Yuma Kudo

Yuma was born in the Kanagawa prefecture, known for its infamous coastline, mountainous ranges and hot springs. With a passion for cultural preservation, Yuma is presently undertaking Japanese Studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, with her connection to Australia motivated by a student exchange program at Bond University on the Gold Coast, focusing on the cultural and environmental management of sustainable tourism. Highlights throughout her time in Queensland include explorations of the vibrant and diverse coral reefs surrounding Cairns, along with field trips to sites of aboriginal historical significance, committed to conserving natural environments. Such experiences have inspired a future career path that deepens Australia and Japan people-to-people connections, with more than 100 sister city and state-prefecture relationships presently paving the way for educational, sporting, cultural and economic exchanges. With Japan Australia’s second-largest trading partner and export market, Yuma’s ANZCCJ internship objectives were to gain further exposure to the inner workings of international trade and logistical agreements between nations across private and governmental sectors. With active involvement in sports, and a deep connection to nature, in her spare time, Yuma thoroughly enjoys playing lacrosse, and caring for her cat, Cookie.