Board of Directors
Meet the people who serve you—dedicated individuals who are to committed to our collective community

Fuki Asai
朝井 楓生
President and Director
Personal Bio
Fuki came to Halifax in 2019 from Nagoya, Aichi. She believes cultural connections and activities for locals and Japanese people make the community more vibrant and strong. Since she first came to Halifax, Fuki has found that the Japanese Society at Dalhousie University was a very important place to stay connected to Japanese culture. At present, she remains passionate about sharing that feeling with the broader community.

Chihiro Kondo
近藤千尋
Secretary and Director
Personal Bio
Chihiro grew up in Nagoya, Japan and moved to Halifax to attend university in 2021. She is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive community where people can embrace shared identities and experiences. Through various events and activities, Chihiro hopes to strengthen community connections and create opportunities for people in Halifax to appreciate Japanese culture.

Kikuno Shimpo Major
新保菊乃
Treasurer and Director
Personal Bio
Kikuno works as a freelance artist originally from British Columbia, Canada. Her interest in working with the Halifax Japanese Culture Collective stems from her Japanese-Canadian heritage and wanting to create a space where people can learn about – and reconnect with their roots through education, cultural experience, and community.

Carin Katagiri Mahon
片桐香林
Arts Coordinator and Director
Personal Bio
Born in Osaka, Carin spent her early years moving between Japan and Canada, developing an appreciation for the connections and distinctions between cultures. After completing her schooling in Tokyo, she returned to Halifax to attend university. Having experienced frequent relocation throughout her life, Carin is passionate about creating welcoming spaces for newcomers and fostering understanding across diverse communities through the celebration of both shared experiences and cultural differences.

Matt Katagiri Mahon
片桐満寿雄
Outreach Coordinator and Director
Personal Bio
Matt was born in Osaka and raised in Tokyo, before moving to Halifax at fifteen, growing up between Japanese and Canadian cultures. Experiencing both education systems has shaped his worldview, and he hopes to bring that insight and perspective to help share Japanese culture, learning, and community with people across Halifax and beyond.
