Staff
Chieko Mimura
Professor / EPUU Director
Hello! My name is Chieko Mimura. I am new to EPUU as well as Utsunomiya, so 2019 will be my learning year! I have taught English for almost 30 years to all different levels of students, including university, senior and junior high school. I think learning English is not just learning the language, but learning about the world, different cultures, and people. There are no good or bad ways of learning it, and also, you should never be “forced” to study it. I would encourage you to think about why you learn English and to try to find your own comfortable way to learn it.
I like music, art, and fashion. Especially I like going to live concerts (all kinds of music) very much, and I would never miss the concerts that I really like! If I had time and money, I would go to live houses every night! Unfortunately though, I work most of my time. Fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “There’s time for work, time for love. That leaves no other time.” In my case, there’s time for work and time for music, which leaves no other time!
Rory Banwell
Associate Professor
Kia ora! (This is a common way to say “hello” in New Zealand.) My name is Rory Banwell. I have been in Japan since 1993 and have lived in Utsunomiya since 1998. I really like Utsunomiya with its friendly people, nature, mountains, and delicious gyoza. Over the years, I have taught a lot of different people at many different places. Ideally, I think the English classroom should be a place where a student can relax and “experience English.” Remember that learning a language involves new adventures, a willingness to take risks, and lots of fun.
When I am not working, I like to do many different things in my free time. First, I like to exercise and play sports. It is not only enjoyable, but it also helps me get rid of stress, and afterwards, I can relax and sleep well. Second, I like surfing the net. I often watch YouTube videos of TV programs and music. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough time to watch all the videos I want to see. In addition, although I don’t have many chances to do so these days, I really love traveling. You can experience new things and have fun adventures.
Josh Kidd
Associate Professor
G’day! I was born in Melbourne, Australia. When I was young, I spent my childhood moving around Australia. My family lived by the philosophy that life should be an adventure! I have been in Japan for over 20 years and still find new adventures almost every day. I am fascinated by language teaching/learning and have a Masters in TESOL and Doctorate in Applied Linguistics. I believe that learning languages is a deeply rewarding experience and the ability to communicate in a second or third language can connect you with the world at large in ways that it is difficult to imagine - be it for business, education, or adventure! I am looking forward to working with you to develop your English proficiency and exploring the opportunities that your future holds.
I believe that it is important to balance work/study life with time away doing different things. I am gradually getting better at doing this! When free, I love spending time with my family, friends and experiencing new challenges. I am very much an outdoor person and enjoy building, running, and animals. Jogging is the time of day when I can clear my head, learn about local areas, and connect with the community. It may not come as a surprise that one of my favorite free time activities is reading. All genres interest me! When I have a couple of spare minutes, playing the guitar brings me much enjoyment and hopefully does not result in too many headaches for my neighbors! Finally, the activity that brings me the greatest joy is communicating with others. Connecting, sharing, and learning. There is nothing better!
Irene Mine
Assistant Professor
Hi, my name is Irene Mine. I grew up in Iwate prefecture where I lived until I graduated from high school. After that, I went to the United States for college and lived there for 7 years. While studying abroad, I enjoyed learning a lot about other cultures and communicating with people from all over the world. Now that I teach English, I try my best to give enjoyable and as communicative lessons as possible, because I want my students to remember that English is not just a school subject but also a tool for communication. I am hoping that through teaching English, I will be able to motivate my students to learn and as a result, help to expand their possibilities.
In my free time, I enjoy seeing my friends or family and chatting over a cup of coffee or a meal. As some of my close friends are not nearby, I often use Skype or Line to communicate with them! I also like to spend my free time by myself. I like to play the piano, draw, and watch shows on TV and Netflix. If I had a long break, I would love to travel abroad. If I could go anywhere, I would go to Australia, Finland, and Ethiopia. Hopefully, I can check these off my bucket list someday!
Yushi Ito
Assistant Professor
Hi everyone! My name is Yushi Ito, and I was born and raised in Akita City. I went to Montana in the United States as an exchange student, and this experience was my first exposure to authentic English culture. I worked as a full-time English teacher in a public high school in Kanagawa for 5 and half years. Then, I took time off from work and went to Wollongong City in Australia to pursue an MA in TESOL. I look forward to sharing what I have experienced in the United States, Australia and even as a high school teacher!
