1. How long have you been a member of the Asian Chamber of Commerce?
I joined last year, but I have been attending ACC events since 2009.
2. Why did you join the Asian Chamber of Commerce? Any expectations?
I wanted to continue my relationship with the ACC and help support the Chamber by becoming a dues-paying member. AS Honorary Consul of Japan, I want to support the entire Asian community and reach out to everyone, whether a local resident or visitor, to help raise the profile of Japan in Nevada.
3. What committee do you currently volunteer with?
None at this time, but I am happy to offer my time as a mentor to youth affiliated with the ACC.
4. What is your current occupation?
I am the Honorary Consul of Japan for Nevada. I was originally appointed Honorary Consul General of Japan in 2008. The US Department of State subsequently changed all the titles to “honorary consul” for simplicity. My responsibilities have not changed. Although not an “occupation”, I am also president of the Japanese Festival Association of Nevada (presenters of Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival) and Dean of the Nevada Consular Corps.
5. What do you do at ChargerGoGo and what circumstances would I come to you for something?
As Honorary Consul of Japan, I support the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco as a liaison to residents and Japanese visitors of Nevada by offering a local contact for questions about Japan, including public relations, cultural exchange, education and trade. In a nutshell, my job is to raise the profile of Japan in Nevada and to help support the Consulate’s care to Japanese residents. If a local resident has questions about a Visa to travel to Japan, or to have a Japanese Passport renewed, I can provide basic information and details to contact staff in San Francisco. For questions related to trade, I offer referrals to JETRO or the Consulate. I stay in touch with local Japanese cultural and education groups and can offer information or referrals. I am available to speak at local community events or schools about Japan and her culture.
6. What let you to this career?
I have lived in southern Nevada for about 30 years, and have been active in the local Japanese and Asian community since I arrived here. I joined several Japanese/Japanese American groups shortly after I arrived, including the Japan America Society of Nevada (JASN) and the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). I was active in those groups, particularly in JASN, and this came to the attention of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. I was interviewed and appointed to my post as Honorary Consul General of Japan in Las Vegas in October 2008 by Consul General Nagamine.
7.What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
That my dad is German/Swedish and I really want to take a river cruise on the Danube someday!
8.What is your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for?
Hmm, tough question-I don’t watch sports so I don’t have a favorite team. But, if I had to choose, I would watch a Sumo match – I used to watch Sumo tournaments on TV when I visited my family in Japan.
9 .What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
Probably catching up on my reading or doing chores.
10. If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Why?
Being able to FLY! Then, I could visit family in Japan anytime.
11. What is your favorite place to eat around here?
I love Chinese & Thai food, but my go-to is ramen!
12. What is your favorite Asian Restaurant in Las Vegas?
Fukumimi ramen or Ton Ton Katsuya
13. What is your favorite TV show or movie?
I’ve been catching up on CSI and Criminal Minds on Netflix. I could watch Enchanted April and Room With a View over and over again!
