Tell me about yourself…
I grew up in a bilingual environment, mostly in Tokyo. After college, I worked briefly at NTT Communications Corporation before moving to USA, where I lived for fifteen years and enjoyed a career in the renovation and design industry. My life in Washington D.C. and New York was both inspiring and humbling, and I am grateful for the freedom I felt in the USA culture to start anything regardless of gender, age or experience. I briefly operated a small business, until I moved back to Tokyo several years ago. I currently primarily spend time at home with my two children, while working as a freelance translator for the architecture and design industry.
What is your relationship with CWAJ? Both your current position and any previous involvement (member, scholarship winner, volunteer with SIG group etc)
I joined CWAJ membership since fall 2020, upon an introduction from my lovely and charismatic friend, Jane Grimes. I look forward to my new role as General Meeting Manager for the fiscal year 2021-22.
Since joining, it has been a privilege to meet so many elite and talented women volunteering their time at CWAJ. Looking back on my life so far, I have frequently been helped myself by a network of strong women that support and uplift one another. I am honored to be involved with CWAJ that empowers other women to pursue their dreams with higher education.
What would you say to your younger self if you had the chance?
Become savvy of personal finances before you graduate from college. Life will be full of surprises, but will surely be delightful. Be grateful for what you have now, and keep on adapting.
What goal are you currently working towards? Why? (reading 2 books a month, drinking less coffee etc)
In the long term, I am exploring how I can re-mold myself for a new job or business for the coming twenty years. I am in my mid-forties and restarting life in Tokyo, so I am reflecting on my past 20 years to connect it to a productive future. If you have advice, please let me know!
In the short term, I have been focusing on a new habit of regular digital detox (in other words “dopamine fasting”). The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed our family’s life, to a style of spending long hours online at home. As I have two adolescent children, we are working hard to protect healthy lifestyles and mindsets by regularly unplugging and looking around ourselves. We have been enjoying the fresh air outdoors−cycling and walking around shrines, temples and old castle ruins nearby Tokyo.
