Hello, I’m Chie. Ever since I was little, I’ve been fascinated by American culture. That curiosity led me to study abroad, build a career in the U.S., and become a licensed mental health counselor. I spent 11 years living in four different states, meeting incredible people, and experiencing life in a whole new way. It was an amazing journey, and a part of me will always cherish the life I built there.
After returning to Japan in 2011, I was surprised by how hard it was to adjust. I experienced reverse culture shock and sometimes felt out of place in my own country. But over time, I found new ways to appreciate Japan’s deep culture, its people, and the connections we share. These experiences sparked my desire: to live freely, with a playful spirit, and help others do the same.
Through Thrive Life Design, I work with introverts and ambiverts who want to honor their inner world, embrace their creativity, and design a life that truly fits them. I have been serving international communities in Japan since 2011 and deeply understand the joys and challenges of living between cultures—the excitement, the identity shifts, and everything in between. My passion is to help people who feel caught between worlds spread their wings and thrive on their terms.
At the heart of Thrive Life Design are the values that mean the most to me: freedom, curiosity, learning, hope, calm, flexibility, creativity, and peace. I believe we all have the power to create meaningful change and design a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. If you’re ready to explore what that could look like for you—and take meaningful steps forward—let’s begin that journey together.
~Special Thanks~
A big thank you to Yu for building this beautiful website, my fellow therapists, colleagues, family, and friends for your inspiration and warm support in bringing this project to life. I’m so grateful.
The Tarot decks featured in my photos: Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle; Universal Waite Tarot (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)