Kon'nichiwa! Meet Chie Shimada, a multifaceted artist and tour guide based in Kyoto, Japan. Trained as a traditional Maiko (apprentice geisha) at age 15, Chie once embodied centuries-old customs before stepping into new roles as a grammar school teacher, hip hop dancer, DJ, and surfer. She shares how her ever-curious personality and pull towards the extremes has led her to the elegance of Japan’s history and the pulse of its creative scene. From teaching Japanese cooking classes to visitors (think fresh ramen and dumplings!) to creating beats behind the DJ booth, Chie approaches each season of her life with fluidity and rhythm. Her story shows how our evolving sense of self can stretch gracefully across both timelines and turntables. Kiite kurete arigatō! Episode Highlights 00:21 Chie Shimada of Kyoto, Japan 01:02 Training to be a Maiko, an apprentice geisha 01:59 A renaissance woman: surfer, DJ, teacher, tour guide, dancer! 05:11 Becoming a grammar school teacher and loving it 07:59 Yoshi, a favorite student 11:10 Experiences as a Kyoto history, cooking and foodie tour guide 15;36 Cooking tours: ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki, beef soup, dumplings 18:26 Love of dancing and hip hop culture 20:47 From traditional Maiko dances to the nightclub, drawn to the extremes 23:46 Favorite musicians: Grover Washington, Jr. and DJ Premier 25:02 How can travelers be better visitors in Japan? 25:25 Learn Japanese hand gestures (read between the lines!) 26:31 Do your food research 27:02 Choose a theme for each day of travel: food, culture, history, shopping, etc. 28:10 Hobbies are the joy of life - stay curious!