Staff
Staff Profile
Chiren - Founder/President of the Japan Institute of St. Louis (JIOSTL)
Chiren, Born in Kobe/Osaka/Kyoto, Japan, brings over 15 years of experience in Japanese language, art, and culture to her role as Founder/President of JIOSTL.
Her name, given by her monk master, reflects her character: "Chi" (to know/learn) and "Ren" (continuously), likened to a lotus flower blooming strong and beautifully from tough ground.
A passionate advocate for Japanese culture, she combines expertise with a deep enthusiasm: developing workshops, events, and services. Her strategic vision is invaluable to the organization. Chiren founded JIOSTL to connect people through shared interests, particularly Japanese media and tradition. Believing that culture encompasses everything from language and food to spirit, she emphasizes the importance of accurately conveying Japanese traditions so that both Japanese and American communities can choose what is useful and enjoyable in their lives. She believes everything has the potential to be revolutionary.
Chiren's background includes law degrees in both Japan and the US, along with experience in auditing, immigration, and mediation fields. However, an unexpected diagnosis of an incurable brain disease and other severe illnesses, while not life-threatening, profoundly altered her life. This journey led her to become a monk and Death Doula, volunteering at hospices as a Hospice Doula as well as foster shelters. Having lost many family members, including her father, to cancer, she understands the value of meditation, Zen, and table tea ceremony for pain management and mental health.
Chiren began studying the Japanese shakuhachi flute in the Tozan-ryu style several years ago. Recently, she obtained her intermediate license and was even granted the name “Mei-ren” (明蓮). Her aspiration is to continue her training, and within the next ten years, she hopes to achieve the rank of master in order to teach in the United States.
Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a positive outlook, Chiren aims to create a safe and welcoming space at JIOSTL where people can gather, chat, enjoy Japanese culture, and share experiences without stress. Her favorite expressions, "Wagen Aigo" (和顔愛語 - to treat others with a gentle expression and kind words) and "Ichinichi Ichisho" (一日一笑 - one smile a day), reflect her belief in the power of kindness and smiles to brighten lives. She believes that even amidst life's difficulties, a single heartfelt smile can spread happiness. Chiren encourages everyone to cultivate this practice, both personally and professionally. She hopes JIOSTL becomes a source of kindness and love within the community.
In the near future, she looks forward to launching the "Guru-Re (Gururi) Program (bartering of unwanted items: see webpage for more details)" and the "Peace of Mind Program," which is seeking partners in shelters to help the beloved pets left behind by hospice patients and senior citizens.
Chiren's Japanese related Certificates and Diploma:
National Japanese Government Certification Level 2 Kimono Dressing Technician (Kitsuke Ginoushi) / Table-Style Matcha Tea Ceremony Instructor (Tsubaki no Kai) / Japanese Language Instructor / Aromatherapy Certification Level 1 / Nail art and Technician Certification Level 1 / Shakuhachi Flute (Tozan-ryu) Intermediate License, Myōanji Temple (Zen’ein, Tofukuji Temple) / Shingon Buddhist Monk (Ajari) / International Hospice Doula / International Death Doula / Kyoto City Fire Department Emergency Life-Basic Life Support Saving Course I – Completed / Airbrush Art “Emu” (TV Champion) School – Completed / Kyo-Yuzen Art School of Hayashi Yuho – Completed / Japan Hair Styling School – Basic Course Completed
Kristen - Board of Director
Kristen, born in the United States, has a passion for helping others and learning new things. She has been participating in Japanese language and culture since she was a freshman in high school. In the years since, she has visited Japan three times in those 20 years, forming a deeper bond and connection with the culture of Japan.
She enjoys volunteering at events and finds solidarity in learning and helping educate others on subjects related to Japan. Some of her favorite things about Japan are how lovely the scenery is and the amount of diversity you find. There is so much to see and experience when in Japan. She hopes to be able to strengthen bonds between cultures further in the years to come.
Margaret - Board of Director/Instructor
Margaret has been interested in the Japanese language and culture for as long as she can remember. Growing up she enjoyed reading manga and listening to Japanese pop and rock music.
As an adult, some of her favorite aspects of Japanese culture are kimono, tea ceremony, and learning about Japanese Buddhist traditions. When she moved to St. Louis, she enrolled in the Japanese language school at Webster University.
Currently she is a member of the St. Louis Bon Odori group, and is excited to serve on the Board of Directors for JIOSTL.