Because I spent almost all of my weekends coaching baseball when I was a high school teacher, my favourite pastime was playing and coaching baseball. Since I’ve worked in Utsunomiya University, I have been able to spend time on weekends for chatting and playing sports with my family and friends. Now, I believe that it is very important to maintain a work-life balance. I do not want to get years down the line and realise I have missed out on life. I would like my students to have their hobbies and enjoy their life as much as they can!
Benio Suzuki
Assistant Professor
My name is Benio Suzuki. I was born in Tokyo, and I grew up in Fukushima. I attended universities in both Japan and foreign countries, where I obtained two master’s degrees in Applied Linguistics and TESOL. I’m mainly researching second language pragmatics and intercultural communication. When I was doing my second MA, I met a great scholar, who led me to learn more about sociocultural theory and critical applied linguistics. Since then, I’ve been trying to learn more about it and expand my knowledge. Also, I have been a language nerd. So far, I have studied French, Spanish, and Catalan. In my class, I always have my students think and work collaboratively. I believe people learn things by doing something with their cohorts. The role of a teacher is not to give all important information to students directly, but to help students learn new knowledge. I hope I can help you know more about the world and the academic field.
When I am not working, I still enjoy thinking and observing languages in society. When I travel to a country, I often look at how the language is used in public space (this study is called linguistic landscape). Aside from that, I enjoy movies, music, and traveling. I believe movies give you chances to learn and think about different cultures, languages, and life. I also enjoy music. I used to sing and play the guitar. In addition, I like traveling. I especially enjoy the buildings, sceneries and observing how the local people live there.
Miyako Fujii
Assistant Professor
Hi everyone! My name is Miyako Fujii. I was born and raised in Shimane and moved to the Kanto region to go to college. When I was an undergraduate, I took a two-year leave and joined an international volunteering program, where I stayed in the US and Zambia respectively for six months. I also lived in Ireland on a working holiday for eight months. After graduation, I worked in a trading company for a year and a public high school for four years. To gain new insights into teaching English, I left the high school and went to the University of Wollongong in Australia to earn an MA in TESOL. I am looking forward to sharing my unique experiences with you!
In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and dramas at home. I have access to tons of movies and TV show seasons because I subscribe to Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. I can never get bored of watching them. I especially like “Harry Potter” and The Big Bang Theory”. I am more like an indoor person, but last year I went fishing with my husband and had a great time there. I would like to go fishing more often and I am hoping to say my favorite pastime is fishing.
Kasumi Arciaga
Assistant Professor
Hello po! Kumusta ka na? (“Hello, how are you” in Tagalog). My name is Kasumi Arciaga. I am originally from Yokohama, Kanagawa, and I lived in the US for 3 years for high school and college. After coming back to Japan, I attended Temple University for my Ms. Ed in TESOL. I also have lived in the Philippines where I attended De La Salle University for a Ph.D in Applied Linguistics while raising three children. I am sure you will see me with my children around the campus! I am looking forward to meeting you all!
I love spending time with my family. We love to go for a drive! We have just moved to Utsunomiya, so we would like to explore this beautiful city! We love going to the parks and trying out different kinds of food. We love Utsunomiya gyouza, so if you have any recommendation, please let me know!
Noriko Takizawa
Assistant Professor
Hello, EPUU friends! My name is Noriko Takizawa. I was born in Kanagawa and grew up in Chiba, where I lived for many years until I started exploring different parts of the world. After working as an English teacher at junior and senior high schools for ten years in Japan, I returned to Canterbury in the UK, a city I had visited as a tourist when I was an undergraduate student. I studied TESOL at Canterbury Christ Church University and developed my expertise together with other local and international peers. This experience was especially meaningful because it allowed me to view aspects of the Japanese educational system I had once taken for granted from different perspectives. I discovered that many countries around the world share the desire for their children to learn how to contribute to peace through education, while there are also some countries that prioritize global competition. And it is my deepest wish that English will be learned as a language for peace, fostering mutual understanding and human connections in my classes. I look forward to studying with wonderful Udai students!
My favorite pastime is baking. I discovered this hobby while participating in charity events during my time in the UK. At these events, I often saw people selling homemade biscuits and cakes to raise funds for those in need. The money I helped raise was donated to a disaster aid organization that supported Japan during the Great East Japan Earthquake. As a project leader, I cherished this opportunity to express gratitude on behalf of my community. Now, back in Japan, I bake for my family and friends, sharing the joy and warmth it brings. Another of my hobbies is playing the piano which began in my childhood. I participated in music competitions and earned some prizes that deepened my appreciation for classical music. Even now, in my free time, I enjoy practicing classical pieces and dream of dedicating more time to exploring the world of music after retirement.
