I'm the voice announcing, "The next stop is..." on roughly half of Sapporo's major public transportation. When I'm not doing VO, you'll find me crafting retro-jazz and modern pop songs for shows and TV commercials, travel reporting (NHK World, New Chitose Airport, etc.), teaching English 101 at two universities, and writing books, the most recent being, "Strange Strategies: For Language Learning and Life" and "Cutting Conversation Corners: Excell at Everyday English". I love camping & kayaking.
Patrick Macias is the editor in chief of Otaku USA magazine, the founding editor of Crunchyroll News, and the author of numerous books about Japanese pop culture including TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion.
As a freelancer, Patrick has worked with such companies as Netflix, Funimation, Octas, Inc. and Bandai on a variety of entertainment-related projects.
Born and raised in Sacramento, California, he now lives in Tokyo, Japan.
Originally from Australia, Ben has lived in Tokyo for three years now, with passions including writing, photography and film while also exploring all aspects of Japan and its culture.
Originally from small-town Ontario, Canada, Helen now calls Kamakura home. She keeps busy with writing, editing, innkeeping, and caring for two small humans.
A foodie who loves to explore, my favorite things to do include walking around any city to find delicious food, as well as taking a mid afternoon break with a glass of wine. I enjoy cooking and exploring new cafes and restaurants in my free time.
Has worked in advertising and publishing and as writer and editor of feature articles on travel, food, art, culture, and lifestyle. Had an eight-year stint as a boutique hotel developer and operator in Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to Angkor Wat, then returned to Japan where he presently lives in Kamakura pursuing his interest in Japanese history and culture. Also worked for The Lonely Planet travel guides and wcities.com, the first online international city guide.
Jim Rion is an American translator and writer living in Yamaguchi Prefecture. He came to Japan in 2004 after studying German and earning a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Iowa. He is certified by SSI International as a shōchū advisor and international kikisake-shi, or sake sommelier, and a Sake Professional by the Sake Education Council.
