I believe that teaching higher education and research is a public service. My intellectual pursuits are wide-ranging but center on social and political philosophy and understanding persons. My areas of interest are relational equality/autonomy and liberal political theories. In addition to my research, I have a strong passion for teaching and mentoring. Teaching is a vital part of the philosophical profession, cultivating intellectual and methodological skills in students and providing an opportunity to share the joy of philosophical discovery. I identify three primary responsibilities for professional philosophers: (1) contributing to philosophical literature and advancing the field; (2) mentoring the next generation of professional philosophers, aiding in the cultivation of their intellectual and methodological skills; and (3) spreading philosophical activity to the public. Unfortunately, the disproportionate focus on publishing often sidelines the latter two. This myopic practice inevitably marginalizes public philosophy, enclosing it behind insular, ivory walls. But philosophy should be an activity open to all. I have taught Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 101) and Critical Thinking (PHIL 110) at San Francisco State University. In the Fall, I am teaching two sections of PHIL 101. In my free time, I like to do creative writing or just hang out with friends. I speak Japanese (Native), English, and Spanish.