Our Writers

Anna Ayvazyan has lived in Japan for eight years and recently completed her MBA at Doshisha University in Kyoto, focusing on marketing, tourism, and sustainability. For the past five years, she has worked as a freelance copywriter, specializing in Japanese food, culture, and history. In her free time, Anna enjoys exploring new cafes, traveling, and discovering hidden gems around Japan.

Bianca has called Japan home for the past five years, drawn in by its seasonal beauty and culinary heritage. Sakura season, in particular, brings her joy, its blossoms and cherry-flavored treats mark a season she eagerly anticipates each year. You’ll find her seeking out artisan wagashi, sipping coffee in Japanese kissatens, and exploring the best sakura viewing spots. Through every snack and sip, Bianca shares with Sakuraco readers a warm connection to Japan’s ritual, flavor, and timeless traditions.

Claire is thrilled to be using her Japanese Culture, History, & Language degree in her work with Sakuraco, being an avid fan of Japan since middle school. After calling Japan home for the last eight years, she still has no answer to the question of when she will move back home (perhaps never?). In her free time, you can find her exploring Tokyo’s countless history museums, hiking nearby mountains, or singing badly but passionately at karaoke.

Devon Lord-Moncrief may live in the US, but he's loved Japan and Japanese culture ever since he was little. With Dragon Ball Z acting as his gateway to anime, Devon dived into video games, movies, and as he got older, began a career as a writer based on his love for those things. He's planning his next trip to Japan right now!

If you asked James Lau what his favourite Japanese food is, he would probably say ramen. If he had to go further, he'd say that he enjoys seafood-flavor ramen. If you pressed him for more information, he'd tell you that he prefers rich broths with thick noodles. Aside from eating ramen, his other hobbies include film and digital photography, playing crane games, and, more recently, collecting Pokémon cards.

Karina Ikedo is passionate about culture, travel, and the simple joys in life, especially a good cup of coffee or matcha. She has visited 38 countries and brings a global perspective to her writing. With degrees in international business and cosmetology, her career spans from luxury hospitality at sea to creative brand storytelling. Outside of work, she enjoys skincare, taking photos, and discovering the traditions that make each place unique.

Savannah has lived in Japan for the past three years, first as a student and now as a full-time worker. She enjoys exploring quiet neighborhoods, visiting local shrines, and going to seasonal festivals. On her days off, you’ll often find her browsing secondhand shops, trying new vegetarian dishes, or relaxing with a good anime. For Savannah, discovering the everyday beauty of Japan is what makes living here so special.

Sophia Wasylinko’s interest in Japanese culture ignited during her gap year when she began watching anime. She volunteered with Japanese exchange students while studying at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. In the summer before her final year, Sophia embarked on a solo trip to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Her favorite moments included visiting museums and eating local foods. She hopes to return someday, spending more time in Kyoto. Sophia currently works at her local library, reads multiple books at once, and researches new anime to watch.

With over five years of experience writing across topics such as culture, travel, fashion, and technology, Thuy Fang brings a thoughtful touch to every piece she creates. Inspired by a love for kawaii characters and a deep appreciation for Japan’s rich traditions, she chose to make this beautiful country her place of study and living. In her quiet moments, she enjoys sketching, reading manga, savoring daifuku mochi, and crafting homemade desserts as part of her self-care.

Terry T moved to Japan after completing his MSc in Cartography. He has now lived there for almost two decades, where he works as an IT and article writer. He enjoys exploring the country using public transport, and camping in remote areas that are off the beaten path. When he isn't wandering the country, he explores the Kanto area via train, bicycle, and extremely long walks.