Lena Takahashi

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?