Steve Dooley
Part-time Lecturer
Hi to one and all! I’m Steve. I have a BA in fine arts and an MA in multi-media arts. I have only been in Japan since 2003 but I like to count both England and Japan as home. I believe learning never stops and the best way to learn is to have fun while doing it. On that note, I look forward to seeing you in class with a smile, a pencil itching to be put to use, and an enthusiasm to learn.
When I have a moment to myself, nothing beats Premier League football. I try to keep up to date with the football back home as much as possible. If I can, I also like to play a bit of futsal as well. What else? Movies and the occasional TV show help me to get away from it all. Reading also works wonders and is a good way to stretch your imagination. If my kids have finished their chores, then we might throw on a video game for some family fun. A variety of hobbies means there is always something for me to do.
Keith Rodger
Part-time Lecturer
Hello, everyone. My name is Keith Rodger and I have an MA in psychology. I have lived in Tochigi since 2004 - first, in Nikko, and now in Utsunomiya - and I have worked at Utsunomiya University since 2011. I am from a very rural part of North East England called Northumberland. It's a beautiful part of the country with stunning remote beaches and dramatic castles. In fact, one of the most famous places is Alnwick Castle, which was used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies! I think that learning English needs a balance of studying and using the language. I hope my students have plenty of chances to use what they have studied!
As a father of two young girls, I do not have a lot of time on the weekends for hobbies. I occasionally have the chance to play my favorite sport, golf, but only a few times a year. The university holidays, however, give me the chance to pursue something I love, which is making things, especially from wood. I typically have a short attention span, but when I work on a project, I have focus. Also, I am terrible at drawing so I have to keep the design ideas in my head. I think it is good for my brain! This picture shows a cot I made, but as with all my projects, it was over time and over budget!
Michael Ward
Part-time Lecturer
Hello! My name is Michael Ward and currently split my time working in Utsunomiya and Tokyo. I am from a very small town named Thomaston, which is located in the southeastern American state of Georgia. I have a BA in history from the University of Georgia, an MA in East Asian studies from the University of Kansas, a second MA in religion from the University of Georgia, and an MPhil from the University of Sydney. I have lived in Japan for eight years now and enjoy the small discoveries I make here each day.
After moving to Tokyo, Japan, I discovered that I have a deep love for curry, both Japanese curry rice and Indian curry. Combining this love with my and my wife’s enjoyment of urban walking, I have discovered and enjoyed many delicious curries in Tochigi, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, and Tokyo. In Utsunomiya, you will often find me enjoying an extra spicy curry at local restaurants. Besides eating curry, I enjoy listening to music, especially heavy metal and punk rock, and reading novels and graphic novels.
Ben Jansson
Part-time Lecturer
Hello to one and all here at EPUU!
My name is Ben Jansson and I am originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. I am a recent arrival in Utsunomiya. My family and I moved from Sapporo two years ago (I love Utsunomiya winters, but I miss Hokkaido summers!). We lived in Sapporo for six years and I made many friends in both of my fields of interest: English and music. I hope to do the same here in Utsunomiya! Speaking of friends: conversation, communication and social connection are the most valuable things to me. Therefore, I look forward to meeting everybody and talking with you. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from Michigan State University, a TESOL certificate, and I am finishing an MA in TESOL right now! So I have a little homework too. Luckily, I love teaching and learning so it’s all good!
I have been playing music professionally for over twenty-five years. I fell in love with jazz music and this passion has shaped my life for a longtime and still does! Ever heard of “riffing”? This is a term that originated in jazz and blues music and it means repeating a musical phrase and developing it. Sounds a lot like repetition and developing language fluency! Here are a few pictures of mine: a CD I recorded a few years ago in Michigan and a snapshot after a “gig” in Sapporo with my good friends and musical collaborators.Besides music, I love having coffee and chatting with friends, swimming, jogging and reading novels from around the world. Have you read a good book recently?
Joel Neff
Part-time Lecturer
Hi! I’m Joel Neff. I’m from the Grand Canyon state, Arizona. I’ve been living in Japan for about eighteen years. I came to Japan to teach English and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since. Actually, right now, I’m also studying for an M.A. in applied linguistics and it’s a lot of fun. I think studying languages is one of the most interesting and valuable hobbies you can have, and I’m glad that it has become my career. I’m also glad I ended up living in Utsunomiya (actually, Takanezawa!) because of the friendly people and fantastic food. (I love the green sui-gyoza from Gyo-Ten-Do near the station!)
