日本

Osaka, Kansai gaikokugo daigaku (Kansai Foreign Language University), 1997

In 1997 I spent a semester abroad in Osaka. Living with a home-stay family this was my first time out of the U.S., and the first time on my own. It was an incredible experience, full of food, laughter, confusion, a soupçon of fear, and the beginning of my relationship with Japan.

gifu, yamagata prefectural high school, 1998-2001

After college I spent three years with the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program. This is a Japanese government program that brings foreigners into Japan to teach English and help coordinate international exchange at local and prefectural levels.

Aichi, Shinshiro city government, 2005

While a graduate student I spent an incredible summer working and studying in Aichi prefecture’s Shinshiro City. I worked with the local government with international exchange initiatives and more, and worked on my graduate thesis looking at rape culture in Japan.

J-Collabo, Brooklyn and Tokyo, Current

I volunteer with J-Collabo - a very cool non-profit initiative based in Tokyo and Brooklyn that promotes arts and crafts (and food!) exchanges between these two places. Check out their website and stop by when in either Tokyo or Brooklyn!

Unofuku Bags, Hyogo, U.S. Sales Manager, current

For a few years now I have worked with my old friend Yuya Uno as his family company’s U.S. sales manager! The Uno family has owned and run Unofuku bags for four generations, and recently celebrated their company’s 100th birthday. Check out their selection of men’s bags available in the U.S.

Satori Wall Finishing, California, Sales consultant, current

I recently joined the team at Satori helping to spread the word about traditional Japanese wall finishes. Very cool stuff for residential or commercial finishing. Check it out here!