Self-introduction

Hometown：Kawanishi in Hyogo Prefecture.
Age：４４

After graduating from university, i moved to New York to study fabrics and improbe my English.
And after returning to Japan, I worked in production management at an apparel company besed in Kobe. From 2012, I bedan living between Kobe and Awaji island, maintaining a dual-base lifestyle for senen years.
During tha time, I become increasingly drawn to the unique character of the people on Awaji Island, its rich natural environment, and the open, welcoming community where people of all ages can connect as equals and become friends.

One particularly memorable experience was attending a local event on Awaji Island at the inbitation of a friend. I was deeply moverd by the sight of both children and aduluts fully enjyoing themeselves together.

In 2019, I joind Shima to works inc. and began working on planning tourism experiences based on Awaji Island.

＼　My past travel experiences 　／

I’ve traveled to various countries across Europe, India, Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
One of the most significant discoveries I’ve made through these journeys is that “a change in place brings forth new perspectives within myself.”
In India especially, I had the opportunity to learn about the lives and cultures of the people behind the products. This made me realize the importance of understanding not just efficiency and profit, but also the lives and values of the producers. That experience became the foundation for my current way of life and work, which focuses on building meaningful connections with local communities.
In Africa, conversations with local people taught me something else: that not knowing, not having seen or spoken to someone, can lead to fixed ideas or stereotypes. In contrast, knowing and talking to people opens up the mind and brings flexibility to our thinking.

＼　How to Spend my Time on Awaji Island　／

I spend my days enjoying the warm and welcoming community of Awaji Island, where visitors are embraced with openness, and the rich local food culture and nature are always close at hand.
Thanks to the abundance of fresh ingredients from both land and sea, it's easy to host casual “feast parties” featuring seafood, Awaji beef, and seasonal vegetables—one of the joys unique to this island.
I love chatting with local producers and craftspeople over a lively BBQ, hopping between small bars, or simply strolling through the local shopping streets.
Even without swimming, I often find myself wondering, “How’s the sea today?” and walking over just to take in the view. Sometimes I spontaneously hike up a nearby hill to take in the wide-open island landscape.
Surrounded by nature and sparked by unexpected conversations with locals, I enjoy moments of discovery and spend my time freely—just following where my heart leads.

＼　About work　／

I work at Shima to Works Inc., where I plan and organize experiential tours that connect visitors and companies with local producers on Awaji Island.
By creating opportunities for guests to directly interact with local farmars and artisans, we forster natural and meaningful human connections.
We also focus on building spaces and communities that make use of the island’s diverse people and resources, creating environments where locals and visitors can naturally engage with one another.
Through my own experience of living between Kobe and Awaji Island for seven years, I discovered the powerful impact of “new perspectives that emerge when you change your surroundings.” I hope to share that sense of discovery with many others through the work I do.


＼　About Authentic Japan tour　／

"A Culinary Cultural Tour: Discovering the Joy of Living Through Food"
Through colors, ingredients, and cooking, this tour introduces you to the inspiring people behind Awaji Island’s rich food culture. You’ll get to meet local producers, cook and share traditional home-style meals, and enjoy heartfelt conversations with the community.
This is not a typical sightseeing tour—it's an invitation to step into the everyday life of Awaji Island, to experience its values, rhythms, and people up close.
Together, let’s create a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can truly feel the richness of human connection, the joy of handmade work, and the comfort of living close to nature.

＼　My interests　／

I’m deeply interested in hearing the stories behind food production, craftsmanship, and local businesses through conversations with producers, chefs, and shop owners.
Casual chats within community spaces and intercultural exchanges with people from diverse backgrounds always bring me new insights—and a sense of excitement.
My hobbies include exploring local bars and hot springs, both at home and while traveling.
I also enjoy refreshing myself with a game of tennis and spending focused, creative time on sewing, embroidery, and other kinds of handcrafts.

＼　Langages／

Through my time living in New York and participating in a project in India, I developed practical English communication skills.
Of course, there are still times when I don’t understand every word, but I believe that as long as we have the intention to understand one another, true communication is always possible.
Even when it comes to languages other than English, I enjoy using translation apps to connect and engage across language barriers.

＼　What I Hope to Share Through Travel　／

I feel the deepest sense of connection with people from other countries when we share our cultures with one another, and when we learn together through the lives and work of people actively engaged in the local community.
When it comes to cooking, the joy of preparing and sharing a meal creates a natural bond. And in handmade crafts, even when we don’t share the same language, working side by side often leads to a heartfelt understanding.
I also believe that the beauty of nature—like sunsets and the sea—and a mutual curiosity about each other’s lifestyles are things we can connect over, beyond culture or language.

What I value in the journey I offer

• Honest talk with locals

  We hope to expand the circle of dialogue and exchange between everyone who comes and the people of Sumoto town and Awaji Island, which we think is attractive.

• Learn about and enjoy various livelihoods

  To create a place where people can share various ways of life.

• For future vitality!

  We hope that the trip will give visitors power and comfort, or give them a chance to pause and take the next step forward!