When I think about opening a door to the world, I see endless possibilities for connection and understanding. Growing up and throughout my life, I have been fortunate to meet and learn from people in over 90 countries. These experiences have shown me both the incredible beauty of our differences and the painful misunderstandings that arise from fear and stereotypes.
I have faced my own struggles with discrimination—whether it was feeling the sting of racial bias while studying abroad in the US, or experiencing maternity discrimination while trying to grow my career in Japan. These moments were deeply challenging, but they also opened my eyes to the walls that society often builds around people who are different, or who don’t fit into narrow expectations.
At MAICO, our mission is born from these experiences. We want to break down those walls by creating true connections—spaces where people can be seen and valued for who they are. We believe every person has unique talents and stories that deserve to be heard and celebrated.
We dream of a world where no one is left feeling alone or invisible, where diversity is not just accepted but embraced as a source of strength. This is why we work every day to build bridges between communities, to empower individuals, and to create opportunities where hope and possibility flourish.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we can build a future filled with respect, understanding, and kindness.
— Mai Sakaue