Rikuto

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hello! My name is Rikuto Maeda, and I work as a cheesemaker in Japan.

I’m from Shizuoka, a region known for its beautiful nature, and I have a deep interest in food culture that values fermentation, cheese, and living in harmony with nature.

In Japan, I’ve been involved in dairy farming and cheese production. Now, I’m traveling through Europe to explore traditional ways of living and working, especially focusing on cheesemaking and fermentation practices in different regions.

I enjoy spending time with animals, working with my hands in nature, and connecting with people in a meaningful way. I believe that even if we speak different languages or come from different cultures, we can deeply connect through shared experiences—like making something together or sharing a meal.

Through Workaway, I hope to meet inspiring people, contribute where I can, and grow as a person.
Thank you very much for reading my profile!

Interests

Videography

Sustainability

Self development

Movies & TV

Farming

Charity work

Photography

Languages

Nature

Fitness

Animals

Languages

Languages spoken
Japanese: Fluent
English: Intermediate
French: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I’m currently learning French and would love to improve through daily conversation. I also enjoy language exchange and can help with Japanese or some basic English. For me, learning languages is a way to connect with people and their culture.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Helping around the house

Charity Work

Art Projects

Languages

Being an elderly companion

DIY and building projects

Babysitting and creative play

Hospitality/Tourism

General Maintenance

House sitting

---

Some knowledge of:  

Life at a Farmstay

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Gardening

Eco Projects

Helping with Computers/ Internet

---

Able to teach about:  

Animal Care

Teaching

More details about your skills

I have worked in both dairy farming and cheesemaking in Japan.

I'm used to physical work and outdoor tasks, and I am comfortable with early mornings and long working hours. I value listening carefully and learning with a humble attitude.

At the farm, I was responsible for milking cows, feeding, cleaning the barn, and monitoring animal health.
In the cheese factory, I handled a wide range of tasks from fresh cheeses like fromage blanc to aged types such as bloomy rind and semi-hard cheese. I have experience in every step of the process: pasteurization, curdling, cutting, molding, flipping, and aging.

I hold a Master's degree in Animal Nutrition from a national university in Japan. Before becoming a cheesemaker, I worked as a researcher at Yakult, a Japanese company known for its fermented dairy products.
This background has given me a deep understanding of microbes and fermentation, as well as a scientific perspective on cheese and dairy.

I'm also passionate about photography and love watching films.
In Japan, I worked as a private tutor in math and science, which taught me the joy of connecting with others and supporting their learning.

Age

28

What else ...

I enjoy taking photographs of nature, landscapes, and everyday life. I also love watching films, especially those that are poetic or explore different cultures. I am always curious about new ways of living and enjoy exchanging stories and experiences with people from different backgrounds. I also like calm, quiet places and spending time with animals.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies

• 

  Special dietary requirements