What is Your Superpower?

Feel like you don’t fit the mold? Your hidden superpower might be why—here’s my story

Growing up, I was a really curious child; I was that kid consistently wondering, “Why does this work this way?” My father tried to answer every such question I had until I eventually made him run out. Once I was satisfied, I’d move on to my next inquiry. But for a long time, I wasn’t proud of my curiosity.

My Journey to Discovering My Superpower

Everyone has a superpower—not a flashy one like flying or super strength, but a unique ability that sets you apart and makes you who you are. Sometimes, these superpowers are quiet, subtle, and even mistaken for flaws.

“Nail That Sticks Out”

I was born and raised in Japan, attending public schools where asking “why?” wasn’t exactly encouraged. Teachers focused on conformity and maintaining an “organized” environment. It felt like expressing yourself could sometimes get you in trouble since the group's opinion always seemed to matter most.

There’s a well-known saying in Japan: The nail that sticks out will be hammered down.

That’s exactly how I felt. From age six to fifteen, I was expected to “fit in,” not be that 'nail that sticks out,' whether through curiosity or questioning. So, I learned to suppress questions, especially in school or formal settings. The unspoken rule was clear: listen and absorb.

When it came time to apply for colleges or looking for jobs, the environment and the adults around me reinforced the idea that curiosity wasn’t “cool” or “useful.” Asking questions didn’t seem like a skill that could translate into measurable achievements—or so I thought.

The Turning Point

Still, deep down, I knew that asking questions and connecting with others brought me joy. And one question kept popping up: Why should curiosity be suppressed? Why does learning have to be just one way?

I started small—a tentative hand raised here, a carefully worded question there. And there was one thing I couldn’t stop doing: talking to people and learning new things. I had taught myself English so that I could connect with people from different cultures. I then started saving money to travel and learn about new countries. To date, I've visited over 16 countries, and one of my favorite things to do whenever I travel to some new place is connecting with the locals (and visiting local grocery stores—does anyone else share this habit?).

This realization changed my perspective.

My passion led me to study interpreting, translation, journalism, and copywriting both in Japanese and in English. Through it all, I realized that my curiosity wasn’t a flaw—it was my superpower. It drove me to explore, to learn, and to connect with others in ways that felt deeply fulfilling.

Why discovering your Superpower isn’t always obvious

Not everyone finds it that easy to identify their superpower.

The line between faults and strengths is blurry

Many strengths can feel like weaknesses in the wrong context:

• The Daydreamer: Lost in thought? You might thrive as a creative visionary.

• The Over-Thinker: Can’t stop analyzing? You might excel in strategic planning.

• The Too Sensitive: Feel everything deeply? You have a knack for understanding people and an ability to read subtle cues.

Each of these "faults" contains a hidden strength—waiting to be recognized, developed, and celebrated.

Your Story Holds the Key

Your life experiences, passions, and challenges all hold clues to your superpower. Reflect on:

• Moments when you felt most alive or "in the zone”

• Challenges you have faced and have overcome but others find difficult

• Compliments you frequently receive (even if you dismiss them)

• Criticisms that might point to misunderstood strengths

Quick Exercise: Write down three things people often compliment or criticize about you. How might these traits be superpowers in the right context?

Start Small, Stay Curious

Have you ever felt like your natural tendencies didn’t ‘fit the mold’? I know the feeling! For me, it was my curiosity. Growing up, I thought it didn’t hold much value in a culture that encouraged blending in, but it turned out to be my greatest strength. It’s opened doors to connect with amazing people and learn from their stories.

Here are some suggestions:

• Experiment with new activities outside your comfort zone.

• Ask trusted friends for their perspective on your strengths.

• Reflect on times when you've surprised yourself with your abilities.

• Keep a "wins" journal to track your successes, no matter how small.

Let’s Discover Together

So, what’s your superpower? I’d love to hear your story and the “why” behind what drives you.

If you haven’t already, subscribe to Stories Beyond Japan. I’d love to have you here as part of this growing community. 😊

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Why This Newsletter Exists

This newsletter, Stories Beyond Japan, is more than just a platform satisfying my curiosity. It’s a space to give voice to different perspectives and celebrate the power of asking questions.

What you can expect:

• Stories within and beyond Japan: I’ll highlight inspiring individuals I’ve met in Tokyo and elsewhere, sharing the unique stories that make them who they are.

• Insights that spark “aha” moments: These stories might challenge the way you see the world or offer a fresh perspective—whether they’re about overcoming obstacles, redefining success, or discovering new ways of thinking.

• A community built on curiosity and growth: That's not a one-way conversation. I want to hear from you!

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Keeping this newsletter alive takes a little love, and there are ways you can help. Take a look at this page to learn more.

Your support means…
🕊️ A vote of confidence: It’s like a warm hug that says, “Keep going, I’m here for you.”
🍵 Fuel for creativity: Think of it as sharing a comforting cup of coffee or matcha with a friend—simple support, deeply appreciated.

Thank you for being part of this journey!

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