About Us

Jason’s connection with Japanese culture and language started in 1998 when he moved to Japan to teach English. During his six years in Okaya (Nagano Prefecture) and Sapporo, he developed a deep passion for promoting intercultural awareness through education.

Driven by a commitment to fostering cross-cultural learning and the belief that cultural awareness is essential for personal growth, Jason founded Gold Educational Tours. Over the past 20 years, he has built and nurtured a dedicated team focused on creating meaningful connections between Japan and Australia. Through various educational programs, cultural exchange initiatives, and collaborative projects, Jason has tirelessly worked to bridge the cultural gap, enriching the lives of individuals and communities in both countries.

His leadership and vision have been instrumental in advancing the mission of Gold Educational Tours, continually inspiring his team to pursue excellence in intercultural education and understanding.

Darren is passionate about Japanese culture and excels at fostering connections between Japanese students and Australian students and families. As the Director of Homestay & Operations, he is dedicated to creating enriching homestay experiences that promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Darren’s commitment to building strong, supportive relationships has been key in helping students feel at home and gain a deeper appreciation for both cultures.

Tomio’s journey in Australia began in 1991 when he arrived to work as a dive instructor at the Great Barrier Reef. Over the next decade, he shared his passion for diving with more than 1,000 students from across the globe.

In 1997, Tomio co-founded Australian Tour Specialists (ATS), pioneering Australia’s first online travel agency. His entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the tourism industry laid the foundation for ATS’s success.

A talented visual storyteller, Tomio has always been passionate about creating compelling video content both above ground and underwater. His stunning images and videos, showcasing Western Australia’s beauty, have been featured by Tourism Australia and Getty Images.

In 2022, Tomio joined GOLD as a media and marketing consultant, bringing his wealth of experience in tourism and content creation. Recognising his valuable contributions, he was appointed Director of Media & Marketing in 2024.

Scott leads our School & Community Partnerships at GOLD, working closely with schools, families, and community groups to create meaningful and enriching exchange experiences. With a focus on building strong relationships and supporting smooth program delivery, he ensures every partnership is collaborative, positive, and impactful.

Chieko, our Business Development Manager, focuses on improving our business processes. Born in Tokyo and experienced in countryside life in Kagoshima, she brings a unique perspective to her role. Chieko ensures smooth operations with a personal touch, respecting the diverse cultures and languages of her heritage.

Chieko has a deep love for Japanese culture, especially onsen, food, and the people. She finds it rewarding to see students, teachers, host families, and our staff enjoying our programs.

Outside of work, Chieko values family time but also enjoys traveling, good food, and staying active with sports like swimming and tennis. Her versatile career includes roles in network engineering, recruitment, educational support, business development, and operations management. Chieko’s strategic and committed approach helps create a professional yet welcoming environment for our team and clients.

Wayne brings energy and enthusiasm to the office every day. As our Homestay Manager, he is passionate about people and dedicated to ensuring that both students and host families have an outstanding cultural exchange experience. Wayne takes great care of our homestay community, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where lasting connections are made and cherished.

While Wayne has never been to Japan, his study of martial arts has piqued his interest in Japanese culture. He loves the food and the polite respectfulness of the Japanese people. One of the aspects Wayne enjoys most about his role at GOLD is engaging with warm and welcoming host families, who are generous with their time and spirit. Good people are such a joy to work with.

Outside of work, Wayne enjoys the usual suspects: cricket, AFL, golf, food, and good red wine. With a career in sales and hospitality, he believes that every interaction is an opportunity to create memorable experiences and lasting connections.

Kanako specialises in meticulous planning and hard work as our Programme Coordinator. Kanako excels in coordinating seamless school programs, ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed. Her tireless dedication and commitment to excellence ensures that our programs are handled with precision and care, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.

Mio is dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences as our Inbound Tour Coordinator. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hospitality, Mio ensures seamless arrangements for our inbound tours. From coordinating itineraries to liaising with partners, she goes above and beyond to make every tour exceptional. Mio’s commitment to excellence shines through in her meticulous planning and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.

