Journalism
As a professional freelance writer living and working in Tokyo, my work has been published in numerous magazines, newspapers, and online sites. Through my lived experiences and research of Japan and its culture, I produce well-written articles tailored for particular purposes and audiences. Outside of my love for Japan, I am also a published entertainment writer. Whether it be the latest movie releases, lists of the best anime out there, or the political ongoings of the States (currently an ongoing dark comedy), I've covered it all.
Check out examples of my work below.
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Culture & Travel
Savor Nagano's Orchards and Craft Your Knife in Fukui
Japan National Tourism Organization
It’s no secret that Japan is the ultimate destination for food lovers. The skill and care that goes into every aspect of Japanese cuisine, whether from the produce grown or from the tools used, is world-renowned. With these immersive experiences, you can discover the cultivation and craftsmanship that goes into creating beautiful and unbelievably delicious food - perfect for craft and food enthusiasts.
Art, Fashion & Style
Paging Dr. Maaya, the neurosurgeon doubling as a fashion designer
The Japan Times
Replete with sexually graphic illustrations, flashing lights and more colors than Joseph’s amazing technicolor dreamcoat, the work of Dr. Maaya was a sight to behold on the runway at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo.
And the “Dr.” in the Japanese fashion designer’s name is no gimmick: When she isn’t working on her designs, Maaya Orii is a fully licensed and practicing neurosurgeon.
“Perhaps I am the only person in the world working as a neurosurgeon and fashion designer,” Orii says.
Human Interest
An Extraordinary, Ordinary Love
Tokyo Weekender
On a hot, humid summer day in Tokyo, along the waterfront where the Sumida River runs into Tokyo Bay, I’m greeted by three radiant smiling faces. They belong to a trio of absurdly picturesque social media darlings: the jovial Shigeki Matsumoto, known online as Shiba; his husband, the cool and collected Koji Suzuki; and their adorable 3-year-old son Isshin, who is sadly suffering from a summer cold, I’m told. Despite his cold, Isshin’s grin is just as infectious in person as on their social media, where thousands flock to catch a glimpse into the family’s idyllic lives in rural Japan. There’s another bonus of meeting them in person: Isshin gifts you with honey locally sourced near their home.
Entertainment
Arcane’s jump to grandiosity lost what made the show great
The Mary Sue
Before I begin, let me state that I love Arcane. The ending had me sobbing. However, the final act felt like it lacked something. The nitty-gritty of power struggles between classes was replaced by a crisis of existential proportion with a clear right and wrong. Essentially, Arcane went too big.
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Arcane has to be one of the most visually interesting and well-told animated series out there. The characters are extremely interesting. Their struggles and motivation behind every action are delectable, allowing us, the audience, to decide who we think is wrong and who we think is right. Depending on who you are, your view of that might differ. That’s what Arcane did so fantastically, especially when you layer that on top of a class divide between the haves of Piltover and the have-nots of Zaun.
