What is JapaNina?
Bringing Japan a Little Closer.
Discover the stories, traditions, and craftsmanship behind Japanese culture through immersive experiences, educational content, and meaningful connections.
Courtesy of Chris Dunn at Asia Society Texas
Our Misson
To build meaningful connections between Japan and the world through education, authentic storytelling, and immersive cultural experiences.
We believe that culture is best understood through experience. By sharing the stories, traditions, craftsmanship, and people behind Japan's cultural heritage, we strive to make Japanese culture approachable, engaging, and meaningful while supporting the communities that preserve it.
Our Vision
A world where Japanese cultural heritage is deeply understood, genuinely appreciated, and sustainably passed on to future generations.
We envision a future where people around the world discover Japan beyond its stereotypes, and where people in Japan are inspired to rediscover the beauty and significance of their own cultural heritage. Through meaningful cultural exchange, we hope to help preserve Japan's living traditions for generations to come.
Courtesy of Sheryl Lanzel at UT Dallas
Our Purpose
Japan is the gateway, but cultural connection is the destination.
Through JapaNina, we hope to help people discover Japan while also encouraging them to look inward—to learn about their own heritage, traditions, stories, and cultural identity. By experiencing another culture, we gain new perspectives on our own.
We believe that learning about cultural differences can create curiosity, empathy, appreciation, and meaningful human connections. Our goal is not only to share Japanese culture, but to inspire people to explore their own heritage, embrace cultural diversity, and find connections across cultures.
Our Values
Authenticity
We are committed to sharing Japanese culture with accuracy, respect, and integrity.
Connection
We believe meaningful relationships create meaningful cultural exchange.
Experience
Culture is not only learned—it is experienced through all five senses.
Education
We make complex traditions approachable, engaging, and enjoyable for learners of all ages.
Preservation
By supporting artisans, local communities, and traditional practices, we contribute to the future of Japan's cultural heritage.
Curiosity
We believe every question is the beginning of cultural understanding. By staying curious, we continue learning alongside our community and inspire others to discover Japan with fresh eyes.
Nina
Hello! My name is Nina, a Japanese Culture Specialist/Teaching Artist. I'm from Osaka, Japan. My grandmother was a Tea Ceremony Teacher and practiced Japanese calligraphy since I was 3 years old. So I grew up close to Japanese traditions.
I found delight in learning and sharing more about the unique, interesting, and beautiful culture of Japan while volunteering to teach international students when I was a student.
I developed an interest in American culture while learning hip-hop dance in my early teens, and went on to study International and North American Studies in college. After taking classes for a semester at UW-Seattle, I wanted to discover what life could be like living in the U.S. properly, since I fell in love with America.
The Japan Outreach Initiative made my dream come true, giving me the opportunity to share Japanese culture with audiences in Houston and Galveston, Texas.
Since then, including after moving to the Dallas–Fort Worth area, I have presented more than 400 cultural programs and connected with over 24,000 people. Through it all, my joy in sharing Japanese culture and my curiosity about learning from other cultures continue to grow.
Courtesy of Annina
About the JapaNina Logo
The JapaNina logo reflects the philosophy behind our mission and vision: honoring Japan's history and traditions while embracing new ideas and meaningful ways to connect them with modern life.
Inspired by the Japanese family crest, or Kamon (家紋), the logo features continuous, flowing forms that symbolize the enduring nature of culture and the connection between past, present, and future.
At its center is a stylized floral motif whose petals collectively form the name NINA, representing curiosity, creativity, and the human connection at the heart of every cultural experience. Interwoven throughout the design is an ivy motif representing Japa, symbolizing growth, connection, and the living traditions of Japan that continue to flourish across generations and cultures.
Reports
While Nina belonged to a non-profit organization, she created several reports in both English and Japanese. Please read as a reference what kind of collaboration she can offer.
My Work
From intimate classes to massive installations, including the creation of the Japanese Cultural Pavilion for the Japanese Festival, her work spans a variety of projects. Below are some highlights from her past work.
2026
FIFA World Cup Support — CBS 11 Texas Interview
June
During the FIFA World Cup, several videos featuring Japanese fans cleaning the stadium after matches went viral on social media. Nina was interviewed by CBS 11 Texas to provide cultural context and explain the values and traditions behind this thoughtful gesture.
Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi_mWQ8C1bQ
FIFA World Cup Local Tour Support & Coordination
Nina supported Japanese fans on the ground as a local tour support agent. She helped guide and coordinate the group, assisted with transportation and bus arrangements, and supported their journey to and from the stadium to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable World Cup experience.
Lead 24 Ise Katagami Workshops at Children's Museum Houston
Through the EastArt project in partnership with Children's Museum Houston, Nina led Ise Katagami workshops alongside a cohort of teaching artists and educators. Using interactive quizzes and hands-on learning, participants explored the history, cultural significance, and traditional techniques of Ise Katagami, a Japanese stencil art form with over a thousand years of history. Children then applied their learning by creating decorative pouches using pre-cut stencil designs inspired by traditional Japanese patterns.
April - June
April
Lead Ise Katagami Workshops at Asia Society Texas with Educator Fellowship Chort
As the Educator Fellowship Project Manager, she oversees, manages, and supports participating educators throughout the program. As part of the fellowship, Nina led a session on kimono dyeing, exploring the deeper cultural significance of kimono in Japan. She also shared historical perspectives on Japanese immigrants and Japanese Americans and their relationships with kimono, helping educators connect the textile tradition with broader stories of culture, identity, and history.
