Our Team
Shinya Yamada
Founder and CEO
Born in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, I have lived in Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. For the past 25 years, I have made Kagurazaka my home. With a desire for travelers visiting Japan from overseas to travel as lightly as possible and to experience as much of Japan's wonderful traditional culture as they can, I established EDO KAGURA Corporation in December 2021. By providing clothing rentals, we make it easier for travelers to enjoy their trips and appreciate the charm of Japan's traditional culture. It is a great joy for us when many customers become fans of Japan and return as repeat visitors.
Career
Worked at Daiwa Institute of Research, Deutsche Securities, Credit Suisse Securities, and Schonfeld (1995-2020)
Founded EDO KAGURA Co., Ltd. in 2021
Graduated from Hokkaido University, Faculty of Law
Certified Domestic Travel Service Supervisor
Chiharu Iida
Tour Guide
Born in Tokyo; lived in the United States from 3rd to 9th grade.
I am very attracted to this job, where I can personally introduce Japan to my overseas customers. During my time at Sony Music, I frequently had the chance to attend to overseas artists and staff who came to Japan, and I believe I can utilize that experience here. Another best thing about this work is that I also get to acquire new knowledge and learn more about Japanese history and culture at first hand. I wish to make your Japanese trip unforgettable, making you want to come back again!
Career
Former worker at Sony Music Entertainment Inc. Freelance interpreter and translator
Graduate of International Christian University in Tokyo
Akiko Kumagai
Tour Guide
Born in Tokyo. I first visited the US at the age of 15 and was fascinated by the cultural differences. This led me to study abroad at UC Davis and then get a job at an international food company. A few years of work in Switzerland made me realize the charm of Japan and I started doing a guide. I love sharing the lifestyles, cultural differences, and the way Japanese people think, etc., based on my experience in the US and Europe. My goal is to make guests' stay in Japan the most enjoyable and the most memorable one!
Career
Worked at Nestle Japan Co., Ltd. (1988-2021)
Tourist guide in Tokyo (2022-)
Graduated from the Department of Food Science, Graduate School of Home Economics, Ochanomizu University
Mayumi Kaburaki Lee
Tour Guide
Born and raised in Tokyo, currently residing in Kanagawa Prefecture. With a personality that loves to talk and the ability to speak multiple languages, my life has been blessed with friends and family, and I have gained a wealth of experiences from both successes and failures. Just as languages have shaped me, I now want to use languages to help others, which led me to become interested in working as a guide.
Career
Worked at JAL Navia Co., Ltd., IMI Co., Ltd., and an English conversation school in Seoul, Korea
Graduated from Tokyo Woman's Christian University, Faculty of Contemporary Cultures, Department of Regional Cultures
Matoi Kawamoto
Tour Guide
Born in Niigata, Japan, and raised in Tokyo, I also participated in various summer schools in the United States from an early age. After attending summer schools in the States and Europe several times, I decided to study at a school in San Francisco. It was eye-opening for me to realize that many people were interested in, and even fascinated by, Japanese culture, food, and history. Now, with experience working in Europe and the States, it has become one of my passions to introduce the beauty of experiencing Japan to those visiting from abroad. I am excited to share the beautiful feeling of exploring a new city through its sights, conversations, people, and experiences with you!
Career
Worked in Balletmet, Opéra National de Bordeaux.
Graduate from San Francisco ballet school,
Yashima Gakuen University International High School, Tokyo Gakugei University international secondary school