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Hi, I’m Ellie! I grew up in Tokyo🗼 and Connecticut ⛄️ and am now based in LA🌴 I  love to design 🎨  
experiences that are people first, functional and playful 🛼 Also a (huge) foodie 🍡 🍩

about

Over 8 years, I’ve worked in all sorts of design—from app UI/UX, graphic and branding to animation and packaging. I approach every project with curiosity and a love for storytelling. I’ve never been one to stay in a single lane—because great design comes from exploring what excites me. My international background gives me a unique perspective on blending cultures, whether in visual identity, food experiences, or lifestyle brands.

I’m fluent in Japanese and English, currently learning French ( I love croissants 🥐), and always finding inspiration through travel, fashion, and upcycling. When I’m not designing, you’ll probably find me snowboarding, hiking, or off on my next adventure!

PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE

June 2020 - Nov 2023

Art Director/Product Manager

Rakuten Inc. Customer Strategy Department,  
Experience Section, Contents Direction Group

  • Established brand identity and directed UI/UX, animation and visual design for the website

  • Served as technical director, defining front-end and back-end requirements

  • Led the launch of a platform consolidating coupons across 70+ Rakuten services

April 2016 - May 2020

Visual Designer

Rakuten Inc. Customer Strategy Department,  
Experience Section, Creative Design Group

  • Managed UI/UX design for rebranding Pointclub App mobile experiences

  • Designed digital campaign for Rakuten Panda character

  • Supervised rebranding for official Rakuten social accounts

October2015 - March 2016

Visual Designer Intern

Rakuten Inc. New Business Department,
Rakuma App

  • Managed social media visuals, animations, and banner design for Rakuma App

  • Enhanced icons and supported creative direction for regional app development

EDUCATION

Jan 2024 -  March 2025

Design Communication Arts Certificate

UCLA Extension

April 2012 -  March 2016

B.A in Environmental Information Studies

Keio University

  • Studied immersive environment design through creative direction and coding

  • Created a projection mapping piece inspired by 1980s disco, blending retro aesthetics with new technology for my graduation project

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Here’s a little collection of the peace I find outside of design 📸🌳
I love taking photos of "komorebi" which is the gentle light that dances through the trees.

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Here’s a collection of the peace I find outside of design 📸🌳
I love taking photos of "komorebi" which is the gentle light that dances through the trees.

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