Kimberly Hughes

Nationality: USA
Time Living in Japan: About 28 years
Employer: Self-employed
Current Job Title: Freelance Writer and Translator

Area of Expertise:

    • My writing covers human-interest feature stories, grassroots social movements, culture, arts/design, food/drink, travel, and the intersections therein…mostly in Japan and sometimes beyond.
    • My articles and photographs have appeared in Japan-based and international publications including The Japan Times, Kyoto Journal, Lonely Planet, The Mainichi, Tokyo Updates, Tokyo Weekender, and a number of overseas creative magazines including Dwell and Sixtysix.
    • In addition to writing, I am also a Japanese-to-English translator working across a wide variety of fields for client projects, from corporate reports to creative advertising to academic essays. I also work as an editor, interpreter, and voice recording artist.

    Education: BA in Asian Languages and Literature from Arizona State University / MA in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of California, San Diego
    Language Ability: English (native) / Japanese (advanced fluency) / French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese (moderate fluency) / Mandarin (beginner) 
    Recently Published Work: In addition to my website above, please also see here.

    Bio:
    Kimberly Hughes is a freelance writer and translator who has called Japan home for nearly three decades. Originally from the southwestern U.S. desert region, she realized her love for languages and travel early on. Learning both French and Japanese during high school, she studied abroad twice in university: in Limoges, France, and in the Peace Studies program at Hiroshima Shudo University in Japan.

    Earning her Japanese language BA from Arizona State University, she then worked at the University of Washington in Seattle, and as a Coordinator for International Relations through the JET Programme in Tochigi, Japan. She next obtained her MA in Sociocultural Anthropology at the University of California, San Diego, settling in Tokyo in 2001.

  • Most recently, Kimberly combines her passions for language, exploration, and social justice as a freelance writer covering stories throughout the Japanese archipelago. She is also a seasoned J-E translator whose projects have included academic essays. nonprofit reports, corporate presentations and several books.

    Favorite Thing About Living in Japan:
    I absolutely adore the opportunities I have had to travel across the archipelago learning about the work of artisans, farmers, chefs, bartenders, and more, each of whom has their own fascinating story to tell within their respective communities.

    Favorite Place to Visit in Japan:
    I have loved exploring the sublimely healing waters in Japan’s top onsen regions. Although these are scattered throughout the country, some of my particular favorites are in Kyushu, including Beppu and Yufuin in Oita Prefecture and Kurokawa in Kumamoto Prefecture.

    What Has Kept You in Japan:
    The combination of endless stimulation and discovery in Tokyo, along with gorgeous nature and inspiration in other regions of the country.

    Favorite Place to Visit Outside Japan:
    Latin America. I have spent considerable time in Brazil and Argentina, and hope to explore more areas in the region, beginning with Mexico.

    What Changes Have You Noticed During Your Time Living in Japan:
    One standout change that I have noticed is a proliferation of specialty coffee shops, which as a coffee writer (and lover), is a happy development!