About

日本語

Aloha, my name is Michelle Ken Ken. I am originally from Tokyo, Japan, but I am now living on Oahu, Hawaii with my two dogs.

I work as a health guide and my goal is to share useful, free information about alternative medicine and body therapy. Formerly, I worked as a massage therapist at several island hotels. I quickly realized selling unhealthy products that were tested on animals and doing tourist-style “lomi lomi” was disrespectful and not the right fit for me.

After this time, I began working on a project that involved teaching Ayurvedic therapy to Japanese students. Even this was not of the quality that I experienced in India and I felt guilty to continue.

Through volunteering with local animal rights organizations, I found a community of strong, passionate friends. My goal is to offer as much care and advice that I can give to this community.

My favorites:

• Characters: Doraemon, Snoopy, Motoko Kusanagi, The Joker
• Food: ramen, sushi, ume, and almost anything with almond butter on it
• Movies: The Dark Knight trilogy and any cyberpunk anime
• Music: 60’s reggae/ska, Skate punk, and Goa/psytrance
• Misc.: vintage clothes, peacock blue-colored things

Random moments in my life:

• Living in a tent for a year in Australia at the largest pineapple farm in the world.
• Visiting Augustus Pablo’s house in Jamaica.
• Freezing while trying to sleep in a car at the Williston “Hotel” to earn money for my trip to southern Africa.
• Getting constantly called a “muzungu” in Zambia while volunteering.

Illustration:

I love to do illustration, especially for a good cause with animal rights organizations. My most recent project was for Aloha Animal Sanctuary to tell Haku’s story.

I use Tayasui Sketches with an iPad Pro.

Experience:

-Setsu Mode Seminar graduated

-Bunka Fashion College graduated

-Licensed Massage Therapist