Kiki immigrated to the US from Japan with her parents. She completed her education in English Literature at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Now together with her mother, she runs a small Japanese cafe that belonged to her father, who retired due to health issues after she graduated. This café is special because it offers an authentic Japanese experience. Kiki often says that nobody in America cooks authentic sushi unless they have a Japanese chef, so her café offers a wide range of Japanese meals prepared using traditional recipes.

To support her family more, Kiki gives lessons in English, English Literature, and Japanese. When her family first arrived in the US, it was challenging for Kiki—she often felt like she didn’t belong, and it was hard for her to make friends and integrate. This experience influenced her teaching approach a lot: she specializes in lessons tailored for English learners who are new to American culture, focusing on daily conversational skills and essential American customs that facilitate a smooth cultural transition.