Nationality: U.S.A.
Time Living in Japan: I first came to Japan in 2015 and received my residency in 2019.
Employer: Currently in Graduate School at the University of Tokyo.
Areas of Expertise: Sustainable Development, ESG, Natural Resources, Greentech, Tokyo Fashion/KOLs.
Education: I studied Economic History at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee as a National Merit Scholar. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in International Agricultural Development at the University of Tokyo. My research as part of the Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture focuses on carbon sequestration farming.
Language Ability: English-Native/ Japanese-Advanced/ German-Advanced/ Chinese-Beginner/ French-Beginner/ Spanish-Beginner.
Favorite Things About Living in Japan: Nothing surpasses taking off your boots and dipping into a sulfuric hot springs bath after spending the day powder snowboarding.
Favorite Place to Visit in Japan: Snow Country (雪国) – especially Shiga Kogen in Nagano – foraging and freshly-frying wild mountain vegetables such as udo or taranome marks the transition between snow and beach seasons. Freediving along the coast from Okinawa to Izu surrounded by the beautiful marine biodiversity of Japan’s subtropical reefs.
BIO: Thomas is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Agricultural Development at the University of Tokyo. He researches with the Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture as part of the “Radical Carbon Farming” team and focuses on the effects of mulch treatments on soil biodiversity. He worked as the Lead of Production and Operations for Infarm Japan, co-leading the expansion in the Asia-Pacific market. His goal is to revitalize the Japanese countryside by co-designing sustainable economies in harmony with the environment. His first interest in Japan began in college while managing an e-commerce business importing vintage fashion from Tokyo. He is active in the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, The America-Japan Society, and the President of The University of Tokyo’s Americas Student Association. “The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.” – Masanobu Fukuoka
Publications:【Study Abroad in The University of Tokyo】Part 2: From the USA