Our Team
Yurina Shimakawa
Operation Manager
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I graduated from university in Japan with a degree and joined Valuablelink Consulting Inc. in 2022 where I’ve gained valuable experience in financial management. I’m eager to leverage my background and passion for accounting field to the company and drive success together!
Sherman Chow
Director of Marketing
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My name is Sherman Chow, and I was in the insurance profession for over 38 years.
During that time, I was involved with strategic planning, business plan development,
storytelling, branding, market research, and marketing of products and services.
Although my area of expertise was in claims and risk management, as a senior
member of the management team, I was responsible for the day-to-day operations of
the organization and the execution of the Boards strategic vision.
I was born and raised in Vancouver and attended the University of British Columbia
where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science. I am well versed with
local government operations, having worked with local government staff and elected
officials for decades.
I am passionate about sharing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of
professionals. My experience would be an asset to any organization seeking insurance
services consulting, and strategic planning expertise.
Noriko Nielsen
Event Coordinator
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Studied simultaneous interpretation at Simul International while attending the English Department of Seisen University.
After graduation, she joined a publicly listed company and later studied at Université Laval and Concordia University in Quebec to master French during her early 20s.
After returning to Japan, she worked at a foreign-owned bank. Following marriage and childbirth, she moved to Vancouver.
While raising her children, she served as a secretary to the chairperson of a private education board, supporting 46 schools.
After retirement, she worked as an exclusive interpreter/guide for JTB, assisting everyone from VIPs to school excursion students.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as an on-site interpreter for the Emmy-winning production “Shogun,” facilitating communication between producers and actors.
She is currently active as a flight attendant for a Canadian airline.
Has studied Hanayagi-style Japanese dance since age three, earning a professional title at age 20.
She also holds a license in the Urasenke tea ceremony, embodying a bicultural spirit and a strong drive for new challenges.
Akiko Nakazawa
Contents Editor
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She graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Department of Business Administration, Gakushuin University.
She worked at an IT company, gaining experience in various roles including programmer, new employee training instructor, executive secretary, and sales support in the new business division.
She entered the service industry at age 35, working at Starbucks, and later at a hotel at the age of 40.
To deepen her knowledge of hospitality, she studied at a vocational school in Vancouver. During an internship at a travel agency, she met the company’s representative and was inspired by their vitality and spirit of challenge.
After returning to Japan, she contributed to several company projects by creating and proofreading documents.
Ayano Enomoto
Marketing & Social Media Specialist
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Sean Eng
Product Design Specialist
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Sean was the main designer on the Japanese Sugar Ringo project, creating the retail box pattern, packaging stickers, as well as the infographic pamphlets. Coming from a background of commercial animation and illustration, he excels at interpreting your ideas and turning them into eye-catching designs and videos. His strengths also include developing social media brand identity, storyboarding for videos, and writing engaging text.
Juanito Gallon
Website Management Specialist
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Gaku Sugioka
Video Producer
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He graduated from the Department of Film, College of Art, Nihon University, then went to Vancouver on a working holiday.
His university film “The Voice of the Wind in Autumn” was a finalist at the Vancouver International Short Film Festival.
He is currently active as a video creator and photographer.
Special Thanks
Shogo Abe
Wagyu-Beef Specialist
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He is a specialist in meat processing with a Level 1 certification as a “Meat Master.”
He gained 15 years of experience at a butcher shop in Iwate Prefecture and currently leads the meat department at Aburi Market in West Vancouver, Canada. He also instructs others in Wagyu beef cutting techniques and promotes awareness of Iwate Wagyu.
Manaki Abe
Wagyu-Beef Specialist
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She accumulated 10 years of experience as a fishmonger and 11 years as a butcher, and as such, is a specialist in processing both meat and fish.
She currently works at the kitchen of Aburi Market in West Vancouver, Canada, contributing to the recognition of Iwate Wagyu through innovative dishes.