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.