Showing up, even when you feel out of place

Last Friday, I had the chance to attend the Japan Society Gala, held at the Grand Hyatt at SFO Airport, a fitting location for an evening celebrating international connection. Just outside the windows, a Pokémon-themed ANA jet was parked on the tarmac, having brought the CEO of ANA all the way from Japan especially for this event. That detail alone speaks volumes about the significance of the evening.

I’ll be honest: I wouldn’t have gone if a kind board member hadn’t gifted me the tickets. They’re expensive (and rightly so, it’s for a good cause), and the idea of dressing up and stepping into a room full of high-powered guests felt… intimidating.

There’s a particular kind of stress that comes with entering spaces where you feel like you don’t quite belong. What do I wear? Will I know anyone? Will I say the right things? But sometimes, showing up is the most important step, and I’m so glad I did.

We even took BART in our finery to get there, heels, suits, and all, which added a surreal but oddly joyful layer to the experience. There’s something grounding about arriving at a high-powered event via public transit, a reminder that elegance and humility can coexist.

From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. I saw people rooting for Japan, celebrating the long history of the Japan Society of Northern California, which was inaugurated in 1905. This year’s Gala marked a very special milestone, 120 years of fostering connection between Japan and the Bay Area.

While many members and dignitaries were present in person to receive various awards, former Prime Minister Kishida participated via video message, underscoring the significance of the event even at the highest levels of leadership.

One of the highlights for me was seeing Jimmy Nakagawa perform taiko. As a longtime fan, and a former semi-pro player back in Belgium, it was deeply meaningful to witness a true virtuoso bring this powerful instrument to life. I also know from experience how challenging it is to play for an audience that’s eating and chatting, it takes focus, humility, and a deep connection to the drum. That made me feel even more connected to his experience, and somehow more at ease in the room.

The auction was another moment that stood out. The energy was electric, guests were enthusiastically buying raffle tickets and bidding thousands of dollars on everything from luxury getaways to rare cultural experiences. It was heartwarming to see people not just enjoying the evening, but actively supporting the Japan Society’s mission.

I placed a modest bid on tickets to the Angel Island Immigration Museum, and to my surprise, I won! I was especially grateful for the silent auction app, which allowed me to participate without having to stand out in the crowd. For an introvert like me, that kind of exposure can feel overwhelming, so being able to engage quietly made the experience much more enjoyable. It felt like a small but meaningful way to participate in the generosity that filled the room.

This entire experience reminded me that belonging isn’t about fitting in perfectly. It’s about being present, being open, and allowing yourself to be part of something bigger. Dolling ourselves up for the night, something we don’t normally do, was absolutely worth it.

So this Monday, I’m reflecting on the power of showing up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen when we step outside our comfort zones.

Do you have a story to share about stretching your comfort zone?