Max, an Esperance native joined GOLD in 2024. With a background in Music and Education, he began his career connecting students and international communities as an English teacher in Toyama, Japan.

As Schools and Partnership Manager, Max leads school communications, program design, stakeholder engagement, and brand strategy. He’s passionate about creating immersive experiences that connect Australian students with Japanese communities.

Scott’s deep connection to Japan began as a JET Programme English Teacher in Saitama. He has a profound appreciation for how Japanese traditions, such as Taiko, Kimono, Kendo, and Sumo, are celebrated in modern-day society. In his role as South West Program Manager, Scott enjoys connecting with local communities to create international opportunities. Outside of work, he has a passion for performing music. His career is marked by diverse international experiences, with a strong focus on education, languages, and tourism.

Sachi brings her hard work and passion for cultural exchange to Western Australia’s South West region. She spearheads exchange programs in Busselton, Bunbury, and surrounding areas, creating enriching opportunities for cultural immersion and understanding. Sachi’s dedication as South West Program Manager, ensures that participants experience the beauty of cultural exchange while fostering meaningful connections in the picturesque landscapes of WA’s South West.

Deb is the heartbeat of our homestay program. As Homestay Support Manager, Deb uses exceptional interpersonal skills to ensures every host family’s needs are exceeded. From seamless transitions to fostering genuine connections, she tailors her support to match individual preferences. A phone call away, she offers a listening ear and a helping hand. With Deb, our host families join a supportive community dedicated to exceptional experiences.

Tiffany has a genuine love for people and a deep commitment to empowering youth and fostering cultural understanding. She creates meaningful opportunities for Australian students to connect with their Japanese peers, building friendships and unforgettable experiences across Western Australia.

Tiffany’s passion for intercultural exchange drives a dynamic approach that makes every moment meaningful. Her love for Japanese culture began in high school and deepened through exchanges to Japan and a Japanese language scholarship. She values the richness of Japan’s traditions and the warmth of its people.

Shiho is from Yokohama, Japan. After graduating university, Shiho continued her love of travelling and after several trips to Australia, she decided to call Perth home.

The role of a Individual Program Manager is a natural fit for Shiho. Her compassionate and caring nature provides the perfect foundation for supporting our exchange students and host families, old and new.

Shiho thrives on interacting with our host families and students and her encouraging and sensitive approach has played an integral part in their journeys.

Phoebe drives our design and marketing at Gold Educational Tours, creating campaigns that connect with our audience. Passionate about Japan and cultural exchange, she showcases the unique experiences we offer and enjoys seeing the friendships formed through our programs. Outside of work, you’ll often find Phoebe cycling by the river or spending time with her family. Her background in Communications and hospitality drives her passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Yuki, a native Japanese speaker, holds an international business degree in Marketing and Management from the European Business School in London. Her career spans hotel management, office administration, business development, and sales. Since moving to Australia in 2009, she has held managerial roles in hotels, assisted a property developer, and worked as a Business Development Manager in the beauty industry. Most recently, she supported the Chief Sales Officer as a Sales Coordinator.

As Gold’s Inbound and Outbound Tour Coordinator, Yuki is passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences. She loves connecting with people and ensuring every detail of their journey is perfect. A mother of three, Yuki enjoys an active lifestyle with her family and their rescued dog, Camby. She is dedicated to leveraging her skills for the company’s success.

Originally from Miyagi in northern Japan, Mika brings both personal and professional experience to her role at GOLD. After working in Tokyo for several years, she moved to Perth as an international student—a journey that sparked her passion for supporting others on similar paths. With over a decade of experience in student support, Mika is committed to helping young people shape their futures through meaningful exchange programs. She values Japan’s culture of omotenashi—thoughtful hospitality—and loves being part of a team that shares her dedication to care and respect. Outside of work, Mika enjoys running and spending time with her rescue dog.

