Let me introduce myself. My initial interest in Japan was sparked by the stories from my boss — a first generation Japanese American — at my after school part time job in Seattle, Washington.

His stories of his childhood in Iwakuni, and the experiences Japanese immigrants faced when they came to the United States — especially around the war years when Japanese Americans were interned unlawfully — had a big impact on me. I went on to earn a BA in Secondary Education and minor in Asian, Japanese history at Western Washington University (then college) and, while there, made my first trip to Japan in 1972 as a home-stay/study-abroad student.

In my nearly fifty years in Japan since, I have witnessed first-hand Japan’s rapid economic development and its real estate and stock market bubble that burst in the late 80s bringing everything to a rapid halt. Since then, Japan’s three plus lost decades continue to this day. My experience includes twenty years as a salaryman in a Japanese company, teacher of Japanese Social Studies at Nishimachi International School, and instructor of Japanese History and How to be the Best Tour Guide at Temple University, Tokyo Campus Adult Education programme.

Now focused on introducing Japan, her history, culture, customs, and society, I am passionate about providing insightful and meaningful experiences that create a vivid and insightful experience for visitors.

Besides providing historical Tokyo tours, I introduce other locations in Japan like Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and the ancient Nakasendo that linked Edo — today’s Tokyo — to Kyoto for over 265 years of the Edo period.

I practice Nihon Buyo, traditional Japanese dance that has its origins in Kabuki, as well as ikebana. My stage appearances have been featured on Japanese TV and in Japanese newspapers.