About Me

I first came to Japan in 2004, flying in from my humble inaka town in Oregon, USA. Since then, I have had the opportunity to live in Tokyo, Toyama, Osaka, and (presently) Fukuoka. I studied Japanese, Asian studies and history at the University of Oregon and at Waseda University (in Tokyo) before deciding to live in Japan for good. My interests include history, languages, travel, music, writing, disc golf–the list goes on. I previously wrote a blog while living in Osaka called Osaka Insider, and I have experience working in the travel and translation industries.

Even though I am new to Fukuoka, I hope this blog will be a source of information on sightseeing for those living in, and those thinking of visiting, Fukuoka or any other part of Kyushu. As was the case with Osaka, there is an acute lack of good tourism information on Fukuoka in English: most material either leaves out many good destinations and sights, or simply provides a direct translation of tourism pamphlets geared toward Japanese travelers. I will post articles on historical and cultural topics, recommend my favorite restaurants and bars, write on topics related to living as an expat in Japan, and try to provide you with an inside perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

I am available as a freelance translator and editor. Please visit my professional site (日本語) for more information.

I can also help with individual tour planning of Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, etc.), an area I know intimately, as well as with trips around the Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions, and Fukuoka and Tokyo. You can contact me here.

Finally, feel free to contact me if you want a link exchange, have questions regarding the website, or are looking for a new friend in Fukuoka!

Happy reading!