to Asia, establishing rules that allowed athletes to demonstrate their abilities on a global scale.

"In 2017, I brought the world's rules to Asia. Every sport has rules, and athletes demonstrate their abilities based on these rules." Even though Asia lags behind North America, Keiko is hopeful about the region's ability to catch up, citing the hard work and physical abilities of Asian athletic talent. "Although we are nearly 20 years behind North America, with hard work and flexible physical abilities, we can catch up quickly. Don't let your feet stop running. Even during COVID-19, with the help of my hospital staff, we ensured the best conditions for the competition to continue. I believe that continuity is power," showcasing that her unwavering commitment to wakesurfing not only highlights her visionary approach but also serves as an inspiring tale for sports enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.

Keiko's Guide to Success and Resilience

Upon receiving the prestigious JESSICA Most Successful Women Award, Keiko has become a source of inspiration for young women navigating the complexities of societal expectations. Her philosophy centers on the profound impact of spreading joy: "When you make someone happy, you and your friends will benefit from it," she shares. Keiko advises on the crucial skill of emotional management, suggesting, "When you can't control your emotions, you can minimize the influence of your emotions by creating psychological and physical distance." This approach enables one to maintain a neutral stance, staying undisturbed by the emotional currents that often sidetrack us. In particular, she adds, "It is crucial to maintain a neutral attitude toward things and people and to be aware of not letting emotions influence you." Beyond managing emotions, Keiko emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking: "I strive to cultivate the ability to listen, to be forgiving of others, and always to have an image of the future in mind so that I can confirm my position and take action." Her final advice underscores the essence of a fulfilling life: "Above all, it is important to create moments that you enjoy." Keiko inspires resilience and positivity through her actions, embodying the qualities that position her as an exemplary role model for young women.

In Her Element: Keiko Imai's Dedication to Innovation and Sport

In celebrating Keiko Imai, we recognize not just a woman of remarkable achievements. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a pioneering sports doctor and entrepreneur showcases the power of following one's passions against all odds. Guided by her grandmother's enduring wisdom, Keiko exemplifies the strength of family heritage, the balance of professional and personal life, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. As she continues to break barriers and inspire future generations, Keiko Imai reminds us that true success lies in making a difference, embracing challenges, and always finding joy in the journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that with dedication and vision, we can all carve out our own paths to greatness.