Maya is currently enjoying her second year at ISSH as a sophomore. She was born in Tokyo to Japanese parents and spent her early childhood in Indiana before returning to Tokyo. When she was nine, she moved to Rio de Janeiro for four years, where she found her true loves: photography and writing. She believes that her passion for both are linked: to see the world from different perspectives and observing the subtle details of everyday life which often go unnoticed. Her other hobbies include reading, listening to podcasts, and watching films. This is her first year in Journalism, and she is looking forward to the opportunity to learn about the unique and interesting aspects of Japan as well as exploring other various topics, and sharing them with the readers.