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I was born in a Shin Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, where my father serves as the temple priest. At the age of nine, I was ordained as a Tokudo at Higashi Hongan-ji, a significant ceremony in the Shin Buddhist tradition that marks the formal entry into the Buddhist path. The introduction of acupuncture to Japan was deeply influenced by the Yellow Emperor's classic Confucian writings, which were closely related to Buddhism. In the Asuka era (around A.D. 552), the first medical books from China, including acupuncture texts, were imported. Throughout the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, there was a surge in religious and cultural exchange with China, which led to the emergence of many acupuncturist monks skilled in both Buddhist and Oriental medicine, playing a significant role in this period. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Manase Dōsan was instrumental in the Japanization of Chinese medical theories and the systematization of acupuncture techniques. His work effectively merged religious elements with medical practices, resulting in the development of a structured acupuncture system in Japanese traditional medicine. Thus, reflecting on how the integration of Buddhism and Oriental medicine contributed to the development of acupuncture in Japan further deepens my appreciation for this relationship, as my deep involvement in Buddhism has profoundly shaped my understanding of traditional Japanese culture.

Fortunately, during my time at acupuncture school, I encountered two influential Japanese acupuncture teachers: Kiiko Matsumoto and Tsuyoshi Shimamura. The apprenticeship is an indispensable part of Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion training culture. For centuries, students in Japan have learned traditional methods through close apprenticeships, involving hundreds of hours of direct observation, discussion, and handson guidance. This extensive training allows students to inherit their master's lifetime of treatment theories and techniques. A pivotal moment in my career was “The Wisdom of Master Nagano Seminar Series” in Brisbane, Australia, in 2015. At this seminar, I learned fundamental principles of Tsuyoshi's clinical method, including diagnostic methods via pulse diagnosis and channel + hara (abdomin) palpation, as well as the treatment methods and needling techniques. Since then, I have completed a great deal of professional development, including over 100 hours of clinical training at Tsuyoshi Shimamura Acupuncture & Orthopedic in Japan. Learning from him has always been immensely inspiring and has consistently improved my skills, leading to outstanding clinical results. I am committed to refining my skills and deepening my understanding through the ongoing training provided by both of these great teachers, who inherit the legacy of Master Nagano.