MonticelloLive

This weekend hundreds of young girls showcased their talent at the Kim’s Dance Factory year-end recital. The dancers had practiced for months for their time to shine. One of the solo acts at the weekend performance was Jessaca Mioko Shepherd. At a young five years of age Jessaca took the stage with confidence. One reason for this was the influence of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd. This is her story.

Yukiko was born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan. Her parents still live in Japan where her dad, Kenichi Yamashita, holds an executive position at a gas company and her mother, Mariko Yamashita, is an accountant. She and her brother, Hirofumi Yamashita, were raised to learn at every turn and to experience all you could from life. Yukiko’s interest early on was the English language. It was her mother’s influence that brought her to get a Bachelor’s Degree in English Linguistics.

Taking her family’s advice opened the door for Yukiko to explore the world. Before coming to Southeast Arkansas she lived in Georgia, France and London. It is because of Jessaca that Yukiko now resides in Monticello. Yukiko met Jessaca’s dad in Japan. He was in the American Navy. The couple married while in Japan. Jessaca was born at the US Navy base in Japan on December 4, 2001. Wanting Jessaca to know her American grandparents, Walter and Rita Shepherd, is one reason Yukiko makes Monticello her home. Yukiko quickly found her nitch in Arkansas. She works at the District Court of Drew County Civil Division and teaches Japanese at UAM.

In the Japanese culture when you name your children you consider the meaning of the name and pick it based on what you want for your child. Yukiko means “to explore life on your own.” When her parents chose this name for her their wish for her was for her to experience all this world had for her. She definately has taken that challenge. In naming her own child she chose Jessaca Mioko which means “beautiful cherry blossom.” Because it takes ten years for a cherry blossom tree to bloom Yukiko takes these early years with Jessaca seriously. She feels that Jessaca is in the process of blooming. Her hope is that Jessaca will continue to be nurtured by the love of her family and friends. Yukiko feels this time is best for Jessaca to work on her talents and education in anticipation for the day she will blossom into a beautiful talented young lady. After last nights performance Jessaca proved that she is in bloom. Much of this is due in part by the loving care of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd - one Monticello life.