Photography was different from anything else I tried over the years. For the first time in my life ever, I found a creative outlet that clicked for me. It was something I always wanted but never thought I’d find, since traditional art like painting and music weren’t really my thing. I started exploring portrait photography by taking on boudoir shoots, working with aspiring models through Instagram, and saying “yes” to just about any opportunity that came my way.

In 2021, thanks to sharing my work on social media, I got my first chance to photograph a sweet influencer couple at a secluded beach in Malibu. They were the perfect couple to do the shoot with because that experience completely changed my life - I discovered my passion for taking photos of two people that embodied what true love really is.

I knew I needed to grow, so I practiced constantly, doing free shoots for old friends and classmates. We were all getting to that age where engagements, weddings, and babies were becoming pretty normal, so there was a lot of opportunities to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen since high school. As much as that was fulfilling, I struggled a lot with finding my style and confidence… there were plenty of moments where I doubted myself and was too critical over my own work.

Then came my first wedding in June of 2022. I was nervous about handling such a fast-paced day, but it ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Even in the chaos there was so much love, laughter, and pure joy. When the couple and their loved ones came up to thank me and my 2nd photographer at the end of the night - not just for the photos, but for how we made them feel throughout the day - I was so touched by their reaction… I’ve never been thanked in that way from any job I had in the past. It was such a rewarding, heartwarming moment that forever changed the trajectory of my life and validated that the way I treat people matters as much as taking the photos.

As someone who loves love, the fact that I get to turn it into art for you is a gift I’ll never take for granted. I’m so grateful for this journey and for every couple I get the privilege to photograph. It’s an honor to be a small part your love story - I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you ❤

I was a bit of a serial dater in my 20’s. I struggled a lot with codependency and had this overly romanticized idea of what love was supposed to be. I’m aware that it all stemmed from my relationship with my parents. I had this desperate need to feel loved - so much so that I clung to relationships, even when they were toxic. My sense of worth was completely tied to someone else’s validation instead of coming from within. I didn’t know how to love myself or build a life that felt meaningful outside of a relationship...

Breaking that cycle took years of self-therapy, and it was some of the hardest work I’ve ever done. By the time I met my life partner in 2022 on Hinge, I was finally in a place where I could love and be loved in a healthier way. I’m glad I intentionally prepared for that moment so I wouldn’t mess it up with the right person.

Healing wasn’t just important for me; it was essential for us. If I hadn’t worked through my emotional baggage, or if he hadn’t done the same for himself, we wouldn’t have been able to build the kind of relationship we have now. We both value accountability and self-awareness, and we align so deeply on what a healthy, long-term relationship looks and feels like. We had our challenges but we worked through our conflict in the best ways possible. We built a strong foundation of trust, mutual respect, and deep commitment. We primarily just have disagreements and it never escalates into a fight because we’re honest and mindful with our communication. None of it would’ve been possible if we didn’t align with these values.

I’m going to be real and say that I’m not that interesting. I play video games, host game nights, watch anime, go hike, camp, play tennis, read about politics and history, and love analyzing film and TV shows.

When I was younger I used to love going to music festivals and shows, but now I want to be in bed by midnight LOL

My parents are from Japan, but I was born here in the US. I speak both English and Japanese fluently, and I used to visit Japan every year in the summer up until high school so I’m fully immersed in the culture.

My family roots are in Kyoto, and I actually have some really cool stories to share on a blog post or video one day about them. Let’s just say that it was meant to be that I’m starting my own business with the principle of putting people and community over profit. They’re the perfect examples of how you can still provide for your family and grow your wealth while also remembering where you come from and giving back as much as possible.