Katie is a San Diego native, born and raised in Encinitas. Her interest in Japan began to develop while studying Global Cultures at UC Irvine, during which time she was able to study abroad in Kyoto at Doshisha University. After graduation, she pursued a master’s degree at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, where she studied a wide range of topics in Japanese humanities. Her research focused primarily on the tengu, a mischievous creature from Japanese folklore, and their connection to mountain ascetics known as yamabushi. While completing her master’s degree, she also worked for a Japanese tea company as a writer and researcher, communicating the history and culture of tea in Japan. Now back in her hometown, she is excited to share her passion for Japanese history, folklore, and cultural traditions with the San Diego community.