When I’m not studying or teaching, I like to write. I’ve written several short stories and magazine articles over the years, and I’m working on a novel, which I will finish…someday. I also like painting, drawing, and making up games to play with my daughter. And, when I’m not doing any of that, you can find me hanging out with my dog, Lucy, in one of Tochigi Prefecture’s beautiful parks.
Emily Choong
Part-time Lecturer
Hello, apa khabar? (“How are you?” in Malay). My name is Emily Choong and I am from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin towers in the world! I have been living in Japan for more than 5 years and am enjoying every single moment of it. My students are the reasons why I look forward to teaching and learning. My goal is to provide a safe space for everyone to be themselves and express their opinions freely using English.
I have many hobbies. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and find new places to dine in. I am a huge foodie, and I can talk about food all the time! Japanese food is one of my favourites on top of Chinese, Malay, Thai, and Korean cuisines. Besides that, I enjoy doing English calligraphy, collecting stationery, having afternoon tea, and playing the piano. If you know of any exciting activities to do in Tochigi, please feel free to share them with me.
James Stokes
Part-time Lecturer
Hi, I’m James. I hail from the vibrant oceanic landscapes of southern Victoria, Australia. Holding a B.A. in Media and Communications and an M.A. in TESOL, I'm passionate about delving into the nuances of language acquisition, particularly in unravelling the intricacies of English learning for Japanese students, exploring both the advantages they have and the challenges they encounter on their linguistic journey. In the classroom, I aim to create a dynamic, interactive, and enjoyable learning environment. I believe in developing each student's confidence, as I strongly feel that confident learners become successful learners, who invariably become successful people!
Beyond the classroom, I prioritize maintaining a strong mind, body, and spirit. I firmly believe in daily engagement across each of these three fields, contributing to overall health and well-being. Outside of the academic calendar, you'll find me traversing the globe. I like exploring outlying, unconventional destinations and seeking out unique and challenging experiences. This photo captures one such memorable adventure trekking through the perilous jungles of remote Erromango in the South Pacific, where I unearthed some captivating personal discoveries. I currently teach at Utsunomiya University on Mondays and Tuesdays, so I look forward to our encounters at EPUU. See you there!
Ben.Broadbent
Part-time Lecturer
Hello, everyone! I was born in Germany but spent most of my childhood in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. At the University of Washington in Seattle, I studied literature, Italian, and education. Later, I earned my master's degree in education and have been teaching English to students of all ages for twenty years. I especially enjoy reading, discussing, and finding meaning in literature, history, and technology. My goal is to help my students use English to explore big ideas in the humanities and sciences.
When I first moved to Japan, I lived in Koriyama, Fukushima, where I met my wife and discovered my favorite place in Japan: Lake Inawashiro. When I am not teaching, I enjoy cooking, listening to rock music, and taking long walks around the city. Even now, I still get lost, but I always know where to find the best gyoza restaurants. Also, I have a lovely daughter who you might see around campus. Please don't hesitate to say "hi" if you see us!
Stan Oshima
Part-Time Lecturer
Hello! I'm a Ukrainian-Canadian from Vancouver currently living in Utsunomiya. With over nine years of teaching experience, I have had the opportunity to live in seven different countries, soaking up the diverse cultures and languages along the way. I truly believe that learning new languages is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities and adventures, which is why I always encourage others to expand their linguistic horizons. I know firsthand the challenges of studying a new language, but I also know the immense rewards that come with it. Living in a foreign country has taught me the importance of embracing new experiences and stepping out of my comfort zone.
Aside from teaching, art is a big part of my life. As an illustrator, I collaborate with writers to bring their stories to life through visual storytelling. Fashion is another passion of mine, and I enjoy creating clothes that reflect the latest trends. When I'm not working, you can find me exploring new places with my adorable piebald dachshund, who has been my loyal companion since my days in rainy Vancouver. Looking forward to sharing my love for languages, art, and fashion with the university community!
Linda Vu
Speaking Lab Trainer
Hello! My name is Linda Vu. Nice to meet you! I am originally from San Diego, California, the U.S.A, born and raised. I double-majored at the University of California Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Science in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. I have a TESOL certificate and will soon be completing my master's degree in TESOL from the University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles. I have lived and taught English in Japan for several years to students of all ages. I love teaching and learning! I want students to enjoy learning English and immersing themselves in a good classroom environment. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions and gaining knowledge. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and helping my students with their English goals.
