Meet Our Awesome Staff!
Vijay Menon – 社長 / Leader
As a product of the 1980s, I grew up thinking Japan had all the best video games, high tech gadgets, cartoons and comic books. Yet – it was hard to get any of those things here in America. Add to that, most of the translated stuff that came to America was either re-edited, censored, or completely changed in story altogether to fit American taste and standards of political activist groups monitoring our televisions. Talk about lame! Hence, I decided I had to start learning Japanese if I ever wanted to enjoy this stuff on my own without the censorships. I can safely say, it’s been worth the all the studying, as I’m totally engrossed with the culture and wouldn’t have it any other way!
Shinji Kaneko 師匠 – Lead Blogger & Guitarist
Hey guys. I lived in Japan for 25 years then came to the US 5 years ago for grad school (Chemistry). But honestly, I would say I was always more interested in studying English and explore foreign cultures. I have been a huge fan of American music probably because of the influence from my parents. I spent a lot of my time just listening to it (and also playing it a bit haha). And then I got into seriously studying English. So I think I can give you some advice on how to study foreign languages. Also, I can answer some of your questions about Japanese and Japanese culture. Let me know if you are looking for a conversation partner 
– Shinji
Satoko Kakihara – Lowly Editor (But Very Loved)
I’m a perpetual editor/writer/student who is almost always hungry. I like learning about language, literature, music, art, food, etc.―so you’ll find me writing about those very same topics, too. You’ll probably also catch me writing about various shenanigans I get myself into, regardless of which city I happen to be in at any given moment…
Terry Nguyen – Contributing Writer / Taiko Performer
As a Hello Kitty fan, I grew up loving all things Japanese that are colorful, cute, and small. I watched a lot of Japanese TV when I was little and am very well versed with Japanese music be it modern, old school, or traditional. I have been playing taiko (Japanese drumming) for a little over ten years and have been playing tsugaru shamisen (a three-stringed lute) for a couple of years. I suppose you can expect to see blogs from me about cultural/performing arts and pop culture…among other subjects. The possibilities are endless! Yoroshiku, ne!
Andrew Le – General Japan News / Music
I’m currently a graduate student heading toward my master’s in elementary education. While I’m not slaving away at essays, homework, and part time retail jobs, I can be found writing at my own blog or training in the Japanese martial art of Aikido meanwhile coffee shop hopping my way through life. Apart from martial arts, you’ll expect a lot of socioeconomic news with some music on the side. I look forward to hearing from all of you!
Garrett Yim - J-Pop Humanist
I am a writer who has a deep passion for Japanese music. I wish to bring about a unique, personal and progressive perspective on Japanese music and culture, deviating from the stereotypes commonly associated with the American “otaku.” I am also a musician and run an independent record label called Zoom Lens, where I utilize the imagery and aestheticism of Japanese idols and J-Pop to parallel that of Internet and net label culture.
Additional Thanks!
Also, we would like to thank the following people / organizations for helping & contributing to our site.
- Anime Expo
- Destination Japan
- Nihon-LA
- Simon Hui, NanoBlockFan
- Otsukai Samurai
Be A Part Of Our Staff!
We’re still growing a lot, and definitely could use more help around here. If you have amazing skills to offer and want to be part of our founding team (have something cool to put on your own future resume), then check out our official job postings here. We look forward to hearing from you!