BIO

Born and raised in Tokyo Japan, my early years were enriched with an artistic atmosphere by a family of architects, artists and classical musicians. In a way, I couldn't help becoming a designer. Rather than playing with doll houses, I used to build my own "amusement park" with cardboard and string for my stuffed animals. Yes, I guess I was a bit of a weird child.

After graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena CA with an Industrial Design Degree, I worked for Chrysler as a member of their advanced design team where I established my architectural approach to form and design. In 2006 I was named as one of the top "100 World Recognized Japanese Women" by Newsweek Japan. Since my retirement from auto industry, I've been teaching Industrial design at a design university in San Francisco where I commute weekly from SD to support and lead future designers.

Jewelry making always has been one of my biggest passion. I love creating 3 dimentional sculptural form using various media, such as digital modeling, 3D print and wax carving/casting. I start my creation with developing many idea sketches until I find a strong theme for each piece. Combining my car design background and architectural influence, I'm passionate about creating a unique recognizable style which express my belief in artful simplicity. I hope you enjoy!

Experience:

Instructor

2011 - Current

Academy of Art University

(San Francisco CA)

Senior Designer

1997 - 2009

Chrysler Corporation

(Carlsbad CA / Auburn Hills MI)

Chrysler/Nissan project

2008 - 2009

(Kanagawa JAPAN)

Mercedes Benz

Summer 2008

(Sindelfingen GERMANY)

Education:

BFA Industrial Design

1996

Art Center College of Design

(Pasadena CA)

BFA Sociology

1993

Rikkyo University

(Tokyo JAPAN)

Exchange program

1990 - 1992

Washington & Lee University

(Lexington VA)

Recognition:

Newsweek Japan

2006

"100 World Recognized Japanese Women"

IDSA

2006

International Design Excellence Silver Award

Scholarships

Honda, Ford, Rikkyo University,

Art Center College of Design

Honorble Mention

International Houseware Association

Student Competition

Skills:

Autodesk Alias Studio (CAD),

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator,

Apple iWork, Microsoft Office

Japanese, English