About Alisha
A 14-year Tokyo resident, I’m originally from the US (born in California, raised in Oregon). I received my bachelor’s degree in Japanese in the US (with secondary concentration in international business). I host and plan content for EnglishClass101, an English language education YouTube channel (and affiliated learning platform) with more than 7.5 million subscribers (this includes a weekly live broadcast). I appear on other “101” language learning channels as a native English speaker guide/narrator. I host and produce Nonnative Creative, an interview series I founded in 2018 that features creatives engaged in work across borders and languages. I have a collaborative Japan travel docuseries called Elements of Japan. Presented bilingually, the show focuses on explanations from local experts. I also provide consulting and content creation support for individuals and organizations.
I’ve written travel and dining articles about Tokyo and Japan for Metropolis Magazine and The Japan Times. My past experience includes 5 years of editing and translation work for the Graduate School of Engineering and Research at the University of Tokyo (with specialties in university documentation and architecture). Please refer to the Works page for a full list of projects (completed and ongoing).
I’m interested in exploring how media can be used to connect across cultures. I believe cultural education and exposure to concepts beyond one’s own community are becoming increasingly important. I believe in working with a very good sense of humor and a solid sense of purpose (a communicative team too). I like learning through exploration of everyday interests: food, drink, popular culture, music, art, etc.
Please find me on Twitter or Instagram. These are the best places to keep up with everything I’m doing!
Interviews:
Metropolis Magazine (November 2019, The Creative Issue)
Seeking Sustainability Interview Series with Joy Walsh (October 2020, live video interview)
