A Tokyo native Ohioan, Mari has served on JASCO’s Board of Trustees for a long time, including President of the Board between 2017 and 2019. She was Interim Executive Director for three months in 2023 to lead JASCO’s hosting of the 30th Japan-America Grassroots Summit. She has resumed this role in September 2024. She is Professor Emerita at the Ohio State University, where she taught Japanese and East Asian language pedagogy for 33 years.

As Interim Executive Director, Mari oversees JASCO’s programs, activities, and events while also serving as an advocate for not only JASCO’s mission but also the broader Ohio-Japan relationship, engaging with local educators, business and community leaders, and government to help create cultural understanding, improve Japanese business success, build relationships, and foster education about Japan in Central Ohio.

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