When I'm not working in web design, I live my other passion which is preserving traditional arts and cultures.

I am the Washington, DC representative for the International Shinto Foundation based in Tokyo and work to promote the cultural understanding of Shinto internationally. In this role, I arrange events in the Washington, DC area including Shichigosan (a children's festival), the ISF booth at the National Cherry Blossom Festival's street festival and organized academic lectures at area Universities.

As the Washington DC representative for the ISF, I have traveled to Melbourne, Australia and to New York to attend United Nations Meetings for NGO's (non governmental organizations).

 

I have volunteered to use my design and organization skills for two large events in the Washington, DC area for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I also assist The Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture in their web presence.

One of these large events, "The Heart of Change" was attended by 4,500 people. I was responsible for the redesign, care and maintenance of the event website. I also served as Volunteer Coordinator, organizing 450 volunteers in their duties and training.

 

I am also a student of Japanese dance, performed in Tokyo and around the US. My studies have focused on classical Japanese dance called "Nihon Buyo" and sacred dance called "Mikagura."

I have also spent several years studying the traditional Japanese martial arts. I am currently ranked as a third degree black belt with my focus in Iaido (Japanese sword).

With this background, I have arranged several tours of Japan for westerners from both the US and Europe. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and culture of Japan, we visit sites of historical and cultural importance; train in local martial arts schools; visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples; and participate in traditions like meeting a Geisha or participate in a tea ceremony. We even visit English students which provides a great chance to get to make a few new friends.