Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
17 Sep 2026
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Reply rate
98.6 %
Usually responds within 4 days
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Feedback
32
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Email verified
Badges (3)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least 1 month
Details
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Description
My name is Ray. I’m half Japanese and half American, and I was born and raised in Japan. I live with my little toy poodle, Phoebe, who is almost four years old.
I have a mild disability. I’m completely independent and can take care of myself, but some everyday things take me a little longer. I use a cane when I’m outside, but I don’t need one around the house.
During the day, I make glass art in my studio at home. I don’t need any assistance with my work. The reason I’m looking for some help around the house is simply so I can spend more time making glass.
On weekday evenings, I teach English at my school. You’re more than welcome to come to the school, meet my students, and talk with them. They would love the opportunity to speak English with people from different countries.
I love getting tattoos, and one of my best friends is a tattoo artist in Ueno, Tokyo. I visit him pretty often, so if you’re lucky, maybe you can get a little souvenir tattoo from him! -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Teaching
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Van life
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Pets
Movies & TV
Culture
Photography
Music
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Nature
Fitness
Camping -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
My mother lives only five minutes away in a traditional thatched-roof house. She can give you the opportunity to experience wearing a kimono and taking part in a Japanese tea ceremony.
And about ten minutes away lives one of the coolest people you’ll ever meet — a true master of almost everything. He’s skilled in cooking, pottery, woodworking, knife making, hunting, oven building, leatherworking, and much more.
So if you’re looking for more than just a free place to stay and want to experience everyday life in rural Japan, meet local people, learn new things, and become part of the household for a while, you might really enjoy staying here. -
Help
Most importantly, please love Phoebe! She doesn’t bark or bite and is very easy to live with.
I ask for about three hours of help per day. The main things I need help with are looking after Phoebe, organizing, deep cleaning, and maybe cooking for everyone.
Cooking for yourself and basic everyday cleaning are not included in those three hours. I consider those normal shared responsibilities, just like if we were roommates.
You will be using the food and ingredients I have at home — and I usually have quite a lot — but you’ll need to contribute toward the cost of food.
I’m looking for someone who is easygoing, respectful, and reliable. I don’t want someone who is only looking for a free place to stay. I’d like someone who genuinely wants to be part of the household and contribute while they’re here. -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent -
Accommodation
I have three guest rooms, and the minimum stay is one month.
There is a supermarket and a bus stop right in front of my house. The bus takes about 30 minutes to the nearest train station, and from there it takes about an hour to get to Osaka.
I also have a home gym, so you’re welcome to work out as much as you like. I have bicycles you can use as well.
I don’t smoke.
You’ll have your own 60-inch TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. I also have a Nintendo Switch with some games. -
What else ...
I can pick you up at Sasayamaguchi station. My place is one hour away from Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, and the Japan sea by car.
Let me know if you have any questions. -
A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Phoebe
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (15)
They are kind, hardworking, honest, and without a doubt the most polite guests I have ever met. They stayed with me for three and a half months, the longest stay I have ever had, and throughout that entire time they were an absolute pleasure to have around.
We shared many … read more
No matter what kind of work I asked them to do, they never complained — instead, they were always happy to help with a smile.
Both of them are a lot of fun to talk to, and I truly hope we get to meet again someday.
Even though I’m a guy, I almost fell for Karl’s guitar playing and his … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
They are kind, hardworking, honest, and without a doubt the most polite guests I have ever met. They stayed with me for three and a half months, the longest stay I have ever had, and throughout that entire time they were an absolute pleasure to have around.
We shared many … read more
No matter what kind of work I asked them to do, they never complained — instead, they were always happy to help with a smile.
Both of them are a lot of fun to talk to, and I truly hope we get to meet again someday.
Even though I’m a guy, I almost fell for Karl’s guitar playing and his … read more
The work was very easy and straightforward, simply about … read more
You may not fully realize it, but your presence and friendship meant so much to me during a time when I was going through a lot mentally. Your kindness, positivity, and the way you’re always genuinely yourself helped me more than you’ll ever know. Just having you around made … read more
We were lucky to meet a lot of his friends, family and students and sharing with them. We also tried a lot of activities with Ray/Midori/Sensei (cooked a lot of japanese dishes, tried glass art, pottery, tea ceremony)
The place is really nice with a lot of mountains to do hiking, a cute city center, … read more
About the location, Tamba Sasayama is located one hour from Kyoto and Osaka, in the middle of the mountains. Tamba Sasayama is a pretty traditional town with many emblematic products (kuramame, wild boar, etc.). There are several small cafés with character where you can enjoy some delicious pastries.
Regarding the work, you don’t … read more
I had so much fun spending time with the people in the town like Midori, Sensei and even some of the high school girls! It felt like I was a local for a … read more
It's been a nice experience.
I helped him to build a Sauna and continue the works for a new room.
The help consisted just in 3 hours of work in the morning and take care of Phoebe when Ray is not at home.
If you can help with meals preparation Ray will appreciate it, especially if you cook something from your … read more
And phoebe is really cute !
Thanks for having me 😁
Ray is a nice guy and easy to get along with and Phoebe, the dog, is a very cute and playful little girl 🐕
The work is easy and really not that much. Mostly cooking, taking care of Phoebe, laundry and vacuum cleaning.
Ray also took me to his English school and introduced me to his students. … read more
