Navigate Regional Japan With Expert Guidance
I bridge cultures and connect businesses. For 22 years, I've helped international companies understand Japan—now I'm offering that expertise to business leaders and discerning travelers exploring authentic Shikoku.
Business-appropriate but warm. Perhaps at a cultural site, with artisans, or in Shikoku.
Akatsuki, Cultural Navigator · Marugame, Shikoku
Experience Backed By Expertise
International sales & cultural bridge-building
Trade shows, negotiations, team management
Fully bilingual Japanese/English
Direct artisan & manufacturer relationships
Services Designed for Business Leaders
Whether you're exploring regional Japan for business opportunities, cultural immersion, or spiritual journey, I provide the expertise and connections you need.
Business Exploration
Navigate regional Japan for sourcing, partnerships, or market research. I facilitate meetings, interpret business culture, and connect you with manufacturers and artisans.
- Pre-trip business intelligence
- Meeting facilitation & interpretation
- Manufacturer/supplier introductions
- Cultural protocol guidance
- Follow-up support & translation
Executive Cultural Immersion
Curated experiences for professionals seeking deep cultural understanding. Private access to artisans, traditional industries, and authentic regional culture.
- Custom itinerary design
- Artisan workshop access
- Cultural context & interpretation
- Authentic dining experiences
- Exclusive regional access
Ohenro Pilgrimage Guidance
Experience the 88-temple pilgrimage of Shikoku with cultural and spiritual context. Full support for partial or complete pilgrimage journeys.
- Route planning & logistics
- Cultural & spiritual context
- Temple protocol guidance
- Accommodation arrangements
- Flexible pacing options
SME Team Experiences
Bring your team to understand Japanese business culture firsthand. Team-building through cultural immersion and business site visits.
- Group logistics management
- Business culture workshops
- Company visit coordination
- Team facilitation
- All-inclusive packages
Artisan Sourcing & Connections
Direct connections to traditional craftspeople for retail, interior design, or corporate gifting. Quality verification and ongoing relationship management.
- Artisan identification & vetting
- Quality assessment
- Pricing negotiation
- Logistics coordination
- Ongoing relationship support
Ongoing Advisory
Retain me as your bridge to Japan. Translation, business advice, cultural questions, supplier management—available as you need.
- Monthly retainer options
- Translation & interpretation
- Business cultural advice
- Supplier communication
- Market intelligence
The Ohenro: 88-Temple Pilgrimage
Shikoku's 1,200-year-old pilgrimage route offers profound cultural and spiritual experience. Whether you walk 3 temples or all 88, I provide the context and support to make your journey meaningful.
This isn't tourism—it's transformation. Business leaders often find clarity and perspective through the pilgrimage's rhythm and reflection.
I can guide partial routes (3-10 temples over several days) or support your complete pilgrimage journey.
Who I Work With
My services are designed for professionals and businesses seeking depth, authenticity, and meaningful connections in regional Japan.
Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Exploring Japanese suppliers, manufacturers, or artisans for sourcing, partnerships, or product development.
Examples: Retailers, interior designers, product developers, corporate buyers
SME Leadership Teams
Bringing teams to understand Japanese business culture, build relationships, or explore market opportunities.
Examples: 3-10 person teams, executive retreats, cultural due diligence
Executive Cultural Seekers
Professionals seeking profound cultural experiences beyond standard tourism—craft, tradition, spiritual journey.
Examples: Solo executives, couples, small private groups valuing depth
Your Cultural Navigator
I'm Akira Mii. For 22 years, I built international sales divisions for Japanese manufacturers—navigating cultural differences, facilitating partnerships, and helping companies understand each other across the Pacific.
After two decades in corporate, I chose to base myself in Shikoku—regional Japan where authentic culture and traditional industries still thrive. Now I offer my expertise to business leaders and cultural seekers who want genuine connections, not tourist experiences.
I'm not a tour guide reading scripts. I'm your strategic partner who understands both business culture and traditional Japan—and can bridge them for you.
International Business
22 years managing export divisions, trade shows, teams
Cultural Bridge
Fully bilingual with deep cultural fluency
Regional Expert
Based in Shikoku with direct artisan relationships
Ongoing Partnership
Your bridge to Japan long-term
How We Work Together
Initial Consultation
We start with a conversation to understand your objectives—business exploration, cultural immersion, pilgrimage, or combination. I assess fit and provide recommendations.
Strategic Planning
I design a custom program based on your goals, timeline, and interests. For business trips, this includes pre-trip intelligence and meeting arrangements.
On-Ground Guidance
During your visit, I provide interpretation, cultural navigation, business facilitation, and logistical support. You focus on experience and connections—I handle the rest.
Ongoing Partnership
After your visit, I remain available for follow-up: translation, supplier communication, business advice, or planning your next trip. Many clients retain me long-term.
Let's Discuss Your Japan Journey
Schedule a consultation to explore how I can support your business exploration, cultural immersion, or pilgrimage in regional Japan.
Or, feel free to contact us via email by filling out the form below and hit the submit button.
Akatsuki · Cultural Navigator · Marugame, Shikoku
Email: [info@hinomotobpo.com]