My name is Ayano and I love meeting new people and learning new things. I grew up in Japan and currently live in New Zealand I love the outdoors, rock climbing, hiking, photography, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, golf and cooking.

I am happy to provide references, a criminal background check, and to have a video call interview on request!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Through this backpacking trip, I want to meet locals and my potential lifetime friends! My friends had amazing experience using this service and I’m curious to see how it’ll add values to my trip!

Interests

Photography, Climbing, Brazilian Jiujutsu, Tsugaru Shamisen, Hiking, Golf, and Cooking

• photography
• cooking
• japanese food
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• golf
• mountains
• mountain biking
• climbing
• comedy
• deep conversations
• new zealand
• brazilian jiu jitsu
• shamisen
• maori culture
• tsugaru shamisen

Music, Movies, and Books

Jazz, Cuban music, and anything that makes my voice sound good in shower

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

- Taking a leap of faith and moved to New Zealand without my family at age of 15. (it was only the beginning…)

- Swimming the ocean in Japan for 1,000m at age of 11 (Chest-stroke only)

- Completed hiking Mt. Taranaki with high altitude sickness and almost lost my soul

- Winning 2x silver medals and 1x bronze medal at BJJ competition in Japan and NZ

- Performing Tsugaru Shamisen, Japanese traditional instrument, for mass audience and privately for politicians of New Zealand.

Teach, Learn, Share

- I have experience in teaching Japanese to some high executive people of New Zealand (athlete, YouTuber, entrepreneur etc..)

- I can teach the beauty of Brazilian Jiujutsu and how to do a rear naked choke effectively.

- I can have real authentic and deep conversation with you instantly if you’re up for it

- I can crack your back - limited to once/twice a day depending on your condition

- I will be your local tour guide in Japan and New Zealand in the future

What I Can Share with Hosts

Bright energy, laughter, and my photography skills

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Germany, Guam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, New Zealand