Our Team

Anne Kyle

Anne is the CEO and Founder of Arigato Travel. She founded the company in 2016 with tours in Japan, realizing her calling to create amazing experiences for international visitors. She was a featured speaker at the New York Times Travel show and continues to share her love of tourism. Read more about Anne, her story, and her media appearances here: https://elizabethannekyle.com/

Matt Kyle

Matthew is the Co-Founder of Arigato Japan alongside his wife, Anne. He focuses on strategy and business development. In addition to his work at Arigato Japan, Matt is CCO at weConnect, helping global companies discover a better way to manage their finance and payroll functions.

Jessica

Jessica was born in Paris but loves Japan. She is our Marketing, PR, and Sales Manager. Jessica worked for a gaming company for over 6 years before she quit everything to follow her dream in Tokyo. She has a passion for Aimyon, Japanese culture, language, music, and food.

Jenkie

Jenkie was born and raised in the Philippines. She is a marketing graduate and former manager of Kirelis International for 10 years. She joined Arigato Japan in 2017. Jenkie is our Head of Finance and is working hard to manage our financial and budgeting operations.

Kristine

Kristine is our Admin Manager. She is dedicated and committed to providing excellent service to clients and continues to be responsible for our goal in offering the best food and travel experience to visitors from around the world, by showing Japan’s unique culture.

Sae

Sae was born in Japan and has studied in New Zealand and Canada, working as a makeup artist, beauty advisor and English tutor. She is genuinely passionate about sharing her love for Japanese culture, beauty and ultimately, unforgettable fun memories with her guests. Read more about Sae!

DeeJay

DeeJay is from the Philippines with a Master's in Business Administration and a degree in Financial Management. He may be a Filipino, but he has a heart for Japan. He believes that his leadership skills were honed by the anime he watched growing up. He is a proud fur-dad of 3 dogs and enjoys spending quality time with them. In his free time, he volunteers at local community church groups as one of their leaders. With a passion for continuous learning, DeeJay is always looking for new opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Ramona

Ramona is Italian and LOVES food. She ran restaurants in Italy before moving to Japan where she now lives with her husband and kids. She aims to instill a passion for Japanese cuisine in our guests, is a part of the Ops Team, and is in charge of the Travel consulting service.

Josh

Josh came to Japan in 1983, living in Sapporo for a short time. He then moved here and lived and traveled extensively around Japan. He's an expert on many parts of Japanese food culture and loves answering questions. His favorite food in Japan is the Hokkaido specialty jingiskan.

Kate

Kate has a great love for Japan and its food. She strives to provide great customer service and makes sure everything is arranged accordingly. She’s also a traveler and plans to travel to Japan someday, since she's been a fan of anime since childhood.

Annalyn

Annalyn is from the Philippines and aims to give our guests a smooth, amazing and memorable travel and food experience throughout their stay in Japan. Her love for food and interest in Japanese culture makes her want to travel to Japan someday.

Karina

Karina graduated from Sophia University in Tokyo. Originally from Kazakhstan, she has lived in Japan since 2016 and has developed a deep passion for Japanese history and culture. In her free time, she maintains a blog sharing insights on education and Japanese history.

Diane

Diane is passionate about art, food, travel blogs, and lifestyle vlogs. She has been working in the customer service industry for almost 5 years. Her main goal is to provide an excellent travel experience and good memories to as many guests as possible.

Nicole

Nicole is from Los Angeles and graduated from university in Tokyo. She’s been living in Japan for 7 years, having been influenced by Japanese culture from a young age. Nicole enjoys Japanese fashion and art, and when she's not painting, she loves spending time with her hamsters.

Heder

Heder lives in the Philippines. She loves to travel and explore the unique qualities of every country. Among all the places she has visited, Japan holds a very special place in her heart. Bringing joy to others has always been her passion.

Michael

Michael is a huge fan of Tonkotsu ramen and fell in love with Japanese food at a very young age. He is also a fan of Manga, Kobe Bryant, and riding the Bullet Train. He supports our teams in both Kansai and Kanto.

Bertely

Bertely lives in the Philippines. Her love for traveling led her to explore the best tourist places in her country, and now Japan is on her international travel bucket list. She is very eager to help visitors plan their most unforgettable travel experience in Japan.

Aira

Aira hails from the Philippines. With a strong background in customer service, she helps our guests have an exceptional time in Japan. Her fascination with Japanese culture and its traditions, particularly Japanese street cars, fuels her desire to come see them in person.

