Freelance writer, blogger, and current Shukan New York Seikatsu Newspaper writer Masako Kaida has been living in Philadelphia since October of 2007. Since leaving Tokyo where kept a busy schedule working with renowned journalist Naoki Inose, Kaida has found in Philadelphia the time and incentive for new pursuits. Her newfound interest in the Philadelphia's history and its connections with Japan has resulted in publications for Inose’s web journal and Shukan NY Seikatsu Newspaper that have highlighted the Japan-American community of Philadelphia, JASGP programs, and the City of Brotherly Love itself. We are fortunate that her passions help build bridges between Philly and the Japanese speaking world both in the US and abroad.

Using the JASGP publication Phila-Nipponica as one of her sources, Kaida has recently been writing about Japanese men and women who helped build the historical connections between Japan and Philadelphia. These articles are being published in Shukan NY Seikatsu Newspaper as a series that will establish Philadelphia's presence in New York's largest Japanese language newspaper.

Kaida will continue writing for Shukan NY Seikatsu, and will also be working with the JASGP for Japanese language promotion of our annual springtime Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. Be sure to check out her latest article in Shukan NY Seikatsu, as well as her blog, which musingly chronicles her travels and experiences in America (articles and blog both in Japanese).

masakophiladelphia.blogspot.com