CAREER

I first came to Japan to pursue my academic dreams, earning my Master’s and Ph.D. at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, now the Institute of Science Tokyo. I was fortunate to conduct my research at prestigious Japanese institutions like RIKEN and the University of Tokyo. It was a dream come true to be in my favourite country, studying what I was deeply passionate about—pharmacogenomics and nutriomics.

However, just a few months into my research, I began noticed that my Japanese colleagues kept a polite but noticeable distance from the non-Japanese researchers. They would acknowledge our ideas but rarely challenge them, and I realised that I had never truly experienced a passionate scientific debate in Japan. I sensed that my colleagues were uncertain about how to interact genuinely with us. Likewise, we foreigners often didn’t know where the “borderline” was between being ourselves and unintentionally breaking unspoken rules. This cultural gap planted the seed in my mind: the idea of creating something to bridge it. As an educator and academic-in-training, I had long believed in the importance of problem-based learning from an early age—developing resilience, courage to take risks, a growth mindset, and the self-awareness to embrace your flaws while leveraging your strengths. These are the pillars that I believe shape exceptional individuals.

I also envisioned creating opportunities for students from different nationalities to first learn about themselves, then learn from each other—to be more inclusive, adaptable, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. At its core, my motivation is simple: to make people happy, to connect them, to foster understanding, and to help them build meaningful relationships that cross cultures. By solving the problems that arise from cultural gaps, we can create an environment where people truly learn about and from each other—and in doing so, improve society.

About five years ago, before COVID, I took on a part-time job as a guide—just to try something new. I didn’t expect much, but I quickly realised how much I enjoyed it. Listening to each guest’s wishes, picking up on the little details, and then piecing together a plan for them to have the best possible time in Japan came naturally to me. I think it drew on both my many years of living here and my scientist’s habit of observing carefully and collecting small but important clues.

What surprised me most was how fulfilling it felt. Talking with guests face-to-face, seeing their eyes light up, and knowing I’d made their day, it warmed my heart in a way research alone never had. For the first time, I felt truly seen for the skills I had to offer. Around that same time, I met my future business partner (Tokuda), someone who believed in me and shared my vision (the name of our company is a hybrid of our last names: Tokuda and Aw). Together, we decided to take a leap and start our own company in Japan, so we could keep creating those moments of joy and connection for people from all over the world.

BUSINESS

Tokudaw Inc. is a comprehensive Destination Management and Consulting Company based in Japan, dedicated to bridging cultures through meaningful experiences and strategic support. For mindful explorers who want conscientious support, we are the guide that can help you conveniently and efficiently navigate japan to contribute meaningfully to society.

We have 3 different departments:

A travel agency department, chartered bus department and a consulting department dedicated to helping foreign companies develop their businesses or schools design educational programs meant to inspire the younger generation.Through our travel agency department, we offer private highly customized tours for multi-generational families, ancestry tours, accessible tours, corporate transfers and incentive trips and corporate workshops in Japan.

Through our consulting department [adaptors], we offer Japanese market entry strategic planning and assistance by adapting our client’s product/service to fit the Japanese market. At the same time, we curate enriching educational experiences for curious minds (youths and working adults) to experience living and learning in Japan through exclusive experience partners and edutainment culture workshops.

Our chartered bus department is the connector in bringing our guests around Japan safely and comfortably. 

VISION

To be Japan’s most trusted bridge between cultures by creating unforgettable experiences that makes people happy, promotes mutual understanding, and meaningful connections. Through meaningful enriching travel experiences, strategic partnerships, and transformative learning, we aim to inspire curiosity, break down cultural barriers, and empower people of all ages to become compassionate, resilient, and globally minded citizens who make a positive impact in the world.

I would like to connect with companies who share the same vision as us.

PROFILE

Wanping is the Founder and Managing Director of TokudAw Inc., a destination management and consulting company offering premium tours, corporate solutions, and student consulting in Japan. She is also a Project Research Associate at Keio University, specializing in nutrition and wellness.

Nationality : Singaporean
Graduate : Institute of Science Tokyo
Undergraduate : The University of Queensland

▼ TokudAw Inc website
https://www.tokudaw.com

▼ Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanping-aw-347082203/