Sandra

Sandra is a passionate food enthusiast from Barcelona who found her heart captivated by Japan a decade ago. Now deeply rooted in the country, she embraces Japan as her second home, savoring its diverse culinary wonders and joyfully sharing her love for Japanese cuisine with others.

Nikka

Ry

Ry is from the Philippines and loves gaming and adventuring. She loves discovering the best foods her local area has to offer and recommending them to those she cares about. In her free time, she also loves learning about the newest technology and gadgets.

Jacob

Jacob, originally from Israel, first found himself in Japan back in 2013 and returned every year until he decided to move completely in 2021. Whenever he gets the opportunity to travel to a new prefecture, he tries local famous dishes to make a list of the best foods in Japan.

Claire

Claire is a vegetarian and absolute foodie from the U.S. She spent many years learning about Japan and studying the language and has come to love her new home here in Tokyo. She does yoga, plays video games and goes to vegan/vegetarian meetups with friends in her spare time.

Fernando

Fernando, a travel and music enthusiast, is from Manila, Philippines. Along with photography, he enjoys playing mobile games and watching anime, which has piqued his interest in Japanese culture. It is also the reason he became a member of Arigato Travel.

Aimee

Aimee is a Registered Nurse from the Philippines. She has you covered from bedside care to numbers and spreadsheets and is thrilled to join Arigato Travel as part of the Finance Team.

Liah

Liah is from the Philippines and loves exploring different cafes, especially matcha cafes. One of her bucket list goals is to experience an unforgettable matcha experience in Japan. She also enjoys watching melodramas, singing, and dancing as hobbies.

Jason

Jason was born in the US, but grew to love everything about Japan. He wants to share his passion for Japanese culture, food, music, and more with people all over the world. Jason loves playing video games and cooking in his free time.

Sarah

Sarah is from Trinidad and has loved anime since she was young, which led to her passion and love for Japan. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and creating content for Instagram. One of her main goals is to become fluent in Japanese one day in hopes to travel to Japan.

George

George is from the UK, where he graduated with a degree in Film & American Studies, and designs strategy board games in his spare time. His real passions are film and Japanese culture–two obsessions he is thrilled to be able to indulge in and share with others at Arigato Travel.

Maria

Maria is from Spain and moved to Japan in 2020 to experience a new culture for herself, falling in love with the country in the process. She cannot live without drinking Matcha every day and loves picnics in places where she can enjoy the beautiful sights of Japanese nature.

Catherine

Born in Hong Kong, Catherine pursued human resources and corporate branding in Toronto. Fascinated by Japanese culture, she now studies Japanese in Kyoto. Combining her passion for branding, travel, and storytelling, Catherine aims to share Japan's incredible sights worldwide.

Ramona

Ramona is Italian and LOVES food. She ran restaurants in Italy before moving to Japan where she now lives with her husband and kids. She aims to instill a passion for Japanese cuisine in our guests, is a part of the Ops Team, and is in charge of the Travel consulting service.

Josh

Josh came to Japan in 1983, living in Sapporo for a short time. He then moved here and lived and traveled extensively around Japan. He's an expert on many parts of Japanese food culture and loves answering questions. His favorite food in Japan is the Hokkaido specialty jingiskan.

Yappy

Yappy moved to Tokyo from Osaka and has worked in the entertainment industry ever since. As a bartender and DJ, he has the chance to use both his Osaka dialect and his English. An unforgettable experience hosting guests in an Airbnb made him want to share his love for Japan. Read more about Yappy!

Ike

Ike was born in Japan and moved to Boston in 1983 to go to music school. During his 35 years in Boston, Ike was a sushi chef, a manager at a Japanese market, and owned a restaurant. He is excited to share his knowledge about Japanese food with you. Read more about Ike!

Thomás

Thomás is a Brazilian who came to Japan to pursue his Master's and Ph.D. in computational neuroscience. But even while enjoying these abstract subjects, his passions extend to many areas. He strives to share his love for Japan and his appreciation of all things, big to small.

Alexandro Renee

Alex is originally from Mexico and has had a deep love for Japanese culture since childhood. He also runs Spanish tours, has many stories about this amazing country, and is always happy to meet new friends from around the world! He is an artist and an anime and manga fan. Read more about Alex!

Haruka

Haruka was born and raised in Tokyo and lived in Florida working at a Japan-themed store in Walt Disney World. After her return, she started organizing tours and events for foreigners in Tokyo and enjoyed working with talented Japanese chefs, craftsmen, and performing artists.

