What I do & what I've done

Professional Summary

I am a writer, translator, and social media strategist with a focus on Japanese running culture. With a deep interest in Ekiden and Japan’s unique distance running culture, I work to share these stories with a wider audience through translation, writing, and digital content.

Based in Japan for over two decades, I’ve developed an in-depth understanding of the country’s culture and language, both on and off the track. As an active runner myself, I engage directly with the community — training with the Tamagawa University women’s Ekiden team and running with RETO Running Club, led by Ekiden legend Daichi Kamino.

Career Experience

2014-present

Freelance translator, writer & social media specialist

I focus on Japanese running culture, combining translation, writing, and social media strategy to bring these stories to a wider audience. In 2025, I am working with Tamagawa University’s women’s Ekiden team, training alongside the athletes, sharing their stories, and supporting their social media strategy.

I also collaborate with RETO Running Club to highlight Japan’s serious amateur running scene and regularly blog about Japanese running culture, from Ekiden traditions to the everyday experiences of runners.

2021-present

Associate Creative Director, Wild Tame Co. Ltd

Overview

A wildly varied role including project management, social media strategy, translating, writing, interviewing, and creative planning and direction.

Magic moments

I find immense satisfaction in the tangible progress that can be achieved through effective social media management. Seeing my creative ideas resonate with an audience and drive meaningful engagement is truly rewarding.

Professional Highlights*

LinkedIn Account Management: Driving organic growth of over 35% within a year.
Written article about the NOMADPro concept truck
Interview with Eiji Mitooka and written article about imaginative bus design
Project management and creative direction for "Kyoto: A Creative City" (World Bank)

*While I took a leading role in these projects, they were collaborative endeavors with other creatives and client input.

2018-2021

Senior Producing Editor, Funkycorp

Overview

This multi-faceted role included project and team management, translation, writing, editing, and proofreading to optimize user experience, whether onsite or online.

Magic moments

Getting to travel the length and breadth of Japan to visit sites of natural beauty and rich history was a genuine source of education and inspiration.

Professional Highlights*

Interview and written article about countryside revitalization in Shimane prefecture (GURUNAVI)
English language signage creation for Ibaraki Nature Museum, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and Shiretoko National Park
Written piece about the history of Buddhist statues in Nara (Nara Prefecture)
Blog writing for the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

*While I took a leading role in these projects, they were collaborative endeavors with other creatives and client input.

2016-2018

Director/Translator Japan Visualmedia Translation Academy

Overview

My role involved coordination between clients and translators on wide-ranging translation projects and quality assurance of written and visual media translation. As a translation instructor, I taught introductory Japanese to English visual media translation and subtitling.

Magic moments

Learning and teaching the art of subtitling was an enriching experience — ensuring a non-Japanese audience has the same emotional experience as native speakers is always a huge creative challenge.

Professional Highlights

Running a subtitling workshop at the 2017 Nippon Connection film festival in Frankfurt, Germany

Education

2024

London Business School

Mastering Digital Marketing: SEM, SEO, Social Media and Beyond

2015

Temple University (Continuing Education)

Translation Skills & Business Translation Skills

2013

Japanese Language Proficiency Test

Acquired N1 Level of JLPT

2000-2003

BA Music — Music Theory & Composition (2:1)

Exeter University (UK)