Combining a love of working with young people and a passion for the arts, Jonathan Genji Abbott founded KidArt International in October 2012. The Californian formerly taught English in the Japanese public school system before moving into the private sector.
A graduate of a high school for the arts and a magazine staff writer back home, he says he was disappointed at the overall lack of creativity when it came to English curriculum development in Japanese schools.
"I found that kids were taught English like they were taught math or history: as a subject to memorize, not a tool for communication. It surprised me that children in Japan are not used to expressing themselves. I wanted to find a way to foster creativity, show kids the communication power of English and teach them about my country," says Abbott.