My journey began as a kid living overseas, including unforgettable years in Okinawa, Japan. I remember the smell of the air the moment we landed — it was different, and it stayed with me. Growing up moving between cultures, I learned early that travel isn’t just about places — it’s about perspective, belonging, and growth.

Japan became more than a destination — it became a north star in my life. From my early memories in Okinawa to my repeated returns through programs like JET, I learned about Japanese culture not as a tourist, but as someone who lived it, felt it, and connected with it deeply. My experiences taught me not just how to navigate Japan, but how to feel at home there.