Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Satoyo Tachio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Satoyo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’m always thinking about what would be meaningful to offer at a Japan-related event held in Ohio. For example, ninja, who are widely known around the world, are recognized in Japan as beings who use techniques and tools accurately and do not fight. On the other hand, in this area, there is a strong association of ninja with Karate due to images from movies. The theme of the unknown side of ninja may be of interest to those who know about ninja, but it may seem abrupt to those who are completely unfamiliar with it. 　The States is a vast country, and I realized that there are many layers within states and counties. There are many different types of knowledge and awareness about Japan, so I want to provide what is needed on the spot in a timely manner.

Satoyo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was dispatched as a JOI program coordinator and spent two years conducting community-based exchanges with the aim of deepening interest and understanding of Japan at the grassroots level in the States. Currently, about 20 coordinators are active in the Midwest, South, and Mountain regions of the States. Now in its 21st year, the program has reached 1.19 million Americans with 101 individuals.

When I live in North America, Southeast Asia, or remote islands, I realize that each climate shapes the culture, people, and language. I’m surprised to learn that each region has products, tastes, and necessary vocabulary and expressions.

I belong to the Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio, which exhibits original art from picture book. I do outreach work with schools, organizations, groups, and companies. I give museum tours in English and Japanese to children and adults who come to the museum for field trips, introduce Japanese picture books, and give art workshops. It’s an exciting job because I get to meet people of various age groups and attributes and introduce Japan from various perspectives. I can flexibly arrange the content according to your requests, so I would be very happy if you could feel free to contact me. Through workshops, I strive to create a place where new encounters and inspiration are born within the community.

Communicating with people of different languages ​​and cultures is always stimulating, and at the same time, it is a good opportunity to reconsider oneself and one’s own culture. Even though we live in different places, we have similarities and differences, and I feel that we are all the same people. As you get to know each person, the country that used to feel far away becomes closer to you, and your impressions change when you see your friends living there. We live together, discover each other through our mutual cultures, and enjoy the way our lives overlap. Through me, I hope people will become interested in Asia and come visit someday to experience our culture.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Constantly thinking with your own mind and body will train you. We live in an age where you can research anything, but each person has a different way of associating things and recalling images. I place great importance on how I can make use of my own strengths and originality in any given job, or how I can continue to provide what I have created on my own. It is a great joy to see the unexpected reactions of the participants.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’ve been inspired by the lives of Jean Cocteau, Leonard Foujita, Henry David Thoreau, European and American films, and the way my favorite artists are increasingly performing abroad. Novels such as “The Three Musketeers”, Haruki Murakami, and Ryotaro Shiba open new eyes. After discovering “The Artist’s Way” (Julia Cameron), I was determined to continue doing what I love: writing and dancing. “The Little Girl at the Window” (Tetsuko Kuroyanagi) is a story about an elementary school that once existed in Tokyo, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this kind of education was practiced in Japan. Her honest sensibility captures the fact that all children are already blessed beings, the freshness of looking forward to tomorrow, the real pleasure of living happily, and the preciousness of peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurasian.org/joi　　　https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joicoordinatorohio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joicoordinatorohio/

Image Credits
1. Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) cooking 2. Lecture at university Ethnicity class 3. NINJA/martial art workshop 4. With my Turkish friends at Mazza’s Conference. During the Breakout Session, I talked about comparing picture books between Japan and the States. 5. Sashiko(Japanese stitch workshop) 6. Tanabata Festival at the Library 7. Museum tour 8. Story time