Lance E. Lee Podcast from Tokyo

In 1988, Geoffrey Walker and I joined TAC, and we have numerous recollections of the initial TAC facility and its members. While his father's influence led him to aspire to become a pilot, Geoffrey chose to pursue Japanese studies and economics at the University of Western Australia. Before entering the container industry, he gained experience working with Swire and Sons. Subsequently, Geoffrey se...

Daniel Kim, born and raised in inner-city Chicago, reflects on his upbringing, defiance of his Korean roots, and navigating the troubled Chicago public school system. Surprisingly, he found love with a fellow Korean in Chicago, and he honors his heritage, earning the respect of his family. Currently serving as CFO in Zurich, Japan, Daniel has called Tokyo home since 2022. Parenthood brings him imm...

Gordon J. Campbell, a businessman and the author of the thriller, "The Courier,” recounts his childhood memories and the significant impact of his Uncle Richard. He also discusses his involvement in introducing a revolutionary sports medicine product Ortho-Glass and bringing in Hammer Strength and All American during Japan's fitness boom. As a long-time resident of Japan, Gordon is presently focus...

It was delightful to host Masako Wouters, whom I had previously taught her daughter Lilian years ago. Since the unfortunate passing of her beloved husband, Masako has embarked on golf lessons, seeking solace and an opportunity to play on the course. Masako has a background in English literature and studied in England and Scotland. As a skilled interpreter, she shared intriguing anecdotes about her...

Through her determination and a fortunate set of circumstances, Dr. Buffy Bennett from Philadelphia earned three degrees, including a doctorate in educational leadership. She and her husband, Terrell, are shining examples for their children as they pursue their goals with dedication, integrity, and character. Buffy and Terrell's relationship began in college, and she fondly recalls their courtship...

Terrell Bennett is a decorated US Navy E8 sailor who has served for 23 years in the military. However, he is also known for his passion for music and DJing, going by the stage name DJ Quiet Storm. While his childhood dream was to become a businessman, he joined the Navy and worked in communications. Currently, Terrell has taken the E-9 test, which is the highest rank in the Navy. Among the many de...

Martyn Naylor’s life trajectory is extraordinary and impactful, taking on diverse roles as an economics and business professor, advertising agent, and theater agent, rubbing shoulders with influential figures such as General Douglas McArthur, Henry Kissinger, Imelda Marcos, and nationally treasured kabuki actors in Japan. He studied at the London School of Economics with other international studen...

The remarkable journey of Matthew Wilson, the president and dean of Temple University Japan campus, began at the tender age of three when he impressed a neighbor, Alice, with his ability to communicate and set his sights on becoming a lawyer. He attended the University of Utah, a family tradition, and then served as a Mormon elder in Japan, where the unforgiving climate caused him to return to Uta...

Health and performance coach and founder of MH Health Coaching, Menya Hinga, delights me with his life stories and unique experiences as an American with Kenyan roots raised in Massachusetts. Menya was involved in sports (track & field, soccer), but the piano was his first love since 8. Starting with gymnastics and his back flip, Menya sparked a light in me as we delved into the life of a pers...

Throughout the interview, Alana Bonzi exuded a sense of contentment and joy in her Caribbean identity; her charming anecdotes and wit constantly amused me. Alana developed a love for Trinidad when she relocated to Canada, completed her education, and embarked on various career paths, including social services. Later, she represented Ontario at the Universal Expo in Spain before joining the JET pro...

Greg McKenzie, an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, has made Japan his home and graces some of Tokyo's most prestigious venues with his performances. His musical expertise is not limited to the piano, as he has also honed his organ, bass clarinet, and trumpet skills. A fateful lawnmower accident resulted in the loss of the tip of his finger, which sparked a spiritual awakening. While initial...

A lecturer at Keio University, Laurie Wesselhoff is a 29-year resident of Tokyo and the mother of two teenagers. She says that as a child, she was very quiet and introverted, some of which still remain. Laurie was forthcoming with her life experiences, from studying in Australia in high school to designing her major at Southern Illinois University and completing a master's degree and Ph. D. The ti...

