Hi, I’m Maya.
I bridge the gap in environments where you can’t stop to check a phone. From rolling boats to open-water courses, I provide communication that is immediate, intuitive, and grounded in the field.
My foundation is built on a global perspective. Having lived in the United States from the age of 14 through the start of my professional career, I possess a native-level understanding of both Western and Japanese cultures. My thirst for exploration led me to spend my late 20s backpacking solo through Southeast Asia and Central America, an experience that sharpened my adaptability and resourcefulness in unpredictable environments.
I don’t just interpret sports; I live them. As a two-time Age-Group Triathlon National Champion and a dedicated ESL coach, I bring a unique blend of athletic discipline and pedagogical clarity to every project. I train six days a week, often with double sessions, allowing me to support athletes with genuine empathy and a calm, resilient presence.
My passion for connection drives me to push my own boundaries. Beyond English and Japanese (with Spanish coming soon), I am an avid learner of Italian, French, and more. Whether I am coaching a student, navigating a maritime mission, or mediating cultural nuances, my goal is to ensure that language is never a barrier, but a tool for connection and performance.
No battery required—just a constant drive to challenge the status quo (and, eventually, some food).
Expertise Backed by International Standards
My work is grounded in professional expertise and a deep commitment to the global sporting community.
What I do
Precision, Safety, and Support
・English ⇄ Japanese Field Interpretation (Oceans Seven & Marathon Swim) Immediate, intuitive language support for open-water missions. I facilitate critical dialogue between the swimmer’s team and Japanese boat crews, navigating maritime regulations and “unspoken rules” to ensure your focus remains on the water.
・IISA Certified L1 Observation & Swim Ratification
Official safety oversight and formal ratification for IISA records. I provide the certified authority required for your swim to be recognized globally, ensuring full compliance in sub-5°C environments.
・Cultural Mediation & Conflict Prevention Operating in Japan involves navigating unique social norms and local expectations. I act as your cultural bridge—proactively managing communication with local facilities and handling sensitive situations (from restaurant etiquette to local regulations) to ensure your team is respected and welcomed.
・Safety-Critical Communication & Rhythm Management
On a moving boat or in freezing water, there is no room for delay. I deliver communication that protects your safety and maintains the “flow” of your performance—no translation apps, no batteries, just real-time human intuition.
・Multi-Sport Expertise (Triathlon & Cycling)
Supporting athletes across all terrains. As a 2-time National Champion, I understand the discipline of elite sport and anticipate your needs—from timing and nutrition to mental focus—before they are spoken.
Why Human Connection Matters
Interpretation is often seen as the mere exchange of words, but in high-stakes environments, words are only the surface. True connection is found in the shared breath between an athlete and a coach, the unspoken tension before a storm, and the mutual trust required to push past physical limits.
I believe that the most vital communication happens in the spaces between languages. When an athlete is exhausted or a captain is navigating a difficult swell, they don’t just need a translator; they need someone who feels the rhythm of the moment. They need a partner who recognizes that a tone of voice or a sharp glance can carry more weight than a full sentence.
Technology can translate data, but it cannot translate spirit. It cannot sense the onset of fatigue, the spark of newfound confidence, or the subtle cultural nuances that turn a polite conversation into a lasting bond.
To me, human connection is about being fully “in sync.” It’s about creating an environment where athletes and teams feel seen, heard, and understood beyond their vocabulary. I am here to bridge that final gap, ensuring that even when words are few, the connection remains unbreakable.
Because in the end, we don’t just work together; we strive together. And that shared journey is what truly defines performance.
Voices from the Field
Grainne Moss, Irish-born New Zealand-based ultra-marathon swimmer
Maya was an outstanding interpreter and support person during my Tsugaru Strait swim. She is exceptionally professional, clear, and calm, with a very strong command of English, supported by having lived in the United States. Communication was seamless, precise, and reassuring at all times.
What truly sets Maya apart is that she is also an athlete herself and has worked with many swimmers. She understands the pressures, uncertainties, and mental load that come with long‑distance open water swimming. Her presence took an enormous amount of stress away — she anticipated needs, explained complex information clearly, and provided steady, thoughtful support when it mattered most.
Maya made a genuine difference to my experience. She combines technical excellence with empathy and confidence, and I would recommend her without hesitation to any swimmer or team needing a highly capable and supportive Japanese interpreter.
Ger Kennedy,Ireland
Maya has be a massive help for myself and some of the swimmers i have supported in Japan from Tsugaru Strait crossing in having that conversations translate with Japanese pilots on best swimming tactics
Maya has also supported us Ice Swimming in North Japan 2024 and Recent fuji five lakes challenge 2026 not only a Field Interpreter but now a Level 1 IISA Observer
Many Thanks
Steve Stievnart, France
A huge thank you to Maya from Beyond Words Japan for making my Ice Miles in Hokkaido and my 5 Ice Miles on Mount Fuji so successful! You’re a true professional and an exceptional interpreter. I can’t wait to work with you again.
Arigato