Takumi Ono Junglecity Network, Inc. Founder/President + Interviews
Any expatriate or traveler knows that connecting with locals in a foreign country unleashes the opportunities for meaningful life or deeper cultural exchanges. Having had to acclimate myself in Australia and the United States to pursue my high school and university studies, I am keenly aware of the value of the ability to bridge the gap between my native Japanese culture and Western sensibilities. In May 1998, after a stint as a market analyst in the cycling industry, I established Junglecity Network Inc with hopes it would evolve into a consummate resource. In fact, the name of the company reflects our desire to serve as guides through the complex jungle of overlapping cultures. I believe the prime showcase for our capabilities is Junglecity.com, which demonstrates the ability to organize information as well as the breadth of our services from web design to site management to event planning. I take pride in knowing the Northwest in and out and deeply appreciate the opportunities to meet people through my work who are making positive contributions to their lives and the society. I personally enjoy shopping at farmers markets, dining out at my favorite restaurants and sitting in a café over a good cup of coffee and pastries.
Allow me to introduce my team:
Natsumi Ozaki Seattle resident since 2000
Customer satisfaction is my primary goal, because there’s nothing better than knowing that a product we've designed accurately conveys the client’s message. I have degrees in business administration and communication, backgrounds that serve me well at Junglecity, where it’s a pleasure to nurture cross-cultural exchanges. In my free time, I enjoy losing myself in a book at one of Seattle’s many cafes as I sip a strong cup of coffee.
Akiko Ohashi Seattle resident since 1998
Having been an avid user of Junglecity.com before I joined the staff, I am intimately familiar with the site’s features and how best to present them. My degree is in information technology and while that makes me the resident expert, I find that learning is a perpetual process. The flexibility I enjoy at Junglecity is a quality that also pervades our approach to client services. We take pride in providing diverse avenues to communicate and connect users and clients.
Asako Grinols Seattle resident since 1997
Telling the stories of the people and businesses we feature is my specialty. The interaction is meaningful to me and I try to convey that in the pieces I write for the site. My degree in food science and human nutrition may not apply directly to my current work, but it taught me how to analyze a situation and determine the most pertinent pieces of information for any story. When I’ve done my job effectively, users benefit from Junglecity as a platform for the exchange of information. Outside of work, it’s the verdant landscape of Seattle that provides me the most enjoyment.
Kumiko Lawrence Seattle resident since 2003
Throughout my life, language has facilitated my understanding of different cultures. My childhood was filled with lessons in traditional Japanese arts, which required knowledge of the language of symbolism and precise movements. In college, I studied English and Spanish, which led to work opportunities in Spain, as well as in Tokyo for companies with Latin-American ties. Currently, I write profiles on businesses and people. It’s especially fulfilling to interview small-business owners, who are extremely grateful for their successes. I take pride in Junglecity, because the site often serves as a virtual community center that can provide everything from basic emergency information to a bulletin board for moms seeking age-appropriate play groups. Having lived in several countries, I can attest to the benefit of having a resource such as Junglecity.
Hisashi (Kyu) Chida Tokyo
As the lone representative of Junglecity in Japan, I have the unique perspective of the company from the outside. I can say, without a doubt, that the site is the most comprehensive source of information about the Seattle area. Japanese visitors to the city find it invaluable. My background is in advertising, which, ultimately, is about reaching the masses. The beauty of Junglecity is that it allows me to meet new people and satisfy my personal passion for baseball (Go Mariners! site).
Miki Yonekura Rohbock New Orleans
My experience includes working for a public relations agency and promotions company in Tokyo. After moving to New Orleans, my husband’s hometown, I eventually started Mikazuki Connection, a business that organized tours, convention services and media coordination. I partnered with Junglecity to create Junglecity Travel, which is comprised of city-specific travel guides. New Orleans is the first in the lineup.
Fumiko Rushing New Orleans
Having born and raised in a countryside in Akita prefecture in northern Japan, I had fulfilled my dream of living in a metropolitan area when moving to Yokohama for college. Just when I started enjoying a new chapter in life after landing a job in a large corporation, I got married to a native of New Orleans and moved to Hawaii. Several years went by while working for a travel agency and an airline there before we moved to New Orleans in 1998. We have been here since and enjoying running a sports bar and being a part-time tour guide for Japanese tourists. I am happiest watching my son’s soccer, baseball and football games.