Born in the wilds of Alberta, Canada, Christopher Rathbone's early years were shaped by the unforgiving northern climate. After completing high school in Saskatoon, he applied to the Rotary Exchange program, landing in Matsumoto, Japan. Christopher studied history at the University of Saskatchewan, eventually emerging with a law degree. His interest in Japan brought him back to the country, this t...

International lawyer and author, L. M. Weeks (Mark), sits down for a great conversation and some good laughs. Mark was born in Alaska and grew up in Idaho. Influenced by his father’s practice and pro bono work, he decided early on to practice law. At 16, Mark comes to Japan as a Rotarian scholar and returns after high school to attend International Christian University. Mark’s stories struck some...

Challenges have marked Charles McJilton's life journey, but his resilience and determination have transformed his story into an inspiring one. Despite a tumultuous upbringing, he found strength in sobriety at a young age and discovered a new sense of purpose serving in the US Navy. Later, he made the unconventional choice to live with Jesuit priests in Tokyo's "slum" district, where he found a dee...

Harvey Thompson is a talented jazz vocalist whose career has taken him worldwide. Originally a gospel singer, Harvey was introduced to jazz by Marcus Belgrave and has since performed in Europe, Turkey, and Japan. He is a regular fixture in the jazz scene, performing at various venues and recording albums. Recently, Harvey has been collaborating with musicians from different cultures. His latest si...

A maverick at heart and not wanting to become "ordinary," Greg Lyon has navigated life by focusing on experiencing interesting things. Greg moved away from his hometown and attended American University in Washington, D.C., where he learned invaluable life lessons. He was a natural in sports, playing basketball and soccer. Greg did overseas studies in Spain and returned to the US after solo travels...

Born into an academic family, Ivo Koutsaroff was expected to do well academically, and tutoring added to the weight of the high expectations. His artistic inclinations took a backseat to science when he was just eight. He earned a master's degree in applied physics, and after his military service, he traveled to China for further education. Upon returning to Bulgaria, he moved to Toronto for post-...

June Tagawa, an author and freelance Japanese language teacher, does not believe in retirement, and she found a passion in the third act of her life. June worked in the banking industry for over 10 years (Bank of Tokyo and Royal Bank of Canada) and then became a homemaker until her daughter entered high school. She was hired at the ASIJ-ELC and taught there for 17 years. At present, June spends he...

Garvey McIntosh, the first African American to represent NASA overseas, has made a positive impact in his twenty years with NASA, fulfilling his dream of pursuing an international career. Garvey attended Northeastern University on a football scholarship and, upon graduation, decided to come to Japan. He completed two internships during graduate school, including the Boren Fellowship. Garvey is mul...

Financial analyst and a newly appointed board member of TAC, Mihoko Manabe, shares her experiences in New York, starting in the finance sector, acquiring the CFA, and the importance of developing the "soft skills" necessary for moving up. Born in Kyoto, Mihoko moved to Pennsylvania in the first grade. She grew up in North Carolina and graduated from Wellesley with a degree in Japanese studies.

Bryan J. Jacop came to Japan when he was 16 years old on an exchange program with a scholarship. He broke the rules as a teenager and opened the doors to a beautiful life of opportunities and adventure. Bryan has an affinity for Kansai, and his observation of the differences between west Japan and Tokyo is refreshing. He spent eight years in the banking industry, then transitioned to gaming and mo...

Although there are decades of age difference, I felt a strong affinity for Bruno Ozeki, and the conversation was like therapy. Perhaps Bruno is an old soul, or it could be his calm demeanor and thoughtful choice of words that are strikingly mature. Bruno is a former Olympic swimmer and has broken national records. He did undergrad studies in ecology and evolutionary biology. Bruno takes solo trips...

The representative director of Global Kigyo and past "I CAN" student, Miguel Gen Ortiz-Cañavate Ozeki, joins me after a re-encounter at TAC one morning. Miguel Gen is a retired Olympian for Spain as a competitive swimmer and has been coaching the TAC swimmers! He and his girlfriend (business partner) are passionate about guiding and empowering Japanese companies toward globalization.

Semi-finalist of Miss Universe Japan 2022, Aki Takei, shares her experience as a Tokyo University graduate with an aerospace engineering degree and starting her career as a public servant at METI (the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry). Her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut motivates her as she continues to find her passion. Aki wants to express her emotional side through art and mus...