Mio

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi! I’m Mio, a 29-year-old living in Japan.

This year, I’ve decided to fully commit to what matters most to me: contributing to the wellbeing of Planet Earth. I know—it’s a broad and ambitious goal—but I believe even small, slow steps can make a difference. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world," and I strive to live by these words.

Growing up, my family and I lived in several countries, including Germany, the United States (in suburban New York), and Canada (Vancouver, British Columbia). Experiencing life in different places has broadened my perspective and deepened my love for meeting new people and learning about their cultures. Recently, I joined Workaway to be inspired once again by people and experiences in countries I haven’t had the chance to visit yet.

I’m passionate about three main things: cooking and baking, farming, and reading (okay, maybe that’s four!).

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of cooking and baking with my mom, who also had a deep love for food. For me, cooking is a way to stay present, and I especially enjoy sharing meals and baked goodies with family and friends. It’s also a way to reconnect with my Japanese roots. Last year, I made my own miso (a traditional fermented soybean paste) and incorporated other Japanese fermented foods into my daily diet.

In addition, I took farming lessons last year in rural Kanagawa, Japan, where I learned to grow vegetables using natural farming methods—without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Breathing fresh air and working with the soil brought me a sense of peace and joy that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’m eager to keep learning so that, one day, I can grow the vegetables I eat (and I’m sure they’ll taste amazing!).

Finally, I’m a bit of a bookworm. Some of my favorite books include Elegant Simplicity and Radical Love by Satish Kumar, an Indian-British activist and former Jain monk. I gravitate toward books that nourish the soul. I’m also a fan of food-related reads like Alice Waters’ We Are What We Eat: A Slow Food Manifesto. As a passionate vegan, I enjoy reading vegan cookbooks and experimenting with their recipes—sometimes with my own creative twist.

Interests

Vegetarian or vegan

Sustainability

Nature

Gardening

Farming

Culture

Cooking & food

Animals

Languages spoken

English: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

DIY and building projects

---

Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

Life at a Farmstay

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping with Computers/ Internet

---

Able to teach about:  

Languages

More details about your skills

Cooking and Baking: I cook twice a day regularly and enjoy making Japanese dishes like miso soup and side dishes. I also love baking bread, cakes, and cookies.

Growing Herbs and Vegetables: Last year, I planted basil, parsley, and cherry tomatoes on my terrace.

Language Skills: I was born and raised in Japan and have spent about two-thirds of my life here. I also lived in the United States for four years and in Canada for one year, so I am fluent in English as well.

Cleaning: Cleaning is something I truly enjoy—it's part of my daily ritual, and I can't start my day without tidying up my room. I prefer traditional cleaning methods, like using a wet cloth and a broomstick to sweep the floor. A clean space—whether it’s the rooms, kitchen, or bathroom—always brings me a sense of joy!

Age

30

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies

• 

  Special dietary requirements
  I am vegan