While born and grew up in Tokyo Nao’s passion for the mountains stems from his Alaskan roots; having a BS Degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Natural Resources Management. While in AK he got into snowboard mountaineering in remote glaciated mountains such as Alaska, Chuguch, and Delta Range. After he graduated high altitude and super remote snowboard expedition became his focus. In the meantime he turned his passion into profession by becoming a mountain guide and backcountry snowboard guide. At home in the mountains anywhere around the world he accompanies his guests to many different places.