Norma

Norma is our Training and HR coordinator. She shares her knowledge with our guides and also runs Spanish-language tours. Norma is a passionate etching and woodblock artist who came from Mexico to learn Ukiyo-e. As a foodie, Japan was the perfect place to explore and share! Read more about Norma!

Michie

Michie was born and raised in Tokyo, attended college in Iowa, and also lived in Hong Kong while working as a flight attendant. Michie believes enjoying food is the best way to relax, and that sharing good food helps people build relationships and understand other cultures.

Yuko

Yuko was born in Yokohama and raised in Tokyo. Until recently, she lived in Hawaii with her two children for 7 years. She brought the Aloha spirit back to Japan with her. Yuko is happy to share Japanese food and cultural facts so guests can bring wonderful memories back home.

Hannah

Hannah is a Canadian with a background in Graphic Design and Pastry Arts and is the head Baker of an up-and-coming cafe in Tokyo. She has an admiration for the bold Tokyo subcultures and now seeks out more unique cafes, bathhouses, and seasonal festivals in her free time.

Sae

Sae was born in Japan and has studied in New Zealand and Canada, working as a makeup artist, beauty advisor and English tutor. She is genuinely passionate about sharing her love for Japanese culture, beauty and ultimately, unforgettable fun memories with her guests. Read more about Sae!

Noboru

Noboru was born in Kyoto and has been there for decades and decades. He would love to help you discover the city he loves so much and make your day memorable. He hopes to introduce you to the Japanese concept of Ichigo Ichie; one lifetime, one encounter.

Shigeki

Shigeki is originally from Kagoshima but has lived in Tokyo for decades. He loves to travel and has visited many foreign countries and prefectures in Japan. He always makes sure to check out regional specialties and can give you the best sake and food pairing recommendations.

Miyuki

Miyuki was born and raised in the city of Hiroshima. She likes eating and especially loves Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima’s soul food, and hopes that everyone can enjoy it. She also likes visiting shrines and enjoying Kagura performances and want to share her passion for Hiroshima. Read more about Miyuki!

Makki

Makki was born and raised in Kawasaki and lived in New York for dancing. After that, she worked as a guide throughout Japan and in the US for Warner Brothers. After early retirement, she wants to help guests from all over the world fall in love with a second culture as she did.

Wesley

Wesley is an adventurer who swapped LA for Tokyo two years ago and never looked back! His passion for food and exploration has taken him from the snowy landscapes of Tohoku and Hokkaido to the cultural gems of Kyoto and Osaka and given him many unforgettable experiences.

Satoko

Satoko was born in New York and raised in the States, Japan and Switzerland. She is a foodie who loves meeting new people and sharing experiences. She received her governmental tour guide license and wants to welcome each guest like they are one of her friends visiting Tokyo.

Vanessa

Vanessa is originally from Portugal but fell in love with Tokyo after completing an internship there. She decided to move to Japan, where she pursues her love for exploring and trying new things, including strange dishes like Cricket Ramen and sharing her love for the country.

Trevor

Trevor is an American who has been residing in Japan since he came in 2017 to spend a year working overseas. He liked it so much that he decided to stay. His favorite Japanese food is Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, and he’s looking forward to sharing Tokyo tips and tales with you.

Eduardo

Eduardo is a Mexican who moved to Japan for his Ph.D. While he enjoys several hobbies like photography and boxing, he discovered he loves cooking Japanese food when he started his life in Kyoto. He loves sharing his love for ramen and sharing his funny experiences in Japan.

Glenda

Glenda is an outgoing Singaporean who loves food and exploring nature and can speak English, Japanese, and Mandarin. Having gotten a taste of life in Japan during university, she moved to Tokyo to satiate her love and immense passion for its food, language, and culture.

Jacob

Jacob, originally from Israel, first found himself in Japan back in 2013 and returned every year until he decided to move completely in 2021. Whenever he gets the opportunity to travel to a new prefecture, he tries local famous dishes to make a list of the best foods in Japan.

Ray

Ray first came to Japan in 2015 and immediately fell in love with the culture, people, and food! Ray is a former traveler, having visited more than twenty countries and ended up living here in Japan. His wife is Japanese so he has deep knowledge of the country's culture.

Akiko

Akiko was born and raised in Osaka. She is friendly and talkative and is pleased to share her passion and love for Osaka and its food with guests. Inspired by her time abroad, meeting kind people everywhere, she would now like to return that kindness to international visitors.

