Our Team
Born in Hokkaido and raised in Austria, Hikaru developed an early appreciation for the richness of local traditions, inspiring his vision to create more meaningful connections between travelers and the places they visit. After earning a degree in Political Science from Waseda University, Hikaru gained diverse professional experience, from working at organizations like INPEX Corporation and Morgan Stanley, to serving as a secretariat staff member for MP Shigeru Ishiba. Hikaru founded Deeper Travel Co., Ltd. in 2021, combining his unique background to offer immersive, culturally enriching travel experiences that can foster greater global understanding, drive economic opportunities, and create lasting memories that transcend typical tourism.
Hikaru Ishikawa
Founder & CEO
Satoshi Eguchi
Community Engagement Director
Before joining Deeper Japan in 2018, Satoshi Eguchi served as manager and sommelier at a fine dining restaurant, wine bar, and specialty coffee store in Tokyo. He has detailed knowledge and interest in the regional cuisines of Japan, as well as of the world and is a certified sommelier (Japan Sommelier Association). At Deeper Japan he utilizes his background in hospitality in partnering with local artisans to develop high-quality experiences.
Taylor Bond
Content Director
A passion for cultural exploration brought Taylor from the USA to Japan. With a degree in English Literature from Georgetown University and a Masters in Japanese Culture and Literature from Waseda University, as well as previous professional experience in publishing and copywriting, she combines creativity and business acumen to showcase the unique charm and rich heritage of Japanese culture to inspired travelers all across the world, overseeing product development, marketing, and digital strategies.
Join the team
Keen to learn more about Japanese culture and help preserve centuries-old traditions? Visit our Careers page to see the latest openings and learn more about how you can contribute.