I was born in Tokyo, Japan where I skied first time at Mt. Zao when I was 3. My mom’s job as a diplomat had brought the family to Japan when my big brother was 1 year old. I went to a local Japanese preschool with my brother; I can still remember the delicious Japanese food we got for lunch. At age 4 I spoke fluently Japanese. That was also the time when my family relocated to California where my dad had gotten a job in Silicon Valley.

With wonderful Lake Tahoe and its ski resorts in the vicinity skiing quickly became my family’s favorite pastime. In 2000 at age 7 I joined the Alpine Meadows Development team. I loved this team; we free skied a lot and had loads of fun. With this team I first started organized ski racing in the Tahoe League. I quickly got a taste for ski racing and soon won my first USSA Far West race at Squaw Valley in 2003. Earlier that year I had switched to a full-time race team, Auburn Ski Club, to focus more on racing.

In 2005 my dad’s new job moved the family to the Pacific Northwest or more specifically East of Seattle. The two first years I skied with the Crystal Mountain Alpine Club, but the long drive to Crystal Mountain became too time consuming and I switched to Team Alpental located at The Summit at Snoqualmie a mere 30 minute drive from my home.

Skiing is not the only sport I participate in. Until recently, I played soccer on a Crossfire select team and I run Cross Country and track for Skyline High School. This fall I am captain for the Skyline High School Cross Country team.