About Ali

Ali is a Nisei 2nd generation Japanese American, born and raised in mostly-Caucasian Lake Oswego, Oregon. She struggled to feel accepted: in kindergarten, she didn’t wear green and got major pinches on St Patrick’s Day; and in 5th grade, her classmates snickered after she mispronounced “pecan” reading out loud.

Ali’s childhood passion of ballet taught her discipline and hard work. She trained up to six days a week until she was forced to quit in high school because of bad knees. Giving up a dream taught her resilience.

Ali was a fervent Christian into her 20’s and was baptized as a teen. She wrote and led Bible studies for younger peers in her church youth group. Ali’s parents led a small Japanese church and later ministered all over Japan. Her father has published three Christian books.

Ali attended the University of Hawaii hoping to finally fit in. That dream was dashed when a local boy called her a “kotonk” her first week on campus. But she made lifelong friends at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Ali transferred and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Japanese literature. She met novelist Murakami Haruki in a translation class, and then again years later at a book talk. Her copy of Murakami’s Hard-Boiled Wonderland and The End of the World—signed twice—is one of her prized possessions.

After college, Ali taught English in Japan for three years. She dabbled in writing short stories and applied unsuccessfully for an MA in Creative Writing. Several novels were started and abandoned during her 20’s.

While living and working at the Hilton New York, Ali experienced the 9/11 tragedy in person, and developed a heart for disaster relief work.

Ali returned to Honolulu and worked at Maui Divers Jewelry for 8 years, eventually becoming Vice President of Retail Operations. She learned she loves to teach and train. She used her writing skills writing many memos and policies.

Ali overcame her childhood fear of public speaking with a brief side gig as a DJ at a local radio station. A later job at KALO, a local Christian TV station (2013-2014), also had her regularly in front of a video camera. But she still cringes doing selfies and reels.

Turning 40 brought Ali back to God. In 2011, she gave notice at Maui Divers—her last day fell on March 11, the day of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Her months serving in a Christian volunteer camp taught her that even the most menial tasks (like cleaning toilets) can glorify God.