Program: Master of Business Administration
Home Country: Japan
Universities: Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences (Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy), University of Pittsburgh (Master of Science in Occupational Therapy)
Languages: English, Japanese
Pronouns: She/her

Hi, I’m Asari! I was born and raised in Yamagata, Japan—a rural area surrounded by cows and rice fields.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science from Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences. Through the Fulbright Program, I had the opportunity to further my education in the U.S., where I obtained a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh.

Before pursuing my MBA at Rice Business School, I gained extensive experience in the healthcare industry, working across various sectors to drive meaningful change. Following the completion of my Fulbright program, I was honored to be selected as an Advisory Board Member for a national alumni association initiative, collaborating with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to strengthen Fulbright’s network and impact in Japan.

Now, I am navigating my career journey to further develop my expertise in business management, administration, and operations. I am always eager to connect with like-minded individuals—feel free to reach out!

What I like about Rice/Houston:

As Rice Business embraces the motto 'You Belong Here,' the community is incredibly welcoming, inclusive, and diverse. What I love most about Rice is its strong network of students, alumni, and faculty. Rice also has a wonderful culture of giving back, and I am very grateful to be part of this community.

What I like about Fulbright:

I am fortunate to be part of the Fulbright family— a well-known and prestigious program. Being a Fulbrighter reflects my dedication to hard work and my commitment to making a positive impact in my community. Fulbright has a strong commitment to fostering mutual understanding and supporting friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and other countries. I am truly grateful to align my life’s purpose with the Fulbright mission!

Fun Fact about me:

I have completed a full marathon and climbed the highest mountain in Japan!