From Resilience to Reiki: A Unique Journey in Japan
I arrived in Japan in 2003 as an 18-year-old from Ukraine, stepping into a country known for its structured culture and high expectations. Alone and unfamiliar with the language, I rebuilt my life from the ground up, immersing myself in Japanese traditions while staying true to my roots. Living as if I were “one of them,” I learned to thrive in environments where non-Japanese individuals are rarely expected to succeed.

Thriving in Japan’s Corporate World
For over a decade, I worked at SoftBank, one of Japan’s most challenging corporate companies. Serving Japanese clients while supporting foreigners in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, I consistently ranked in the top 3 for sales. This wasn’t just a job—it was my way of mastering Japan’s cultural expectations and demonstrating that perseverance and adaptability can break barriers.

Finding Reiki and My Life’s Calling

In 2015, after a trip abroad left me feeling unsettled, I was searching for ways to overcome limiting beliefs and live authentically. At that time, my Armenian friend introduced me to Reiki and suggested a session with a Japanese Reiki Master. Despite living in Japan for years, I had never heard of Reiki from Japanese people before. What started as curiosity soon became a profound calling.

By the end of 2016, I became a Reiki Master. In 2018, I became the representative of Holy Fire® and Karuna Reiki® systems in Japan, and by 2019, I left my corporate career to fully dedicate myself to Reiki. This practice healed me and gave me the strength to support others.
 

Adapting During the Pandemic
During the pandemic, I worked in elementary and middle schools, helping foreign children adapt to life in Japan. I provided cultural guidance and language support, easing their transition and giving them the tools to thrive in a new environment. This experience not only deepened my understanding of cultural integration but also allowed me to witness firsthand the Japanese education system. It strengthened my connection to Japanese people and reaffirmed my commitment to serving others with compassion and understanding.

A Bridge Between Cultures and Crises

When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine—my homeland—began in 2022, it became the greatest crisis of my life. Reiki became my anchor, giving me the strength and clarity to navigate unimaginable challenges as I supported my family through the war.

My years in Japan had prepared me with advanced language skills, which became essential during this time. As an interpreter, translator, and cultural advisor, I had previously led significant projects, including during Japan’s 2011 Great Earthquake. Having lived through the devastation of the tsunami and earthquake, I understood the deep need for connection and recovery.

Guided by Reiki, I was chosen by the Japanese government to serve as a bridge between two nations in crisis. As part of Japan’s initiatives for Ukraine’s support, reconstruction, and recovery, I worked as a translator and interpreter for Ukrainian delegations invited to Japan. Collaborating closely with ministries, local officials, and government agencies, I facilitated communication and understanding between the Ukrainian and Japanese sides.

In addition to this vital role, I supported Ukrainian evacuees in Miyagi Prefecture as they settled in Japan, helping them navigate complex systems, overcome cultural barriers, and address language challenges as they rebuilt their lives.

The work was deeply personal and emotionally challenging. Yet, by invoking Reiki, I stayed grounded and present, offering not just practical support but also hope and healing to those who needed it most.

The Power of Reiki: Support During Challenging Times

Reiki has been an immense source of support during challenging times. While working in the corporate world, throughout the pandemic, and during my time in public schools, handling various government projects, Reiki provided the emotional resilience and clarity I needed to stay grounded.

• Reiki's Role in Family Support During the War: Reiki has been an ongoing support to me and my family during the war in Ukraine. It helped me focus on evacuating my mother, keeping my relatives safe, and even creating miracles for my brother and his battalions on the battlefield.

Opening a Reiki Center in Kyoto

We have opened our Reiki center in Sendai city, Miyagi prefecture in 2016. In April 2023, a clear and powerful guidance led us to leave behind my previous professional roles and fully immerse myself in teaching and practicing Reiki. With the vision of making Reiki more accessible to people from all nations, we opened our Reiki center in Kyoto, the birthplace of Usui Reiki, welcoming people from around the world to experience the transformative power of Reiki in its sacred Japanese origins.

Your Transformation Starts Now

Reiki changed my life—and it can change yours.

I invite you to join us on this journey of healing and growth. Whether you’re searching for healing, clarity, or purpose, your moment is here.

The next step is yours to take. Are you ready?

The Call of Reiki
Around 2002, I was in a bookstore when I saw the book “The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui.” while holding the book, I received a strong message: “Get this book! This will be useful one day.” Years later, Lena Takahashi asked me if I knew anything about Reiki. At that moment, in 2015, I pulled the book off the shelf and I began my Reiki journey. After I received my first Reiki session, I realized Reiki could be very powerful and useful—not only for my own healing but for helping others find clarity, peace, and empowerment in their lives. 

Breaking Barriers and Expanding Reiki
As the first Black/African-American and only the second Muslim to become an ICRT Licensed Reiki Master Teacher, I’ve walked a path rarely traveled in the Reiki community. My background allows me to bridge cultures, traditions, and perspectives, bringing Reiki to spaces and communities often overlooked.

From then on, I was determined to learn all I could about Reiki and how I could use it to help myself and others.

To expand my work, I have trained as a Certified Spiritual Life Coach, Reiki Healing Drumming Instructor, and Reiki Sonics Instructor, blending different  approaches with traditional Reiki to create transformative healing experiences.

Welcoming You to Reiki’s Sacred Home
Alongside Lena, I co-founded  Healing Land Reiki Center in Kyoto, the birthplace of Usui Reiki. Here, we welcome people from around the world to connect with Reiki in its most authentic and sacred origins. Whether you’re new to Reiki or seeking deeper understanding, you are welcome here.

Reiki is more than healing—it’s a pathway to balance, peace, and meaningful connection. If you feel called to explore it, I would be honored to help guide you on this transformative journey.