Background: Studied Environmental Management at university in the United Kingdom. Conducted forest research in Tanzania and Madagascar and qualified as a Safari Guide in South Africa. Has been working as an adventure tourism and nature guide throughout Asia since 2013. Has been leading Japanese giant salamander conservation experiences with world renowned specialist Dr. Sumio Okada since 2018. Based in Tottori Prefecture for a total of 14 years.

Interest: Richard has been obsessed with animals since he was a small child where he grew up in the beautiful Cotswolds area of England. African animals were his first love. Having moved to Tottori by chance in 2006, Richard fell in love with the sacred mountains of Daisen and Mitoku in Tottori Prefecture. Having spent years guiding and exploring these mountains, Richard's love and concern for these places has grown in tandem. Climate change and human development are having serious effects on the special nature of these places, particularly on the rivers, forests and farmland of Mount Daisen. Having grown aware of the increasing need to protect the Japanese giant salamander, the idea of creating an NPO to help protect all aspects of the natural environment was discussed and "Sustainable Daisen NPO" was born with Richard as it's leader.

Born in Niigata Prefecture, she moved to Tottori Prefecture in 2010.

Kazumi became increasingly interested in healthy living after a health scare and has been studying environmental issues closely related to human health and food ever since.

Background: Educator/Artist

Interest: Rachel has a lifelong passion for nature and conservation. She has worked in nonprofit administration and as an environmental educator. She is dedicated to sparking an interest and love for the natural world, and believes the Japanese giant salamander is one of Japan's greatest treasures. She is honored to participate in efforts to ensure their future well-being and to help share their story in Japan and beyond.