I had a pleasure of working with Mikki for planning an investigative research trip for curriculum development for Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) this summer in 2019.

Starting from my vague idea of wanting to do something mutual with Japanese traditional crafts and American design/art students, and after brainstorming together, Mikki crafted an informative and meaningful trip through Toyama and Gifu visiting craftsman, local traditions and culture.

What is different and unique about this trip Mikki planed and toured with me, from any other cultural tour trips that I have taken elsewhere, is her company’s mission and commitment to sustaining the local traditional arts and crafts. I not only experienced the culture hands on, but I was able to witness the dire needs for actions to be taken to sustain its heritage and shokunin skills & culture in rural Japan. She keeps asking what everyone can do as a unique stakeholder to maintain and revive the traditional arts and move it forward. She is well connected locally, professional and flexible with my needs and opportunities I sought out.

I plan to continue working with her to build a foundation to do meaningful and lasting work with traditional craftsman and RISD students in near future. We (Japanese) are very lucky to have a passionate and capable visionary such as Mikki making these connections and bridges to support local crafts and arts industries and traditions.