About the Author

I’m Arisa, an educator and author with a passion for creating fun and engaging educational books for learners of all ages. Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, I moved to the United States to pursue a deeper understanding of Popular Culture, earning a master's degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Later, I completed my Ph.D. in Folklore at Indiana University, where my academic focus was primarily on Japanese food studies, with a particular emphasis on Japanese bread baking. My research also explored cultural topics like Kanji tattoos and Furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloth) for museum studies. While my dissertation had a Japanese pop culture component, my overall research ties into my deep interest in Japanese culture and its traditions.

Throughout my academic journey, I had the privilege of teaching Japanese at both private and public universities, all while refining my teaching methods with advanced courses in Japanese pedagogy. This blend of education, culture, and language informs every book I write.

My journey into creating educational books began at home, with my daughter, who was struggling with memorizing Japanese alphabets. I found that most workbooks for young children were either boring or not engaging enough. So, I set out to create interactive, fun workbooks that made learning feel like a game, not a chore. My first book was specifically designed for her—complete with tracing and enjoyable activities. I then expanded to create read-and-color books to help her feel confident in reading on her own.

As a mother of bilingual children and a wife to a Japanese speaker, language and culture are not just my profession, but also my way of life. My books reflect this deep passion, blending my experiences as a mom, educator, and folklorist. I’ve expanded my writing to help older children and adults with complex grammar points, such as Japanese counters, through practical handbooks.

Each book I create ties into my life’s journey, and my aim is to make learning accessible, fun, and meaningful for all my readers. I look forward to creating more resources that combine my knowledge as an educator, mother, and folklorist, to inspire and empower learners worldwide.