I started practicing karate in elementary school and that was what gave me the opportunity to visit Japan at 18. Respect and dedication had always been really concrete notions in martial arts, but Japanese practitioners were on a whole other level.
That was just for two months, but it was so inspiring I decided to come back two years later for a working holiday.

Very simply, “Be good people.” I think the most important part of the give-and-take process is giving first. Good deeds attract similar positive-thinking people. Instead of working against each other, I believe that collaboration is a much more effective and beneficial strategy.

I always think the best is to come and your best day is tomorrow. At LIFE.14, we have successfully completed some very prestigious assignments, but what I am most proud of is being with my team and partners. Each one has such a unique career and personality; it is so inspiring. Being around them really gives meaning to, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

LIFE.14 is already involved with several nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations; I hope to be able to help even more. Visual communication plays a critical role in our connected society, but oftentimes, professional photo and video production is out of reach for smaller entities. We are working hard to make LIFE.14 a leader in global visual production so we can empower those who are trying to make the world a better place.

As much as possible, try to learn Japanese. Not only the language, but also the culture. You cannot expect people to spontaneously understand you if you don’t try doing the same initially. Each extra language is an extra key to a wider world.
With different backgrounds, we have much to share, but also first and foremost, a lot to learn, too. Be open-minded, don’t be afraid to ask for support and, as much as possible, lend a helping hand. That will connect you with people and opportunities much more than anything else.