Gliding through powder across Mount Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture or scanning the surfers at Shonan Beach in Kanagawa Prefecture, Gardner Robinson's life and work merge so completely that on the clock and on the slopes are one and the same.

Founder and editor of Outdoor Japan Media, an extensive website, including the print magazine Outdoor Japan Traveler, Robinson connects people interested in travel and outdoor pursuits across the country.

Robinson grew up in Oregon, a place known for its nature and wide-open spaces. "Obviously the Pacific Northwest has a lot of beautiful spots, so I grew up fishing and camping, waterskiing and playing lots of sports, like basketball, football and tennis. I always loved the outdoors, but I really got into it at the University of Oregon when I joined a program called Pacific Challenge."