Emma has recently graduated from UC Berkeley, where she has studied Business Administration through the Global Management Program. Before TOKIHA, Emma served as her program’s Director of Marketing, and loves teaching tennis. Passionate about music and film, she aspires to find a career in the entertainment industry!

Christian is a UC Berkeley second year from San Diego, studying international studies and Japanese language. He loves reading and writing, and aspires to be an author someday. Beautiful words are the best! He also cooks quite often, and is learning to bake.

Seo is from Jeju Island, South Korea, and loves literature. She studies law and Japanese at UC Berkeley and is the editor for several student-led publications on campus. Seo envisions a career in international law, writing and illustrating storybooks, and running a book cafe by the beach in her hometown.

Paulina recently graduated UC Berkeley with a Bachelor's in Physics and a minor in Planetary Science. She aspires to contribute to the search for life beyond Earth and help remove barriers to education through policy advising. She enjoys hiking, reading, coffee, and road-tripping in search of beautiful views.

Momo studied Psychology and Social Welfare at UC Berkeley, receiving her master’s degree in 2022. Previously, Momo taught English to immigrants and refugees at Oakland International High School, and now she works in management at an NPO for children’s health and education.

Alicia studied Economics at UC Berkeley. She loves that she can serve others before self in the field of education. Her enthusiasm in learning about different cultures has sparked her love for traveling. She also walks her cats in her free time.

Koshi was born and raised in Japan. He is currently a fourth year student at Arizona State University studying Sustainability and loves to travel. He is passionate about sustainability and aspires to pursue a career in sustainable education around the world.

Haruna is a senior at Waseda university and studies international law. She was a camper at TOKIHA 2018 in Miura and wants to share that the feeling of being freed from the rigidities of life is universal with campers through this year's camp.

Hina studied Business Tourism at Arizona State University. She was one of the Japanese staff members in 2023. She is passionate about supporting Japanese students.

Karin was born in Japan but has lived abroad for 11 years. She is a senior at Otsuma Women's University majoring in American Culture. She aspires to become a diplomat or a flight attendant and travel the world.

Saki was born and raised in Gunma. She is currently a fourth year student at Meiji University studying Law. She loves photography, travel and music. She wants to pursue a career in journalism and media.

Kana was born and raised in Japan. She is a sophomore, currently majoring in Communication at Marietta College in Ohio. She loves to talk about anime and cultural differences, which she studied in her intercultural communication class. She plans to go to graduate school to learn more about intercultural communication.

Natsumi was born and raised in Japan, and is currently a student at the Faculty of Policy Studies at Keio University. During high school, she had the opportunity to study abroad in the Netherlands. Currently, Natsumi is interested in exploring how various fields, such as architecture and neuroscience, can enhance children's potential. In her free time, she enjoys hitchhiking and taking walks.

Maho is a 3rd year student studying International Relations at the University of the Ryukyus. She became interested in English as a junior high student after she met The Young Americans. This one of the reasons she chose her major. Maho currently works in Australia.

Mibu was born and raised in Japan, and currently studying Liberal Arts at International Christian University. Her major is undecided, but she is interested in music and culture. Mibu was a camper in TOKIHA 2019 and 2020. She enjoys talking with people to gain new perspectives.

Alex studies Health and Human Biology at Brown University with a focus in Global Health. She is passionate about equitable healthcare and plans to become a physician in the future. In her free time, you can find her rock-climbing, jamming on her guitar, testing new recipies, and embarking on her DIY food tour around the world.

Miyuki was a student at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. She majored in Marine Biology and is now working for a maritime museum in Tacoma, Washington. In her free time, Miyuki enjoys cooking, bouldering, and taking her dog, Manju, on long walks.

Christina currently studies Computer Science at UC Berkeley and hopes to apply her coding skills to environmental science research in the future. She plays bass drum in the marching band and likes to unwind by hiking, climbing, and roasting marshmallows. Christina loves giving back to her community through education and volunteering.

Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics and Data Science from UC Berkeley. Ryan loves to help others and wishes to support others in many different ways. Ryan loves to listen to music and play/watch sports in his free time.

Bryan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from UC Berkeley and a Master of Arts in Teaching from USC. He currently lives and works in the city of Los Angeles as a High School teacher, teaching Ethnic Studies and Geography. In his free time, Bryan loves to cook and explore new skills and talents. He is a lifelong learner who believes in a high quality education for all.

Major: Cognitive Science; Minor: Data Science

Harry is from Mission Viejo, California and studies Cognitive and Data Science at UC Berkeley. He is passionate about education, fitness, music, and friendship. His past leadership experiences and recent employment as a Kindergarten Science Instructor have sparked his career interest in becoming an educator; however, Harry's current career pursuit is in Data Consulting.

Major: Linguistics

From Corona, California, Jillian is studying Linguistics at UCLA with the hopes of pursuing a career in education. In her spare time, Jillian enjoys plucking tunes on a guitar, studying foreign languages, and continuing her quest to find the best matcha shop in Los Angeles.

Major: Neurology, Physiology, Behavior

Jaeden is a first-generation college student and majors in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at UC Davis. His passion is to inspire others in hopes of supporting them reach their goals and aspirations. In his free time, catch him either drinking boba or busting out some smooth dance moves.

Major: Ethnic Studies; Minor: Education

Fefe Yamaguchi, a Japanese native and San Diego resident, studies Ethnic Studies and Education at the University of California, Berkeley. She hopes to become a U.S. History teacher for schools that serve marginalized and underrepresented students. When she isn't in class, Fefe coaches Oakland youth in the sport of squash, works out, watches anime and vibes out to trap house jazz.

Major: Cognitive Science; Minor: Japanese

Dixie is Swiss and Ecuadorean, and loves language-learning, video games, and programming. Studying Cognitive Science and Japanese at UC Berkeley, she has a passion for understanding others' unique experiences through these fields, and hopes to live in Japan someday. Currently, she is pursuing web design, working for a student journal.

Major: Environmental Earth Science

Paulina is studying environmental earth science at UC Berkeley. She hopes to work in environment-related research, advocacy, and education. Paulina is passionate about learning, especially about Earth and space. She practically lived at a science center for the past few years where she discovered her love for working with children.

Major: Health and Human Biology

Originally from Maryland, Alex is studying Health and Human Biology at Brown University. Along with pursuing her dream to be a trauma surgeon, you can find Alex practicing Taekwondo, jamming on her guitar, tree-hugging, and embarking on her DIY food tour around the world.

Major: Marine Biology

From Gig Harbor, Washington, Kaitlan is studying marine biology at the University of Washington. She is passionate about conservation and hopes to work on environmental research and policy-making to help preserve the natural world. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, baking, and dancing.

Major: Mathematics

From San Jose, California, Ryan is studying Mathematics at UC Berkeley. In his free time, Ryan likes to play/watch sports, play violin, listen to music, and play Japanese chess. Ryan loves teaching and has done TOKIHA last year, so he is very excited to be back!

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Audrey is a San Francisco native who is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at UCLA. In the future she hopes to pursue a career in aerospace research and development. Audrey is passionate about learning and teaching others. In the past, she has interned at the SFDPH as well as at UCSF.

Major: Psychology, Social Welfare; Minor: Global Poverty & Practice

Momo is the Camp Director for TOKIHA and finds it to be one really fun way of fulfilling her purpose to serve communities. She studied Psychology, Social Welfare, and Global Poverty & Practice at UC Berkeley. Currently, Momo teaches English and math to immigrants and refugees at Oakland International High School.

Major: Human Development and Education

Taylor is currently studying Human Development and Education at UC Davis, with the goal of becoming a teacher. Passionate about helping the world, Taylor hopes to inspire future generations through being a director at TOKIHA. In her free time, she works with Chinese international students in Davis and Kindergarteners back home.

