Guide Details
Masa
Hello everyone. My name is Masayo Komatsubara, a government-licensed English tour guide in Hiroshima. I was born in a very rural area in Yamaguchi Prefecture. There were no McDonald's, convenience stores, or Starbucks. I hadn’t known how to order a Big Mac until I was 18 years old. Finally, I was able to escape from a simple lifestyle when I entered university in the Kansai region. At the time, I majored in Japanese Culture. Time passed by, and I've moved around Japan throughout my life. This includes Hyogo Prefecture, Okayama Prefecture, and Hiroshima Prefecture. Interestingly enough, each region has a different culture, dialects, and specialties based on its history and geography. Japan is a country full of charms. I'm happy to share with you our Japanese mythologies, which are related to our imperial family history, folklore stories, and culture. I've learned much about these topics in university and throughout my life experiences. I'm also an official messenger of the story of Sadako (Origami Paper Crane girl / the model of the Children's Peace Monument in the Peace Memorial Park). I always tell the real Sadako's family story to my guests using theatrical drama techniques. (Actually, I used to be a stage actress when I was a university student.) Please believe me when I say that I have since learned how to get a Big Mac at McDonald's. I look forward to meeting you on our tour. Sincerely, Just call me Masa.
