About Matthew

I am a multiethnic Japanese American therapist born in Southern California. I feel fortunate to have lived in Hawai’i and on the East Coast as well.  As an adult I immigrated to Japan where I learned Japanese and deeply rooted myself in countryside village life. The blossoms in spring, bird songs in summer, the fall moon, and winter snow are still natsukashii (nostalgic) for me.

I’ve spent time in various parts of the world and have become well versed in crossing oceans, in crossing cultures, and in bridging gaps. As I move through the world I have the experience of both fitting in nowhere and fitting in everywhere.  Living cross-culturally has added to my flexibility, my ability to tolerate ambiguity, and feeling comfortable in the space between.  In Japanese we say, aimai.  I have grown to understand my identity as ever flowing and dynamic.  Through this experience my life has come to be about creating a sense of place and belonging, aiding connection and harmony, and cultivating compassion and meaning.

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