RUTH THOMAS — Soul Safari

"I came to Japan over 20 years ago. Alone with no Japanese, and no agenda to stay over 12 months, I fell in love with a country. Right now, I'm at the point where I've lived more years in Japan than anywhere else."

Ruth Thomas is an importer/exporter based in Japan. She's lived in the Tokyo area for over 20 years, building her business and starting a family. She and her young son, Hugo, share their travels and glimpses of their hometown Kamakura on Instagram @hugofromkamakura.

Featured

What was your pivot point?

I came to Japan over 20 years ago. I was alone with no Japanese and no agenda to stay over 12 months, but then falling I fell in love with a country. Being YHC (young, hungry and curious) I was able to integrate and pick up the subtle nuances that would make for the basis of building a business that best bridges the communication gap that so very few outsiders understand. Right now, I'm at the point where I have lived more years in Japan than anywhere else and I am ready to specifically use this talent of "Japanese business interpreting" to facilitate new projects for other larger companies...inbound or outbound. I would love to instigate amazing collaborations. Have passion-will travel. Currently looking for a new project.

Photo: A crocheted playgrounds for under 12's. I hustled my way up when no one was watching.

Your advice for someone going through a transformation?

Sometimes the wrong helps us find the right.

Photo: My personality, my work style.

Where's your soul spot?

2 places: 1) the back streets of Tokyo. When I am in need of a solution, I walk...and walk and walk with no direction. I never get lost, except in little details that remind me of the big picture. 2) Coringa country, Australia (a cute rural place outside Biggenden). When I walk in Australian nature, the exact same thing happens as the Tokyo back streets.

Photo: Current mini project, inspiring kids through art/architecture and travel (IG: hugofromkamakura).

Are you following the path of a trailblazer or being guided by a mentor?

Business heroes: Soichiro Honda (founder of Honda), Yasuomi Ogura (founder of Yamato delivery company) and Miyazaki Hayao, the movie animator who continues to deliver fantasy to all ages. His stories let us dream...always entertain your child within!

Photo: Love this drink, this menu.

All images used with permission of Ruth Thomas.