Major: American Studies

Bryan is a first-generation Latino college graduate from Southern California. He studied American Studies at the University of California Berkeley with a concentration in Race, Gender, and Class in American Education. He strives to provide every student with equal access to a high quality education with aspirations of becoming a teacher and school administrator. Outside the classroom, Bryan enjoys playing sports, listening to stories, and sharing his love for Japanese melon pan.

Major: Evolutionary Biology and Ecology

Cole, originally from San Diego, California, currently studies Evolutionary Biology and Ecology at UC Los Angeles. Apart from learning about wildlife, Cole loves creating music and art, surfing, making jokes, and exploring the many wonders of the world.

Major: Human Development and Linguistics

Shadia is a first-generation college student at UC Davis. She is currently studying Human Development and Linguistics. In the future she plans to use her skills and passion in the education sector to own and operate an after school center where individuals can learn art, music, gardening, and other methods of self-expression. In her free time you can find her hiking her favorite mountain, falling on her skateboard, or enjoying home cooked Lebanese food with her family.

Major: Cognitive Science and African-American Studies

Nasina has an adventurous spirit and wants to travel the world while researching about different cultures. Her intended major is Cognitive Science and African-American Studies. Prior to TOKIHA, Nasina worked for a number of non-profits including the YMCA of San Francisco and East Bay, and she worked as a playground trainee for the City of Berkeley. Back at home in California she has a dog named Chase.

Major: Biology

Lillian is from Fresno, California and currently studies biology at UCLA. She loves learning about the brain and in the future, she hopes to become a professor to inspire future generations. She's also an avid gardener, karaoke expert, and dessert enthusiast.

Major: American Studies

Bryan is a first generation college student from Southern California.He comes from a Latino Heritage that honors kinship and family values. His future goals are to assist in the development of public education through public policy and teaching.

Major: Human Development

Taylor is from Foster City, California, and studies Human Development at UC Davis. After graduating, she hopes to become an elementary school teacher to impact children’s lives positively. Outside of school, Taylor enjoys photography, thrift shopping, and volunteering at animal shelters.

Major: Mathematics and Economics

From San Jose, California, Ryan (Sou) is studying Mathematics and Economics at UC Berkeley. Ryan likes to do various things in his free time from playing sports to playing violin. Ryan has done an Ambassador trip to San Jose’s sister city, Okayama, and really enjoyed it.

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Matthew is a Camp Director for TOKIHA. He studied Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis and is pursuing a career as an Orthotics and Prosthetics clinician. His passions include personal development, education and health, and he strives to live a holistic lifestyle that balances his passions and his career.

Major: Psychology and Social Welfare

Momo is the Camp Director for TOKIHA and finds it to be one really fun way of fulfilling her purpose to serve communities. She studies Psychology and Social Welfare at UC Berkeley and plans to work in hospital case management. Currently, Momo teaches English to immigrants and refugees at Oakland International High School.

Sociology

Maria is from Long Beach, CA and studies Sociology at UC Berkeley. She loves singing, makeup, korean tv shows (i.e. Runningman), and shoujo manga. She recently adopted a puppy named Walnut and loves her more than anything. Eventually, Maria plans to be an academic counselor to empower students.

Sociology

Tim is a San Francisco native, who’s been surrounded by different cultures from a young age. Tim really enjoys trying new things, exercise, and food. Tim currently studies at UC Berkeley to pursue his dream career as a teacher. However, in another life Tim would be an artist of various forms.

Film Studies

Lexi is a Los Angeles native who studies Film, Japanese, and Education at UC Berkeley. Observing nature, painting, piano and writing all give her peace when things get too stressful. Lexi aspires to teach English and help students express themselves, especially when they feel they have nobody to turn to.

