Voices of Tokyo,
Stories That Inspire

Amanda Aro ’s story is the furthest thing from linear. From an unexpectedly shut down animation studio to her own illustrations, or a cross-continental move from tiny Victoria, Canada to bustling Tokyo, Japan, Aro’s life has taken her across many surprising roads. Yet, through every step of her journey, every twist has been turned into a source of inspiration and expression. Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Aro is no stranger to the art scene. In fact, she

For Naoko Hidaka , language is more than words. Language is the bridge between people, cultures, and identities. Born in Tokyo but raised in Europe, Hidaka grew up incredibly internationally oriented, which would later come to shape her life’s work—although she never imagined herself in front of a classroom before. Although she once described herself as a “not so academic person,” Hidaka is now a renowned teacher for foreign students in Tokyo, guiding students from all over t

When Chris Jeng  left his job at Google and his life in the United States, he never imagined that he would open a completely new chapter,...