Member Highlight: Tatsushi "Tachi" Izuta

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your journey to Boston?

My name is Tatsushi Izuta, but I usually go by Tachi. I chose the nickname simply because my first name is a tongue-twister for some Americans, and one of my ex-colleagues once threatened to call me “Sushi-man” otherwise!

I was born and raised in Osaka and lived there until graduating from high school. I was keenly interested in studying English as a teenager and was fortunate enough to visit the U.S. for the first time during the summer of my freshman year of high school. At the University of Tokyo, I was an active member of the ESS (English Speaking Society). After graduating from university, I began a career in finance and leapt at an opportunity presented by my company to work in San Francisco for a year.  That experience solidified my resolve to live in the U.S. permanently. After earning my MBA at the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College, I moved to Boston for work. I have now lived in the U.S. for over 30 years—most of it right here in the Greater Boston area—where I continue to work as a financial services professional helping families meet their financial goals.

What are you most passionate about regarding Japan’s future and its culture?

As a Japanese, I am concerned about Japan’s accelerating population decline. This trend could have a profound impact on the preservation of the Japanese language and traditional cultural mores. There are important concepts and cultural nuances that can only be truly understood and conveyed through our native tongue.

On the other hand, I am encouraged by how "soft power" has sustained Japan's presence on the world stage. I remember that, around the year 2000, when the Japanese economy was struggling, a prominent American businessman gave a presentation at JSB and criticized Japan for focusing on "trivial" things like manga instead of finding the next semiconductor or automotive breakthrough. As it turned out, today the anime and content industry has grown into a vital pillar of the Japanese economy. It’s a reminder of how much the world can change. I hope to help increase the number of the “soft power” fans of Japan and support them in any way I can.

You have been in the Boston area since the early 90s. How have you seen the local Japanese food scene evolve?

I first started visiting Boston in 1992 while attending graduate school in New Hampshire. I remember visiting a ramen shop in Cambridge, hoping for a taste of home, only to find it so unpalatable that my Japanese classmates and I could only laugh. When I began working in Boston in 1994, I would visit a small Japanese restaurant where the menu simply listed "Yaki-Soba", "Miso-Rahmen", etc. without any explanation. I was impressed by their boldness—it was as if they didn't feel the need to cater to anyone who wasn't already an expert on Japanese food. Today, the landscape is entirely different; friendly ramen, sushi, and other Japanese eateries are everywhere, and many of their offerings are truly delicious.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Japan Society of Boston?

I appreciate the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life who are engaged with Japan. I hope to contribute to deepening this community of enthusiasts. Additionally, the Book Club and Film Club provide wonderful opportunities to experience iconic Japanese works. For instance, the next Book Club selection is the classic The Makioka Sisters (細雪) by Junichiro Tanizaki. I had memorized facts about the author's works for entrance exams to university in Japan, but I never actually knew the content of his books. Reading the book was truly enjoyable. Through JSB, I am rediscovering my own culture, and it is fascinating to hear how Americans perceive and interpret these classic works.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining JSB?

The members are incredibly friendly, and the staff does a wonderful job of curating a wide variety of programs. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Japan or just starting to get curious, I highly encourage you to come take a look. There is something for everyone.

Thank you, Tachi, for sharing with us!

Interested in becoming a JSB Member? Click here or reach out to info@japansocietyboston.org for more details.