ATLANTA — In Atlanta, a city renowned for its entertainment scene, Chika Takai is shattering stereotypes as the Atlanta Hawks' first female DJ. With a mission to amplify the representation of women in entertainment, particularly Asian women, Takai's journey is one of perseverance and passion.
Chasing dreams
Takai's passion for entertainment was ignited in her youth, with a love for dance and a special affinity for hip-hop.
"I crafted my dance routines to my own music tracks, and I found myself drawn more to the music aspect," Takai said. "The iconic Atlanta sound, embodied by artists like Ludacris and OutKast, resonated deeply with me. T.I. has always been a favorite."
At one point, Takai was able to study in the United States. It's an experience she says shaped her and eventually inspired her to find her way back to pursue her ambitions of becoming a performer.
A feeling like home
Eyeing the city for its reputation as a hip-hop capital, Atlanta became a welcoming haven for Takai despite her initial struggles with English upon moving to the United States.
"Southern hospitality felt like home, reminiscent of the hospitality custom in my own culture, known as 'Omotenashi,'" Takai explained. "The kindness of strangers here helped ease my transition, affirming Atlanta as my new home."
Takai began dancing for the Atlanta Hawks and mixing the beats for the routines. She also served as the team's captain for a time before jumping behind the turntable. She said that the organization's willingness to give her a platform despite her limited English skills further solidified that she made the right decision for herself and her family.
"It's been 8 years. And, you know, my goal is always being on the biggest stage as possible. So I can be an example for the young generation, you know, to see what they can go," she said.
Immersing herself in Atlanta's vibrant entertainment scene, Takai danced for the Atlanta Hawks and honed her DJ skills, navigating a landscape dominated by Black male DJs.
The first time she was booked to perform at a club in Atlanta, she recalls the skepticism she received from people who questioned her ability to engage a mostly Black crowd.
"It was not easy when I got into the club. The first impression that the crowd gave me was 'What? That little Asian girl?'" she recalled. I was like, 'just give it 10 minutes.'"
The song that impressed the crowd was Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares." By the end of the night Takai said the crowd was beyond pleased and many took time to give her props.
First but not the last
Despite her own success, Takai remains dedicated to paving the way for aspiring performers, particularly girls from Japan.
Establishing a foundation, the Study Abroad Foundation of the Arts (SAFA), which provides scholarships for Japanese girls seeking education in the United States, Takai seeks to ease the path for the next generation.
"Finding your purpose, or 'ikigai' in Japanese, is always in my heart," Takai shared. "By helping each other, we can empower aspiring performers to pursue their dreams."
While performing is her first love, Takai would say her purpose now is to help young women have the same opportunities she has been blessed with.