Makiko is a Forest Therapy Guide and Therapist, based in Yakushima/Japan, where the first nature and forest medical research activities were conducted in the world. She is the first Japanese trained guide by ANFT and also certified by Forest Therapy Society in Japan. Since she moved to Yakushima in October 2020, she has been guiding over 500 people in her Kaleidoscope “deep shinrin-yoku” program.
Prior to becoming the guide, for 20 years she has been involved in various international projects with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other UN organizations, focusing on improving the health status of the vulnerable people especially in Africa and Southeast Asia regions.
In addition to being a guide, she is currently delegated to be ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) global advisor for the School Board in Yakushima, giving lectures for teachers and pupils. She is also the Board member of Yakushima Onoaida clinic run by her husband who is engaged in forest medical research activities.
She holds B.A. in international law from Kansai University in Japan, M.A. in Public Health (international health) from Johns Hopkins University, and M.A. in Economic and Social Development from University of Pittsburgh in USA.