Yuko Kudo is an artist and brain aneurysm survivor based in New York City.
(00:00) From Japan to New York
(03:10) Childhood in Aomori
(05:22) First Impressions of America
(08:40) Broadway Dreams and Disney Inspirations
(12:15) Navigating Visas, Agents, and Auditions
(16:45) Finding Community with Asian Artists
(19:52) Early Passions: Piano, Singing, Acting
(23:35) A Sudden Brain Aneurysm
(27:50) Emergency Surgery and Survival Odds
(31:12) First Memories After the Operation
(35:00) Grappling with Mortality and Perspective
(39:20) Discovering Painting as Therapy
(43:05) Healing, Art, and Letting Go of Perfectionism
(47:22) Shifting Priorities After Near-Death
(50:05) Spirituality, God, and the Afterlife
(53:12) Facing Resurgence and New Procedures
(55:10) Life After Recovery: Art, Sound, and Goals
(57:02) Advice for Survivors and Closing Reflections
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