Works

2022-2023

Scope: Interpreting, escort services, travel arrangements, scheduling, and private guiding

I have had the opportunity to work with diplomats, professors, and social media influencers from around the world who were invited to Japan by the Japanese government.

Engagement:

During their stay, I served as a cultural ambassador, introducing Japanese culture across a wide range of contexts—from business to tourism—and supporting the promotion of Japan on an international stage.

Supporting Asahikawa Tourism Promotion at Japan Travel Mart

Scope: Interpreting, negotiation support, introductions, and promotional assistance

Overview: Asahikawa is a city in central Hokkaido, northern Japan, surrounded by rich natural landscapes and well known for its ski resorts, hot springs, zoo, and seasonal flower gardens.

Engagement:

For the past five years, I have supported Asahikawa’s participation in Japan Travel Mart—the country’s largest tourism trade exhibition—by assisting negotiations and promotional activities with overseas buyers.

Interpreting & Communication Support for WorldSkills and Abilympics Competitions

Scope: Interpreting, overseas training support, and comprehensive communication assistance with international experts

Overview: WorldSkills is an international competition where young professionals selected from each country compete across a wide range of skill categories.

Engagement:

In 2019, held in Russia, I participated as an interpreter in the carpentry category. I was responsible for interpreting throughout the competition and supporting communication among athletes, coaches, and experts from around the world. It was a truly valuable experience, both professionally and culturally.

In 2023, I also attended the Abilympics Skills Competition in France as an interpreter. The competitor I supported was awarded a silver medal, making it another highly rewarding international experience.

Scope: Interpreting and on-site production support

With the rapid increase in foreign visitors to Japan, I have supported various television productions featuring international audiences.

Engagement:

In this project, I assisted TV filming focused on Japanese swords, providing interpreting and on-site support. It was a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of Japanese sword craftsmanship and history, as well as to work alongside a renowned swordsmith.

Marine Travelift – Market Entry & Business Development in Japan

Scope: Sales support, client relations, market visits to marinas nationwide, overseas business trips, introductions, consulting, liaison and coordination with U.S. headquarters, travel and schedule management, and document translation

Engagement:

For over ten years, I supported Marine Travelift’s business development and market entry in Japan. I was closely involved from the early stages, contributing to the creation of a new business model and the establishment of relationships built entirely from the ground up.

A key part of my role was bridging cultural and communication gaps between Japanese and American stakeholders, helping both sides reach mutually beneficial outcomes. Through this ongoing effort, Marine Travelift earned the trust of Japanese customers and developed strong, long-term partnerships.

As a result of more than a decade of collaboration, Marine Travelift machines are now installed and operating in marinas across Japan.

International Medical Corps – Disaster Relief Support in Japan

Scope: Negotiation and meeting support, coordination of food and relief supply donations, research, appointments, interpreting, office setup, support for multinational staff, scheduling, and travel arrangements

Overview: International Medical Corps (IMC) is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and alleviating suffering through healthcare training and development programs.

Engagement:

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, IMC deployed an emergency response team to Japan and continued supporting affected communities for more than two years. During this period, I was involved in a wide range of disaster relief activities, including coordinating food donations and the distribution of emergency supplies.

One of the most meaningful experiences was visiting a local elementary school in one of the hardest-hit areas to deliver 200 drawings sent by children in the United States. This moment remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life.

Malena Produce – Market Entry into Japan

Scope: Market research, sales support, introductions, negotiation assistance, meeting support, interpreting, document translation, scheduling, travel arrangements, and client relations

Overview: Malena Produce is a U.S.-based exporter of various vegetables. Japan was the company’s first overseas market for international expansion.

Engagement:

I supported Malena Produce’s market entry into Japan, working closely with the team to build business relationships from the ground up. Over a ten-year collaboration, I assisted with meetings and client visits across Japan, supporting both strategic development and day-to-day operations.

It has been a privilege to witness the company’s growth and long-term success in the Japanese market.