By 2009, Maiko had moved to Jakarta, Indonesia, where she embraced a new role as a teacher at the Jakarta Japanese School. Her passion for education, a fire that had been kindled in her early years, blossomed here, as she connected with students and discovered the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on young minds. She continued her teaching journey at the Sanpauro Japanese School in Brazil from 2014 to 2016, where her love for education deepened further.
Eager to enhance her educational prowess, Maiko pursued a Master of Education at Hiroshima University, graduating in 2018. Her time at Hiroshima University was not just about academics; it was also about immersing herself in a community of scholars and thinkers who inspired her to think differently about education.
After earning her master’s degree, Maiko stayed at Hiroshima University, contributing her expertise to various educational initiatives. However, the call of the classroom was too strong to ignore, and soon she was back to teaching, this time in Guangzhou, China. From 2019 to 2021, she taught at the Guangzhou Japanese School, where she once again embraced the joys and challenges of educating young minds in a foreign land.
In 2021, Maiko returned to Japan, taking on a dual role as an HR professional and teacher at Seto Solan Elementary School. Her experience in administration, combined with her teaching background, made her a perfect fit for this role. The following year, she continued her teaching journey at Saigo Elementary School, enriching the lives of her students with her global experiences and passion for learning.
Beyond her professional life, Maiko has always been drawn to the water. From 1995 to 1999, she was a dedicated member of the Kuga dragon boat team in Japan. She rejoined the team from 2001 to 2005, finding joy and camaraderie in the rhythmic paddling and teamwork required in dragon boat racing. Her love for the sport followed her to China, where she joined the Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Team from 2019 to 2021. Back in Japan, she continues to participate in dragon boat racing with the Banana team and the Tokai Foraging Boat Team, blending her passion for sport with her vibrant life journey.
Today, as Maiko studies art, she continues to explore new avenues of creativity and expression. Her journey from a student in Japan to a global educator and passionate dragon boat racer is a testament to her unwavering curiosity and dedication. Maiko Okuda’s story is one of continual growth, embracing new challenges, and enriching the lives of those around her, whether in the classroom, the workplace, or on the water.