Hailing from Aichi in central Japan, Saki brings both educational and cross-cultural experience to her role at GOLD. Her first visit to Perth in 2019 as a working holidaymaker sparked a lasting interest in youth engagement and international exchange. After returning to Japan during the pandemic and teaching English for two years, she moved back to Perth to pursue further study and continue building connections across cultures.

With a background in both education and health, Saki values purposeful, people-focused work. She enjoys being part of a team that supports students in stepping outside their comfort zones and growing through real-world experiences. Outside of work, Saki stays active and enjoys spending time by the ocean—especially scuba diving, a hobby she picked up in Japan.

Kaori grew up in Nagoya and has lived and worked across Japan, including five years in Tokyo and a year in Okinawa. She appreciates the ethos of omoiyari, the thoughtfulness and care people show for others, which inspires her approach in her role as Program Coordinator at GOLD. Kaori is excited about the opportunity to support students and communities through meaningful educational programs to get their best opportunity to grow and succeed. When she’s not at work, Kaori loves snorkelling, hitting the tennis court, and discovering new places to travel.

Part of our Homestay team, Amanda’s bubbly and warm personality brings a special warmth to our team. Amanda works tirelessly to ensure host families have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. She visits families, offering her friendly support and building strong relationships. Amanda’s dedication and approachability make her a cherished member of our team, always ready to go the extra mile to foster a welcoming environment for everyone involved.

Our Community and Homestay Coordinator, Erin, has a passion for Japanese culture, particularly its architectural history, and is fascinated by the origins of the country’s buildings. As a recent graduate from Curtin University in HR and Tourism, Erin enjoys the opportunity to interact with and meet new people in her role at Gold Educational Tours. Outside of work, Erin has been involved in dance from a young age, competing in various styles, with contemporary being her favourite.

Werner keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes at Gold Educational Tours, managing our finance and payroll with precision and care. With a background in engineering and a passion for numbers, he brings a sharp eye for detail to every aspect of his work. He admires how Japan blends tradition with innovation, and outside of work, you’ll likely find him cycling up to 100km before most of us have had breakfast—just for fun!

Mami arrived in Perth in her 20s on a working holiday visa, studied at TAFE, got married, had twins, and has called Perth home ever since.

Mami’s passion for working with both Australian and Japanese students led to her being offered a part-time position at a prominent high school as an Assistant to the Japanese Teacher. Now, as our School Coordinator and Japanese teacher to some of our Aussie-speaking team members, she continues to bridge cultures and enrich the learning experiences of everyone involved.

Mika, a Tokyo native raised in Gunma, Japan, seamlessly integrates her passion for youth development, honed through volunteer work, with a career in hospitality and tourism.

As a School Coordinator within the Gold Team, she ensures a seamless experience for students, families, and schools, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of Gold’s educational programs.

Beyond her role, Mika enjoys hiking and discovering new and interesting places to eat in Perth. Her dedication to fostering personal growth and intercultural understanding enriches the educational journey for all involved, embodying the ethos of Gold Educational Tours.

Originally from Osaka and having lived in Tokyo for six vibrant years before settling in Perth, Maiko brings a deep connection to Japanese culture to her role.

As a School Coordinator, Maiko enjoys hearing students’ thoughts and guiding them through Gold programs, watching how they change and grow in a short time.

Outside of work, she enjoys surfing, reflecting her love for adventure alongside her love for Japanese cuisine. With experience in Japan’s travel industry, she excels in customer service, planning, and coordination, skills that seamlessly transition into her role as a support worker for people with disabilities, complementing her responsibilities at Gold Educational Tours.

Chihiro is an integral part of our schools coordinating team at Gold, overseeing numerous programs and providing on-the-ground support to both students and school staff. Her role involves ensuring smooth operations and facilitating effective communication between all parties involved.

Passionate about cultural exchange, Chihiro takes great pleasure in witnessing the friendships that develop between Australian and Japanese students. Her dedication to fostering these connections enhances the overall experience for everyone involved.