March
Live Japanese Calligraphy Experience at Grand Seiko
Served as a Japanese calligrapher at a private Grand Seiko event through JASDFW. Created the featured calligraphy piece 「時」 (Time) and provided personalized calligraphy experiences by writing attendees' names in Japanese, introducing guests to the beauty and cultural significance of Japanese calligraphy.
Served as interpreter and project support for Akey Bright's visit for Kodama ★ Echoes Across Time.
January
Served as interpreter and project support for Akey Bright's visit for Kodama ★ Echoes Across Time, providing travel assistance, Japanese-English interpretation, and event logistical support throughout the project.
Learn More: Explore the Event Page
Managed Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration with JASDFW at Crow Museum, UT Dallas
She took charge of the event planning for the Mochitsuki celebration, overseeing everything from cultural activity design to volunteer coordination, bringing the event fully to life.
Learn More: Explore the Event Page
Courtesy of Sheryl Lanzel at UT Dallas
2025
Guest Speaker at the Global Education Symposium at Asia Society Texas Center
November
During the Global Education Symposium at Asia Society Texas Center, she led a professional development session focused on Japanese festivals and traditional lanterns. Educators explored the history and cultural significance of Japanese lanterns through an interactive learning experience and had the opportunity to create and decorate their own lanterns using traditional Japanese techniques.
Interpreter and Presenter with the Niigata City Delegation at Taiguruma Workshop at Art League
Served as interpreter, presenter, and cultural facilitator for the Niigata City Delegation's Taiguruma Revival Project at Art League Houston. Provided interpretation and comprehensive workshop support, led a hands-on onigiri-making workshop, and presented on the cultural significance and traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony. Through these activities, participants gained direct experience with both contemporary and traditional aspects of Japanese culture.
Innovative Cultural Space – Japanese Carnival Experience at Night Markets with Asia Society Texas Center
Led the Japanese Carnival Experience at local Night Markets through Asia Society Texas Center, transforming the event space into an interactive Japanese summer festival (matsuri). Organized and facilitated traditional festival activities including wanage (ring toss), shateki (target shooting), yoyo-tsuri (water balloon fishing), superball sukui (super ball scooping), and lantern making. The experience introduced attendees to authentic Japanese festival traditions through immersive, hands-on participation.
September
Event Support for Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival with JASDFW
Provided event support for the Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival with JASDFW, assisting with event setup, logistics, volunteer coordination, visitor engagement, and program operations. Helped ensure a seamless event experience while promoting awareness and appreciation of Japanese cultural traditions and seasonal celebrations.
July
Tought 8 Japanese Somegami paper dying workshops at Children's Museum Houston EastArt Program
She participated as an artist in the newly launched EastArt Program at Children’s Museum Houston, teaching visitors the traditional Japanese Somegami paper dyeing technique.
Learn more: Explore the Event Page
May
Japanese Cultural Outreach at Community Library Through Asia Society Texas Center
Hosted a Japanese cultural outreach table through Asia Society Texas Center at a local library, engaging visitors of all ages in conversations about Japanese culture, traditions, and contemporary life. Led a hands-on Japanese calligraphy activity, introducing participants to the art of shodō (Japanese calligraphy) while providing opportunities for cultural learning and creative expression.
Instructor at Summer Institute with Asia Society Texas Center
She shared traditional Japanese colors and kimono dyeing techniques, guiding participants to explore and experiment with natural plant-based dyes to color fabric.
Jan - Mar
Coordinated and Designed Ise Katagami Demonstration & Workshops at the Asia Society Texas Center
She collaborated with Japanese artisans and worked alongside Rebecca Becerra, Exhibitions Manager and Registrar at the Asia Society Texas Center, to coordinate the events. During the workshop, she also provided step-by-step translations of the artisans' descriptions.
Learn more: Explore the Event Page
January
Co-curated the "Stenciled Elegance: Ise Katagami and the Art of Textile Design" Exhibition at the Asia Society Texas Center
She worked closely with Rebecca Becerra, Exhibitions Manager and Registrar at Asia Society Texas Center. Nina played a key role in curating, conducting research, liaising with Japanese artisans, and providing translation for the exhibition.
Learn more: Explore the Exhibition Page
2024
November
Interpreter and Coordination for Organizing Workshops with the Niigata City Delegation at Asia Society Texas Center and Art League Galveston
Facilitated communication and collaboration between local teams and delegation members, ensuring smooth coordination and successful execution of workshop programs.
Learn More: Explore the Workshop Page
September
Kimono Model for 2024 Oita Japan Festival #OitaATX
She participated as a bridal model in the Kimono Fashion Show organized by Nanairo Kimono Dressing.
Learn More: Explore the Oita Japan Summer Festival Website
August
Director and Creative Lead for the Japanese Cultural Pavilion at the Spirit of Japan Miami 2024
Courtesy of Miyuki Samata Photography
Feb - June
- Logistics Manager for event participation and coordination
- Onsite Cashier and Food Prep Specialist for the Tokyo Yatai
Responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of the vendor booth, managing customer transactions, and preparing authentic Japanese dishes for event attendees.
March
- Instruct Kansai Diarect at Rice University
- Present about Japan at HISD Annual Social Studies Conference
"How to Incorporate Student's Interest in Social Study - Pop Culture and History -"
- Present about Craft at Houston Public Library Youth Staff Training Summit
"Creating Cultural Craft with Supplies Have on Hand"
- Present about Japanese Art at Camp hART at Carnegie Library
- Present about Kado; Flower Arrangement at Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center
- Present Origami and Craft at the University Houston Cultural Day
- Present Onigiri Making Workshop for DeBakey High School at Asia Society Texas Center
AS COLLABORATE WITH