Kazuko

Melissa T

Originally from Guatemala, Melissa came to Japan in 2018 to study the history of architecture. She was able to extend her stay from 2 to 6 years and counting. A foodie, anime, art and cooking lover, she'll be happy to guide you through the fun and interesting parts of Tokyo!

Saika

Saika is a foodie from Taiwan who loves traveling. She first came to Kyoto as a backpacker for 3 months and instantly fell in love with the food and traditions. Saika believes the key to understanding the customs and history of a country is through its culinary background.

Masaki

Masaki is a friendly local host born and raised in Hiroshima. He says the area's landscapes are a sight to behold and wants to tell you all about its wonders. He knows the ins and outs of the city and can't wait to share the warmth and wonders of his beloved hometown with you!

Olivia

Originally from Indonesia, Olivia has been living in other countries for quite a while and moved to Hiroshima in 2022. She loves venturing out to interesting new places that people hardly know. She loves Japanese food and loves sharing new places and experiences with her guests.

Hiro

Hiro is an engineer who grew up in the auto industry and is native to Kyoto. He loves his home town which is historical and beautiful. Spending some time abroad helped him appreciate the beauty of Kyoto. He loves nature, playing with children, singing and meeting new people!

Ami

Originally from Shimane, Ami studied travel and tourism in the US. After working various jobs, she returned to Japan to work for an oyster company in Hiroshima. Ami enjoys traveling and local foods and drinks. She's excited to share Japanese & Hiroshima culture with her guests!

Giulia

Giulia is a cheerful and outgoing person from Italy. Her passion for Japan led her to move to Tokyo in 2022, and she now wants to share that love with others. She's looking forward to exchanging experiences and learning about your cultures while enjoying Tokyo together.

Cindy

Cindy is a seasoned sake professional, writer, and photographer. Having lived in various regions across Japan, she currently calls Kyoto home and is passionate about Japanese culture. She loves sharing her experiences of Japan’s captivating sights and flavors with visitors.

Ryan

Ryan originally came to Japan from the U.S. on a bit of a whim, yet ended up falling in love with it and has been living here ever since. When people ask why he enjoys living in Japan, his answer comes down to three things: the scenery, the people, and of course, the food.

Chiko

Chiko spends her time between Tokyo and New York. She delights in sharing the wonders of Japanese food and culture with others. She is especially familiar with Japanese kimonos and traditional musical instruments, such as the shamisen, and cuisine using authentic ingredients.

Jahmelah

Originally from the US, Jahmelah has called Kyoto home since 2017. Her hobbies include playing music, cooking, exploring new places and photography. She strives to share her deep love for Japan and its unique food culture with visitors through meals and great conversation.

Atsuko

Currently residing in Kyoto, Atsuko has a passion for learning languages and loves talking to people. Additionally, she loves Japanese cuisine and hopes her guests will have a delightful experience savoring delicious food in Japan, as well as discovering the hidden gems of Kyoto.

Paul

Paul was born and raised in Ireland. He fell in love with Japanese cuisine since coming to Tokyo and has become a foodie enthusiast, searching for the best and newest foods that Japan has to offer. In his free time, he loves to watch movies and visit shrines.

Lucas

Lucas was born in Hong Kong and came to Japan for love in 2020. He formerly lived in Australia where he studied and worked in hospitality. He enjoys the cultural differences between China, Japan and the West. A lover of snow & Japanese food, he is also a snowboarding instructor.

Kazuno

Kaz is from the UK and has a British/Japanese background. A natural Japanese foodie, having grown up with the culture in the UK, he returned to Japan in 2006 to reconnect with the country. He loves discovering places with a camera in hand looking for moments that express Japan.

Mark

Originally from the US, Mark first came to Japan in 2006. He was instantly captivated by the culture and relocated to Kyoto in 2008. His favorite features of Kyoto include the abundance of nature, the ability to cycle everywhere, and the variety of good food and people.

Ana

Ana came from Portugal to Japan for her studies after fostering a life-long love of the language and culture, mostly through anime and manga. She's lived in Kyoto since 2020 and completely fell in love with the city, its traditional culture, and, of course, the delicious food.

Miki

Miki was born in Chiba and moved abroad when she was 3. After living in 5 different countries, she returned to Japan 21 years later. She loves sharing stories & the land, the wind and the sea. In her free time, she likes to practice aikido, read books, and enjoy delicious food.

Masayuki

Masa, a certified sake sommelier, is recognized as an International Kikizake-shi. He is also a data analyst specializing in tourism. He was born and raised in Hiroshima but has also lived in Singapore, Texas, and Tokyo. Masa is passionate about promoting Hiroshima's sake.

