What is Zenbird?
Zenbird is an online magazine with a unique editorial focus on sustainable innovation, design, art and ethical lifestyle in Japan. It features a wide variety of inspiring ideas trying to create positive impacts on our society.
As one of the most developed countries, Japan has been facing many social challenges such as aging population, social security crisis, economic stagnation, gender gap and income inequality. On the other hand, we can find many creative solutions for these social issues when we take a closer look at the local communities in Japan. However, unfortunately, most of them have never been spotlighted outside the country because of language barriers.
By sharing these best practices through our articles, we aim to connect people all over the world who are interested in Japanese sustainable innovation and culture with local change-makers in Japan.
Our Team
Roger Ong (Editor-in-Chief)
Interest in social good, especially in children issues. Bilingual editor bridging the gap between English and Japanese for the benefit of changemakers.
Yu Kato (Editor)
Yu is a founder & CEO of Harch Inc. He has a strong passion for writing, editing content about sustainability, design, art and technology.
Aya Mishina (Editor)
Aya is interested in being a voice for women and children through her work. Mother of one who is passionate about education and mindfulness. She likes to grow plants and retreat into nature in her free time.
Tomoyo Matsuda (Editor)
She has been interested in social problems in the world since high school student, and studied microfinance as one of the solutions to social problems when she was an university student. After a year of American life, interest in foreign cultures increased. Vegan, education, and circular economy are current themes for her.
Chris Lee (Writer)
Currently working as a translator. Chris has an interest in Japanese entertainment and spends his free time reading and attending concerts.
Kirsty Kawano (Editor/Writer)
Kirsty translates Japanese articles into English. She loves sharing ideas because she believes it helps us create a better future.
Matt Lyne (Writer)
Originally from Cambridge, UK, Matt has lived in Japan since 2005. He works as a copywriter, and Japanese to English translator, but also as a music editor and audio mixer for film & video. He produces music and runs a record label in his free time.
Misato Noto (Writer)
Misato Noto is a translator & writer based in Trinidad and Tobago. She covers travel, technology, and entertainment. She loves yoga, (the idea of) hiking, cooking, and traveling.
Moe Kamimoto (Writer)
Her mission is to make the world a better place for everyone since she studied human rights and environmental issues in college. She is especially interested in sustainable fashion and cosmetics, diversity, and gender equality. A nature and animal lover.
Nagisa Mizuno (Writer)
Nagisa delights in getting inspired by travelling and finding new things. She likes to express herself by writing, photos and artworks. Also values a natural life.
Natsumi Inoue (Writer)
I am interested in Sociology since I realized that each people have a different value in every topic according to their background. Hence, my hobby is to travel, and interact with people in various backgrounds. Through those experiences, I believe every idea is worth existing!
Mizuki Kawashukuda(Writer)
Mizuki is a student studying communication and media science in Budapest. Her mission is to build a caring society. She likes outdooring, running, cooking, photography.
Sonoka Imagawa (Writer)
Sonoka is interested in sustainable design in architecture, products and fashion. She believes in the power of design and technology to create a peaceful and inclusive world.
Tomoko Numata (Writer)
A believer and seeker of SDGs who is always on the mission to find new travel destinations and travel sustainably. I am curious about many topics in our society such as Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change, Diversity, Gender Equality, and Nutrition & Health. Outdoor Activities, Playing Music, and Reading are just three of my favourite things.
Hikaru Uchida (Writer)
Loves to hike and travel. Born in Japan, and raised in China and Thailand. She has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian since she took an environmental studies class in high school. Interested in SDGs, specifically refugee and migrant issues, climate change and gender equality.
Sumie Nakaya (Writer)
Sumie teaches international peace and security at a university in Tokyo, having worked at the United Nations in New York for 20 years. Sumie and her 8-year-old son are exploring the world together.
Yumi Arao (Writer)
Yumi is passionate about women’s health and empowerment since she has experienced hormonal and period issues. She truly believes that all women should be given their own sovereignty to brighten their lives, which eventually brings a brighter future for all on earth. She loves to do yoga, biking, and simply be in nature.