Nobuo Suzuki was born in 1968 and has dedicated his life to studying approaches to Japanese philosophy and psychology. After traveling all around Asia, he developed a method of connecting Zen with art therapies, and now works with clients seeking alternative ways of approaching their life issues. He loves playing piano, writing about his trips and recording his reflections.

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Hector Garcia was born in Spain and worked at CERN in Switzerland before moving to Japan, his home of more than 15 years. In Japan he developed voice recognition software and the technology for young Silicon Valley companies to enter the Japanese market. His popular blog kirainet.com led to his internationally successful book A Geek In Japan. Along with Francesc Miralles, he is the author of the bestselling Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, The Ikigai Journey and Forest Bathing.

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Russell Calvert has a masters degree in translation studies from Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona). He has 25 years TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) experience, including posts at ESADE Business School (Barcelona) and Salalah College of Applied Sciences (Oman). He was the subtitler, translator and interpreter for the 2012 Mecal International Short Film Festival of Barcelona.