MacaronMasako is the owner of this website and living the life of “That Island Nomad” on a remote island in Okinawa, while working globally.

Biography of MacaronMasako

Early Life: From Art Kid to Study Nerd

Born into a modest family in Kobe, Japan, Macaronmasako’s parents, both high school graduates with no international ties, raised her with typical Japanese values. Macaronmasako had a passion for drawing since she was a child, spending hours alone, expressing herself on canvas instead of socializing. Once she started school, she had little interest in studying or grades. Her focus was always on reflecting the world through her art.

When her family moved to the outskirts of Tokyo during 5th grade, things took an unexpected turn. Her Kansai accent became a source of mockery, and soon the teasing turned to bullying. Determined to escape the daily ridicule, she applied to a private school, hoping to find a place where she could belong and simply be herself.

But in preparing for the private school entrance exams, something shifted. As she studied on her own, she found herself enjoying the challenge. Strategizing for exams became a game, and she discovered ways to outsmart her classmates in junior high. Her success caught the attention of her teachers, who encouraged her to aim for Tokyo University—an ambition she never wanted, but one that began to take root despite her resistance.

Rebelling Against the Educational System: A Move to the USA

She couldn’t connect with the Japanese education system. It focused on memorizing textbooks, with teachers pushing students toward Tokyo University as if no other paths existed. To her, education was meant to spark curiosity, inspire exploration, and let students chase their interests. She believed this was the only way to understand oneself and the world—and to truly develop talent and skill. This belief drove her to leave Japan to explore other educational approaches, ultimately landing in California, USA.

Immersing herself in a new culture, Macaronmasako adapted quickly and excelled academically. Seeking new challenges, she then made the bold decision to move further across the country, to the East Coast, to attend Cornell University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Architecture, solidifying her passion for design and creativity.

Macaronmasako at Tiburtina Station
MacaronMasako at Tiburtina Station, Rome

Italy

Then Italy came into her life.

Her educational journey took an unexpected turn when she had the opportunity to study in Rome, Italy during her fourth year at Cornell. Though she had no initial interest in the country, she quickly fell in love with the rich culture and traditions, and couldn’t bear the thought of leaving.

Eventually, she earned her Master’s degrees in Music Philosophy and Audiovisual Translation from Roma Tre University.

In Rome, Siena and Milan– over 5 years spent living in Italy not only broadened her education but also her perspectives on life, making her feel more Italianized than Americanized Japanese.

Back to Japan

Since returning permanently from Italy in 2014, she has been helping Japanese companies grow their business globally. As an expert in digital content localization, multilingual copywriting, and visual communication, she adeptly bridges gaps between Japanese, US, Italian, and other European content with seamless precision. For her, crafting connections is more than a profession—it’s a commitment.

Currently, she focuses on guiding start-up companies in navigating the complex and dynamic Japanese market.

Beyond work, MacaronMasako shares her multicultural perspectives and experiences through her blog posts, inspiring others to embrace new cultures and ways of life.

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