How I Got Here: Nina Cataldo

Becoming a young international professional was perhaps fate (or en, 縁). I’m half Japanese and was born in Tokyo, but primarily grew up in the United States. As a college student, I spent a semester back in Japan, but during this time, I felt there was no place for me, nor potential for a career, in my mother country.

But my love of writing and a desire to empower others led me to give Japan another chance – something for which I’m grateful. Now, two years later, I’ve published, alongside a talented team of Japanese individuals, a conversational English textbook. My company believes in helping Japanese people learn English in ways that empower them to speak and to use English based on their own intuitions. We want to provide the confidence to communicate authentically with others on a global scale.

My passion for traveling has also led me to become one of the leading travel writers for Voyapon where I’ve set out to discover all corners of this beautiful country and to share my experiences with a global audience.

Through both of these opportunities, it has been uplifting to work with Japanese companies that immensely value their female voices. In addition to work, FEW is yet another community where I’ve found inspiring women, coming together from all different backgrounds and passions. It’s in this international community of driven women that I find encouragement to pursue future aspirations and where I can also join in celebration of and support for the incredible work of other women.

Coming back to Japan and my belief in en, I’ve found places where I belong that go beyond the borders that surround us. FEW’s blend of appreciation for Japan and its commitment to fostering international connections is motivating. I feel excited to continue to connect within the community in Japan and around the globe.

Nina’s conversational English textbook is DUO elements [デュオ エレメンツ], available on Amazon JP here. Read about her travels in Japan on Voyapon and Setouchi Finder.