I am usually busy studying or working on graduate school assignments when I am not working. I don't have much free time these days. My interests and hobbies to relax are playing video games, cooking food from recipes worldwide, and traveling. I like surfing the internet and watching a comedy or catching up on world news. Please tell me what your interests and hobbies are. I want to learn more about you as well!
Cristina Iordachescu
Speaking Lab Trainer
Hello everyone! My name is Cristina Iordachescu. I am originally from a small town of North East Romania, called Suceava. I came to Japan for the first time for one semester in 2018 as an exchange student and I just felt in love with Japan. I returned in 2019 for my MA in Toyko and since last year I have been living in Utsunomiya. I love teaching English and I am looking forward to meeting you!
When I am not busy, I like to spend my time reading, cooking or discovering the beauty of Utsunomiya. I enjoy hiking and in Tochigi I have many places I can explore. Almost every week I challenge myself to cook a new dish and until now my favorite Japanese dish is Kawara Soba.
Neil Slorach
Speaking Lab Trainer
Hello, everyone! My name is Neil Slorach. I have lived in Japan for around 15 years teaching students of all levels and ages. I am from a city called Glasgow, which is the largest city in my country, Scotland. If you don’t know much about Scotland, I recommend you do some research, in English of course! You might be surprised at some of the interesting connections Scotland and Japan share. I enjoy helping my students build confidence in their English ability and express themselves clearly so that they can expand their horizons and experience what the world has to offer.
When I have time to myself, I enjoy doing various activities. I love playing and listening to music, playing and watching soccer, exercising and meeting friends. My favourite soccer team is Glasgow Celtic, and at the moment we have a number of Japanese players in our team. They are some of the best players we have. These days however, I don’t have a lot of time for my own interests because I have three young children and they have their own activities to pursue. I don’t mind at all though, as I get a lot of enjoyment from watching them succeed through their own efforts. Much like my students.
Sapna Mallikaarachchi
Speaking Lab Trainer
"Ayubowan" from Sri Lanka! My name is Sapna Mallikaarachchi, and I came to Japan in 2023. Back in Sri Lanka, I worked at two universities before moving to Japan to gain international experience in my academic career. I am elated to be working with Utsunomiya University students. I hold a Master’s degree in TESL, and my research interests include sociolinguistics, language, and culture. In the future, I aim to conduct research studies focusing on the Japanese context. I am passionate about learning, growing, and taking on new challenges, especially those related to language and cultural adaptation. Navigating life in a new country alone has been both exciting and demanding, but I believe that embracing different perspectives enhances both personal and professional development. I will continue learning and conducting research in my field, as I believe ongoing growth is essential for both my academic career and personal enrichment
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I love dancing, working out, and going for runs. However, I also have a sweet tooth, which means I often balance my fitness routine with indulging in delicious treats. I am a huge fan of Marvel movies and action-packed TV shows, and I also enjoy reading action and horror books. Watching Netflix is one of my favorite ways to unwind. Additionally, I am an animal lover with a special admiration for big cats such as tigers, leopards, lynxes, and lions. Whether it’s exploring new stories on screen or learning about wildlife, I always look for ways to keep life exciting and full of discovery.
Yoko Abe
TOEIC Seminar Instructor
Aloha! I was born and raised in Fukushima-city, Fukushima. I earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on English and Japanese as second languages, and a Master of Arts in second language studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After graduation, I taught both English and Japanese to all age groups from children to adults in Hawaii, Thailand, and Japan. In the summer of 2013, I moved to Utsunomiya and started teaching at this university. I feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful program. I believe students need to be not only challenged but also have fun while learning. Let’s enjoy and improve our English together at EPUU!
In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, especially tennis and skiing. I am so glad that we have many tennis courts here at Utsunomiya University. In winter, I love to go to Fukushima for skiing. The view from the top of the mountains is very beautiful. I also love exploring the world. All the experiences I get in foreign countries by visiting new places, meeting new people, and learning their cultures, broadens my mind and gives me new insights. Last but not least, I like spending time with my family and friends. We do not have to do anything special, but doing simple things with them like having a coffee, going on a walk, or even just chatting on the phone, makes my days more meaningful.