Ully

Ully is Brazilian-Japanese and has spent 12 years in Japan with many back-and-forth trips between the two countries. Her passion for Japanese cuisine led her to create her food blog that has amassed 14K+ followers on IG. She hopes to provide a fun and informative tour with you!

Patrick

Patrick is from the UK and came to Japan in 2022 to explore the fascinating culture here. He works in the craft beer industry here in Osaka. Having worked in this industry alongside various food tours, Patrick loves having a chat over a well-crafted drink and some delicious food.

Dani

Dani was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain. He came to Japan to study Japanese after a trip to the country made him fall in love with Japanese culture and cuisine. He loves eating good and local food, photography, videography and playing football (or soccer) as a good Spaniard.

Nanako

Nanako, who also goes by the nickname ”d,” is very optimistic and positive about life. After working for 22 years as an art dealer, she has become what she calls a food experimentalist. Her dream is to become a food artist to express her “omotenashi” (hospitality).

Maru

Maru is from San Diego and has been in Japan for a little over a decade. He was brought here by his love of video games and anime. Enticed by the beauty of Japanese art, Maru is happy to share food and quirky cultural differences so you can take unique memories back home.

Matt

Matt is originally from the United States and has been living in Japan since 2012. He is an avid gamer and a passionate fan of Japanese pop music, especially the Osaka-based girls group NMB48. Matt is excited to share his enthusiasm for Japanese food and culture with his guests.

Karim

Karim, originally from England, has lived in Japan for several years and has come to cherish the country’s culinary delights. One of his favorite dishes is Miso-nikomi-Udon, a rich and fruity clay pot dish. In his free time, Karim loves reading books and playing the guitar.

Ema

Originally from Chile and now living in Tokyo, Ema is a musician, performer, and DJ deeply involved in Tokyo’s underground scene, producing original tracks and performing across the city. Ema thrives on sharing Japan's unique energy with visitors from around the world.

Michael

Michael is an American born and raised in Kagoshima, but he currently lives in Tokyo. He is very interested in Japanese history and culture and has worked at multiple Japanese restaurants throughout his life. He would love to introduce you to everything about Japanese food culture, from its history to how it's made and even how it's enjoyed nowadays.

Aleef

Aleef is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and now calls Hiroshima home. With a background in nutrition and biomedical science, he works as a researcher at Hiroshima University, leading health interventions for the local community. Whether guiding travelers through the city or diving deep into his research, Aleef finds joy in exploring Hiroshima and sharing its resilient history and unique charm with others.

Kenley

Kenley is an American who came to Japan as an English teacher. He is now finishing his master’s degree in Kyoto. He has several hobbies, including Japanese archery, martial arts, and a love for all things anime and video games. He loves trying regional delicacies all over Japan and is passionate about hidden gems in the countryside.

Kanji

Kanji was born and raised in Tokyo, where he has lived for over 30 years. While working as a test engineer, he was inspired to become a tour guide to share the joy of travel and the deeper beauty of Japanese culture with visitors from around the world. He has been passionate about cooking since childhood and specializes in Japanese cuisine. A fan of local craft beer, he also enjoys pairing it with his culinary creations. Kanji has traveled across Europe, particularly to Germany, which he has visited six times on backpacking adventures. These experiences have given him a strong appreciation for cultural exchange and connection. He is also deeply interested in Japanese spirituality and enjoys introducing guests to places that reflect the quiet essence of Japan, from ancient temples and shrines to serene natural settings. Kanji’s tours aim to offer more than just sightseeing, they are a chance to explore the soul of Tokyo through culture, cuisine, and meaningful stories.

Morten

Born in Denmark, Morten first became interested in Japanese culture and history in his childhood. After studying in Spain and France, he settled in Kyoto to pursue his PhD in philosophy. Living in Japan and discovering its exquisite and richly varied cuisine has only deepened his admiration for this country – a passion he loves sharing with his guests.

Kaku

Originally from Beppu and now based in Hiroshima, Kaku is passionate about soccer, hot springs, and ramen. He enjoys traveling, watching movies, and sharing local culture with visitors from around the world.

Yuki

Yuki is a second generation Japanese-American from Southern California, and moved to Japan to get in touch with his heritage. He loves sharing his perspectives and insights into both countries being a third culture kid.

Melody

Melody is from Malaysia so you can trust her when it comes to knowing good food. She's been in Japan for almost a decade and is familiar with the ins and outs of Tokyo, but still enjoys hunting for the next hidden gem in the ever-so sprawling city.