Molecular and Cell Biology

From Saratoga, California, Naz thrives on positivity and always has a smile on her face. In her free time, she practices her artwork or goes on runs with her dog. Naz is studying Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley to pursue her dream of working in the medical field.

Environmental Science

Mia studies Environmental Science and hopes to make scientific discoveries to become a college professor. Mia dreams of travelling her world in search of unique experiences, beautiful culture, and wonderful friends. Mia’s fun-loving, free spirited attitude leaves her with a thirst and curiosity for life.

Computer Science

Born in New York, Roger studies Data Science at UC Berkeley. Roger hopes to eventually start his own video game company in Japan, and share his games with the world. Besides playing video games, his hobbies include table tennis, programming, and classical guitar. He is also terrible at giving gifts.

Psychology

Momo is the Camp Director for TOKIHA and finds it to be one really fun way of fulfilling her purpose to serve communities. She studies Psychology and Social Welfare at UC Berkeley and plans to work in a hospital soon. Currently, Momo teaches English and math to immigrants and refugees at Oakland International High School.

Haas Business

A San Francisco native, Corey studies Business Administration at UC Berkeley. Corey likes all sorts of things from cooking, swimming, dogs, and video games to name a few. One day, Corey would like to own a donut shop, while also teaching at the community college that he went to.

Integrative Biology

Ivana has always had an endless curiosity. She enjoys observing and analyzing how life forms function. In hopes of becoming a biology teacher, Ivana takes pleasure in imparting this knowledge and mentoring the youth of the bay. Ivana is a foodie who studies integrative biology and education.

Bio-enginnering

Robert studies Bioengineering at UC Berkeley. An occasional daydreamer, he enjoys playing tennis and listening to music. One day, Robert would like to help people through medical technology such as creating personalized medicine. For now though, his goal is to learn more about both the sciences and himself.

Asian Studies

Maaya is a third year studying Asian Studies from San Jose. She like to draw, sing, read, and sleep. This spring, she took a semester off to work on translation and is very excited to be doing something new besides school!

Sustainable Design

Sho studies Environmental Economics and Sustainable Design at UC Berkeley. With keen interests in urbanism, he wants to have critical debates on sustainability or a friendly chat with a cup of café allongé, lungo, americano--he is coffee craze.

Molecular and Cell Biology

Asami studies Molecular & Cell Biology with an emphasis in Biochemistry and minors in Education. She teaches Organic Chemistry to college students and is also a part of Student Pre-med Advising Network. She follows her dreams and one day wants to be a doctor specialized in pediatrics. She likes cats and arts & crafts.

Computer Science

Edison is from Chatham, New Jersey and loves marvelling at the complexities of life. Currently studying Computer Science at UC Berkeley, and being a creative movie lover, Edison hopes to find a fulfilling career in the nonprofit sector by directly impacting the lives of others for the better.

From San Jose, California, Matthew studied Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis. He is currently pursuing a career as an Orthotics and Prosthetics clinician. His interests include personal development, outreach, and volleyball (because it requires little running). He is reading Kay Redfield Jamison, Haruki Murakami, and Viet Thanh Nguyen.

Biology

Elizabeth studies biology at UC Irvine, with hopes to someday work towards uncovering the mysteries, origin, and meanings of life. When she is not consuming an insane amount of sweets, Elizabeth enjoys drawing, watching Planet Earth, writing letters, and baking even more sweets.

Human Development

From Elk Grove, California, Jodie studies Human Development at UC Davis. She discovered her passion for empowering youth through education while working as a tutor, and she is thinking about becoming an elementary school teacher in the future. Some of her favorite things are Broadway music, fruit, and brush-pen lettering. *edited**

Sociology

Xenia is from Union City, California and transferred from Ohlone Community College and now studies Sociology at UC Berkeley. After graduating she intends to pursue a career in product marketing. In her spare time, she loves to hike, discover new restaurants, draw, and attend concerts.