Founder / Principal
Utilising globally recognised knowledge and teaching methodologies grounded in international protocol, I am dedicated to nurturing talents befitting today’s global society, fostering meaningful connections among individuals, and bridging Japan with the wider world.
Since founding The International Protocol and Etiquette Academy of Japan, I have had the privilege of mentoring and educating embassy staff, diplomats, politicians, medical professionals, and corporate leaders.
Through more than 25 years as a student and educator, I discovered that at the heart of global affairs lies ‘people’, and that effective communication is the essential key to unlocking human potential.
Born in the Yamanote district of Yokohama, a cosmopolitan city in Kanagawa Prefecture, I come from a distinguished family renowned for its contributions to education, research, and national service.
Raised within a comprehensive Western educational tradition grounded in Catholic values, my formative years included compulsory schooling, Sunday school at a church institution, private tuition, and moral education. I also spent part of my childhood in Thailand due to my father’s assignments as a scientist, a doctoral university professor, and a head of a research institute within the Metropolitan Police Department.
My great-grandmother was an alumna of Jissen Joshi Gakuen, founded by Utako Shimoda in 1899, which emphasised the virtues of solidity, frugality, and dignity in women’s education.
Following the Second World War, she served for forty years as the principal of a private kindergarten affiliated with the Yamate Catholic Church — experiences that deeply influenced my worldview and understanding of service and resilience.
At the age of 16, I achieved near-perfect scores in my university entrance examinations and resolved to forge my own path. I obtained comprehensive qualifications in itinerary management, gaining practical insights into history and culture through extensive overseas travel.
My academic pursuits led me to study International Business and academic writing at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada, followed by cultural research work in London, United Kingdom.
Upon returning to Japan, I joined an Australian company in Tokyo, where my cross-cultural adaptability enabled me to achieve top-tier results within two years.
While I had completed the Japan Protocol Association’s teacher training course earlier, I realised that its content did not adequately prepare one for success on the international stage.
Motivated by this, I returned to the United Kingdom to obtain internationally recognised qualifications, ultimately becoming a certified expert instructor in International Protocol.
In 2017, I founded The InterCultural Protocol Academy of Tokyo (ICPA),
with the vision of providing knowledge and refined skills through internationally recognised protocol education.
Our mission is to cultivate globally competent professionals, foster human and diplomatic connections, and strengthen Japan’s ties to the world.
Formerly known as The International Cross-Cultural and Protocol Academy of Japan,
ICPA stands today as the only internationally accredited comprehensive skills training institution of its kind in Japan.
Drawing on a wealth of global perspective, knowledge, and achievement,
I have become recognised as a leading figure in cross-cultural communication education in Japan,
equipping individuals and organisations with the vital skills required for international exchange, global business, and diplomacy.
Training for domestic and international professionals in International Protocol, International Etiquette, and Intercultural Communication
Corporate and Embassy Training
Cross-Cultural English Instruction for Japanese learners
If you are committed to advancing your career and enriching your future, I am ready to work alongside you to ensure your success.
Have you noticed that many of the challenges you encounter, whether in your professional or personal life, are rooted in the complexities of human relationships?
From an early age, I realised a fundamental truth: everything revolves around people. This understanding ignited a profound interest in human dynamics and global society, nurturing within me an unwavering dream to “connect the world”.
Through extensive cross-cultural experiences and rigorous research both domestically and internationally, I discovered a fundamental key:
International protocol plays an indispensable role in establishing meaningful relationships between individuals.
Protocol transcends the diplomatic arena; it serves as a unifying force, fostering bonds not only within personal relationships but also within effective business management.
Developing true intercultural communication skills requires not only sensitivity to cultural differences but also a profound understanding of international etiquette and protocol.
These competencies are essential not merely for international success, but also for strengthening personal confidence, fostering ambition, and leading a life of depth and richness.
However, there remains a shortage of dedicated educators in this specialised field.
For this reason, I am passionately committed to cultivating individuals who aspire to thrive on the global stage, providing carefully curated training to professionals in the corporate, diplomatic, and international spheres.
If you are genuinely committed to pursuing success on the international stage and wish to further refine your intercultural communication skills, I warmly invite you to join my lectures.
I eagerly look forward to welcoming passionate and determined students such as yourself.
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