Yukari is a multidisciplinary creative based in Victoria, BC (the traditional lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Songhees and Esquimalt Nations), who is dedicated to bridging Japanese and Canadian cultures. As a writer, interpreter, podcaster and Japanese cultural consultant, she has been connecting the two cultures ever since she moved from Nagasaki, Japan, in 1998. As the owner of Lucid Communication, she provides interpreting and consulting services to clients including the local and Japanese governments, as well as film and TV productions. Past clients include All Nippon Airways, Dove, Post, Philips, Ubisoft and Disney. She notably worked with Disney on FX’s Shogun as an interpreter to ensure a safe and effective set, and she continues to champion the authentic representation of Japanese culture in the media.

Outside of her work with Lucid Communication, Yukari served as Director of Communications for the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society for ten years, and currently chairs the Arts, Culture and Education Committee of the National Association of Japanese Canadians. She is also President of the Victoria Japanese Friendship Society. She also produces the podcasts “はみだし系ライフの歩きかた” (roughly translated as “Misfits’ Guide to Life”) and Dual Perspectives.