Spark and Step
At Spark and Step, we believe that everyone has their own door to step into the world of possibilities. Our mission is to guide individuals—children and adults alike—on a lifelong journey of learning and growth.
Headquartered in Seattle, the birthplace of global innovations like Microsoft, Amazon, Costco, and Starbucks, Spark and Step bridges Japan and the U.S. by leveraging cutting-edge technology and advanced learning tools. We are dedicated to providing robust, effective, and forward-thinking educational opportunities that lay a strong foundation for success.
Our approach is simple: first, Spark inspiration! Then, let’s take that first Step together toward a brighter, more connected future.
Join us as we open doors and create new pathways to learning and discovery.
Yuka Shimizu
清水 楡華
Spark and Step
Chief Executive Officer
About Yuka
Yuka Shimizu founded Bellevue Children's Academy (Kindergarten to Grade 4) and Willows Preparatory School (Grade 5 to Grade 12), a unified K-12 education system, in Bellevue, Washington, near Seattle, in 2000. Today, these two schools have grown to become Washington State's largest International Baccalaureate private school, serving 1,500 students from Pre-K to Grade 12.
Yuka introduced Japanese-style math and English grammar education, significantly enhancing academic performance among American students. In 2019, she successfully completed an M&A of the schools and retired from school management in 2023, continuing to contribute as the founder.
In addition to her work in education, Yuka has served as a board member for various local nonprofit organizations, actively fostering connections and contributing to both the Japanese and American communities. With decades of experience in American education, she has a deep appreciation for the excellence of Japanese education. After her retirement, Yuka has been dedicated to introducing innovative learning materials and teaching methods—developed in the U.S.—to Japan.
Our Team
Regions of Japan
General Manager
Shizu Usami
Japan Representative. Drawing on her extensive educational experience in both Japan and the U.S., Shizu specializes in planning, promotion, public relations, and the dissemination of educational initiatives.
Areas of Expertise: Calligraphy (teaching license), Kanji Studies (certified instructor in Shirakawa Kanji Science), Museum Studies (certified curator), and support for the education of children living abroad. She also conducts volunteer lessons at local schools in the United States.
Education Director
Toshitsugu Kon
As the former principal of a Japanese public elementary and junior high school, Toshitsugu Kon promoted school management that fostered student learning and growth. After serving as Curriculum Director at Bellevue Children's Academy Saturday School, he currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Yonezawa City Educational Research Institute. (Master of Engineering)
Education Coordinator
Noriko Letizio
Noriko Letizio has experience working at an international kindergarten in the U.S., Bellevue Children's Academy, and several public schools. Drawing on this experience, she primarily focuses on coordinating early childhood education. She is currently pursuing a kindergarten teaching license in Japan.
Regions of America
General Manager
Miki Kasahara
Miki Kasahara ensures the smooth operation of the organization, overseeing tasks such as comprehensive system management at headquarters, public relations, and fostering relationships with clients and partners. After 14 years of experience working in a natural language development team at an IT company, Miki now serves as a Technology for Education Coordinator at a private elementary school.
Hiroko Nagatomo
Creative Director
Hiroko Nagatomo manages graphic design, media, data management, and oversight, handling everything from planning to production. She is a part-time high school teacher in Japan and the director of a painting and modeling class. For 24 years, she has served as a guest lecturer in Miyazaki Prefecture. Hiroko is an accomplished artist specializing in painting, ink painting, and sculpture. She currently resides in Seattle.
Operation
Akiko Kawai
Akiko Kawai has lived in the United States for 28 years. Akiko raised two children to be bilingual. She has played a variety of leadership roles in the Japan-America Society and the BCA Saturday School. She is a qualified high school English teacher in Japan and has experience teaching at a private high school.
Middle/High/University Education Consultant Education Consultant
Miki Asahara
Miki Asahara supports students in stepping up to the future through tutoring, study counseling, study abroad and further education counseling, and seminars for higher education. Specializing in mathematics, Miki has experience as a teacher at a local school in the U.S., a cram school for returning students, and a prep school. Miki currently lives in California.
Patrick Fairbanks
Education Adviser Education Adviser
After teaching ESL in Tokyo for nearly a decade, Patrick Fairbanks moved back to his hometown of Seattle and began teaching Bilingual Kindergarten at a private elementary school nearby. For over four years, he taught using these materials before stepping into his current role as Operations Lead.