I was born and raised in California by first generation Japanese parents. Growing up in a Japanese-speaking household, my parents always stressed the importance of keeping in touch with my roots and striving to learn more about Japanese traditions.

As a child, I spent every summer in the Kansai region of Japan, where all of my extended family lives. I was very fortunate to attend Japanese language school and participate in courses such as shodo/shuji (Japanese calligraphy) and tea ceremony (sado or chado) to broaden my knowledge of Japanese culture.