Maiko

Maiko, at 30 years old, is a Japanese woman navigating her identity and values amidst societal expectations. Raised in traditional Japan, she was instilled with strong morals around family, community, and respecting elders. However, studying abroad exposed her to more liberal values, causing her to question what she believed in. Returning home, Maiko felt pressured by society's rigid gender roles and the weight of expected conformity. After marriage, her job and distant husband added stress, making her internal conflict worsen. But as she faced these challenges head-on, Maiko realized a need for change and began breaking free from constraints, much to the dismay of her conservative family and community. This newfound independence came with its own set of dilemmas but also an exciting sense of liberation and self-discovery.