About Us
L.E.A.D. began with a small group of educators, entrepreneurs, and parents who shared one belief:
Children already hold the power to lead.
They just need the right tools, the right support, and the chance to try.
Our Story
It started with a question: What if every child had the chance to lead?
In 2022, that belief took root in Nagareyama—one of Japan’s most forward-thinking cities for families and education. With support from local schools, families, and city officials, we launched the first L.E.A.D. program, combining:
- Leadership development
- Entrepreneurship
- Emotional learning
- And Japanese values
Since then, L.E.A.D. has grown in imagination, partnerships, and impact—but our heart remains right here in Nagareyama.
We help children discover who they are, take meaningful action, and become proud of their own leadership journey.
Because when young people rise, so does the future of Japan.
The People Behind L.E.A.D.
A team as diverse as the world our students will grow up in.
At Nagareyama L.E.A.D., our educators and volunteers are more than instructors—they’re connectors, mentors, and lifelong learners. Our team represents over five regions of the world, including Japan, the U.S., the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe, with academic roots in institutions like Harvard, Kyoto University, Temple University, The University of Tokyo, and Ritsumeikan University.
We are:
- Educators with classroom experience in Japan and abroad
- Entrepreneurs who believe in the next generation
- Parents who want more joyful, purpose-filled learning
- Community builders creating opportunities through connection
All sessions are conducted 100% in Japanese, while the program design, mentorship, and global perspective come from a truly international team. This unique approach prepares students for a globalized Japan, where language, culture, and compassion all matter.
Meet the Team
Sasha Lee Seals
Sasha is the driving force behind the LEAD program, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for education and community development. Originally a trained high school business teacher, she relocated to Japan and transitioned into a successful career as a recruiter. For the past nine years, Sasha has thrived as an entrepreneur, collaborating with renowned brands such as Coca-Cola, Ralph Lauren, and Segafredo Japan. She firmly believes that a strong sense of community is essential for success, and she is dedicated to fostering connections that empower young leaders to thrive.
Henry Seals
Henry is a distinguished graduate of both Harvard and Kyoto University, bringing over 30 years of experience as an executive in both domestic and international companies in Japan. As a certified executive coach, he leverages his diverse background to facilitate training at Nagareyama L.E.A.D., ensuring the program integrates cutting-edge and future-facing business trends. A trailblazer in his field, Henry is the first naturalized Japanese Human Rights Commissioner and serves as a member of the National Children’s Committee. He is also a proud father to five young women, embodying his commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Blanka Kobayashi
Blanka is a dynamic entrepreneur, marketing expert, and author dedicated to empowering others through financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. With a strong focus on business development, she combines her expertise with a passion for education, serving as an ambassador for the Children’s Institute at Cape Verde. Additionally, Blanka lends her insights as a special advisor to several charity boards. Currently, she holds the position of Director of Communications for Connections at the Tokyo American Club, where she continues to inspire and connect individuals in her community.
Rebecca Kato
Rebecca Wangui Kato is an experienced educator with two decades of teaching English in the Kanto area. Her passion for early childhood education inspired her to earn a certification from Liberty University and advance her career to become the Principal of a school. Committed to personal and professional growth, Rebecca completed a School Management and Leadership Program at Harvard University. Through her tailored English lessons at Becky’s English School and her role as a community representative for the Koto ward police department, she empowers children while actively contributing to public safety, fostering a supportive environment for future generations.
Alison Shimizu
Alison is a dynamic creative with a deep passion for education, entrepreneurship, and celebrating African-American traditions. Renowned for her ability to bridge cultural gaps, she spent her advertising career researching and analyzing ethnic demographics. After relocating to Japan, she brought her unique cultural perspective to the classroom as an ESL teacher, enriching her students’ experiences. Recently, Alison has transitioned into full-time inventorship, where she is making waves with her innovative spirit and has developed her first patent-pending home and garden product. Her journey reflects her commitment to creativity and cultural connection, inspiring those around her.
Mai Iida
Mai brings nearly a decade of experience in the startup ecosystem, with a background spanning educational technology ventures and venture capital. Her passion for supporting mission-driven organizations is rooted in her firsthand experience launching new businesses and witnessing the transformative power of education. She is committed to advancing initiatives that unlock human potential and contribute to a more enriched society.
Mai holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from International Christian University and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Tokyo. She is fully bilingual in Japanese and English.
Aria Miyai
Aria is a seasoned trilingual financial accountant with over a decade of experience, including valuable time at a prestigious Big 4 accounting firm. Born in Jamaica and raised in Japan, she possesses a unique cultural perspective that enriches her professional approach. Aria holds an LLB degree from Ritsumeikan University, which complements her financial expertise and enhances her ability to navigate complex accounting challenges. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of diverse financial landscapes, she continues to make a significant impact in her field.
Together, our team works across continents, cultures, and disciplines to craft a program where children feel seen, safe, and strong.
We are not just teaching leadership.
We’re unlocking it—one child, one mission, one future at a time.
