Who we are

Founder & Editor, NavigatorJapan: Aki

Japanese | Former Head of HR (Global Financial Industry) | 12 Years U.S. Experience

In October 2004, I landed in Chicago alone, determined to build my career in HR. I didn’t know anyone, and my English was far from fluent. I struggled in meetings, and even opening a bank account felt overwhelming without a credit history or guidance.

One day, while walking down an office hallway feeling completely defeated, a stranger simply said, “Smile!” That small moment of kindness helped me reset and move forward.

Over the next 12 years, I built my career in the U.S.. After returning to Japan, I continued my career and eventually became Head of HR, supporting professionals across cross-border environments.

Through these experiences, I saw how challenging — and often confusing — it can be to build a life between countries, even for experienced professionals.

That is why I created NavigatorJapan — to support people taking similar steps, whether moving, working, retiring, or simply trying to understand life here better.

My goal is to provide practical, experience-based guidance for people building long-term lives in Japan.

NavigatorJapan is an independent site, not sponsored or promotional. We share what we know because we have lived it ourselves.

🐾 Meet Jager — Our Chief Barketing Officer 🐾

Jager, originally from sunny South Carolina, moved with us from the U.S. to Japan and has become an unexpected ambassador of warmth for this site.

As our self-appointed Chief Barketing Officer, his specialties include boosting morale, reminding us to take breaks, and offering unconditional support — skills surprisingly valuable when navigating big life transitions.

His journey mirrors what many families experience when relocating: adapting to a new home while holding onto what matters most.

Because in the end, moving countries isn’t only about procedures and paperwork — it’s about creating a place that feels like home.