American diplomat Ayanna Hobbs is a dynamo of energy and enthusiasm. She's just finished her weekly Japanese class, and thinks it the most amazing coincidence that her wonderful teacher happens to be from Yamanashi, the prefecture that lies so close to her heart.
"My connection with Japan began with Yamanashi. Now all these years later, it's time to return the kindness once again," she explains. "That's why I am organizing an event on Feb. 9 at the International Center in Kofu, to help celebrate African-American History Month."
Her Nigerian Christian name means "beautiful flower." "Actually," she explains, laughing, "my parents were both eager to name me. So I ended up with not only Ayanna but Bajita (gift from God), which was my father's idea, and Doretha (an angel), which was my mother's choice, after her sister's name. So Ayanna Bajita Doretha — created and arranged in alphabetical order."