Ikigai follows Mayumi, a 9-year-old girl, as she tries to find balance in her Japanese identity and American nationality. Hanako, her mother who celebrates their culture through Nihon Buyo, sees Mayumi’s new school as an opportunity to share their culture with the white students. When Mayumi is assigned a show-and-tell presentation, she takes it as a chance to prove to her classmates that she is not that different from them. But, that plan is soon ruined when Hanako unexpectedly shows up and teaches the class a Japanese dance, embarrassing and exposing Mayumi’s cultural background. After coming home ashamed of her mother and Japanese identity, Mayumi receives guidance from her parents that motivates her to return to school and redo her show and tell in a way that would make her ancestors proud.

Director Maren Emiko Elardo

Maren Emiko Elardo is a Japanese-Italian American filmmaker from San Jose, California. Graduating in under three years, Maren is a recent alumna from California State University, Northridge, specializing in Film Production with a focus in editing, complemented by a minor in Photography & Video.

Her journey into creative expression began by collaborating with her two older sisters, crafting stop-motion Barbie films, music videos, and imaginative skits for her family to enjoy. As she transitioned into middle school, Maren found herself immersed in class projects, frequently opting for video assignments. Collaborating with classmates and friends, she discovered the sheer enjoyment of video production and realized its potential as a career path. Delving into storytelling through video formats, she relished the ability to stir emotions in her audience. Maren's videos eventually reached diverse settings such as school assemblies, sports team banquets, corporate software company meetings, and cherished family gatherings.

She hopes that her diligent work ethic and diverse talents will be woven into her life's work, leaving a positive and impactful legacy that resonates with a broader audience beyond her peers. Her passion extends to elevating Japanese American stories and nurturing creative opportunities for fellow artists, a testament to her profound dedication and alignment with her ikigai. In January of 2023, Maren's script "Ikigai" was selected by California State University, Northridge's Cinema and Television Arts film program, earning her the esteemed Golden Globe Foundation Fellowship. In her debut as both a writer and director, “Ikigai” highlights a Japanese American narrative inspired by the childhood experiences of Mayumi Elardo, Maren’s mother.