Kurtis

Originally from San Diego, California, Kurtis first came to Japan during a study abroad in his Junior year of the University of California Santa Cruz, in 2008. Now a long-term resident (migrated in 2010), Kurtis leans toward outdoorsy, unconventional trips through Japan, but is also very in-tune with the most popular foods, locations, and attractions; not to mention is full of cultural, historical, and linguistic insight to make any trip more intriguing. A quick thinker, he never fears impromptu adjustments during travel, and is more than willing to take some physical exertion for the sake of the group's enjoyment. In his free time, he does a range of board sports from surfing to skateboarding, and even kitesurfing, but will also take the occasional weekend day to read or play video games. Oh, and while he misses the Mexican food of California, he doesn't think he'll ever get enough ramen here in Japan!

Amna

Amna is from Pakistan and has been interested in content writing for a long time. Japanese culture has inspired her a lot, including the beautiful scenery and the captivating cuisine that compelled her to write about this attractive and delightful country.

Gijs

Gijs is a student coming from the Netherlands. Wanting to explore more about Japanese culture and cuisine he chose to do an internship in Japan. When he is not working, he loves to explore everything Japan has to offer.

Viji

Viji is from India. She loves shopping and cafe-hopping and wants to travel the world someday. After hearing tales of Omotenashi from other travelers, she decided to explore Japan with Arigato Travel. She spends her free time with books, music, and puzzles.

Saffron

Saffron is a Literature student from Cornwall, England who has always had an interest in writing and editing. Wanting to see more than her small pocket of the world, she began travelling at 18 and instantly fell in love with Japan. From the diverse climate to tracking down rare Studio Ghibli merch, Saffron wants to see as much of it as she can.

Brenna

Brenna is from the US and studied abroad in Japan while completing her undergraduate degree, where she majored in graphic design. She loved her time there and returned to continue her studies. She loves exploring new places and admiring all the creativity that Japan has to offer.

Angelina

Angelina is a first generation Guyanese American from Brooklyn, New York, currently living in Japan. She has a background in Art and interest in Fashion and video games. She often spends time going to Fashion shows or Art shows and museums in Tokyo. Angelina also loves jellyfish.

Espi

Espi is a second-year student at McGill University pursuing a degree in International Development. Having grown up in Tokyo, she is passionate about cultural exchange. In her free time, she enjoys exploring cuisines and spending time with friends.

Christian

Christian is an American living in Tokyo and a Master’s graduate in Management from Temple University Japan Campus. He helps to support the Marketing team with content creation, research, and marketing for culinary tourism. He has a passion for hands-on creativity, athletics, nostalgic aesthetics, and human connection.

Emma

Emma has been obsessed with Japan since she was thirteen. After studying abroad in Sendai as a teenager, she returned to Japan and graduated from university in Tokyo. She loves anything beautiful, unique, or cute. She spends her free time snacking, collecting trinkets, and making art.

Sarah U

Sarah is a Senior at Temple University, majoring in Communications. Driven by a passion to connect with her Japanese heritage, she explores various regions of Japan. In her free time, she documents her journey through photos and videos, capturing Japan’s unique beauty.

Nadia

Nadia is a psychology major with a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and a love for nature. She enjoys writing, exploring creative design, and crafting engaging content. Passionate about storytelling and aesthetics, she finds joy in capturing emotions through words and visuals, bringing ideas to life with creativity and depth.

Bells

Bells is currently studying film and anthropology abroad with TUJ. When she’s not working and making videos, Bells enjoys exploring the Tokyo area, trying the diverse foods, and meeting strangers. Her goal is to travel the world while creating films that are well-informed and evocative.

Jiaqin

Jiaqian Li is an International Business major at Temple University Japan, originally from China. Fascinated by Japan’s food culture, she loves sushi and ramen. In her free time, she enjoys playing billiards, cooking, photography, and riding roller coasters at Fuji-Q Highland.

Sherrye

Majoring in both Graphic Design and Experience Architecture, Sherrye is passionate about crafting intuitive digital experiences, and immerses herself in design that blends creativity with strategy. In her free time, Sherrye enjoys dancing, listening to music, and visiting local art museums.

Liam C

Liam is a video and audio editor originally from Chicago, but is now based in Tokyo and working on the Arigato intern team. He first visited Japan in 2024 as part of a university study abroad term, and fell in love with the country and its culture from there. Some of his hobbies include playing video games, reading, and learning languages.