ーCan you tell us about your background and work experience?

Of course. I was born in the UK but moved to Seattle about 23 years ago. After spending around 10 years at Microsoft, I gained experience working at other companies like Amazon. Currently, I'm affiliated with a non-profit organization called Code.org. The organization has about 130 employees, including myself, who mainly reside in various cities across the US, all working remotely.

ーWhat does Code.org do, and what is your role there?

Code.org is dedicated to teaching computer science in schools worldwide. My role involves collaborating with schools globally to implement our programs. It's very fulfilling to see students learning while using our products firsthand. Additionally, we've partnered with an organization called 'Mina no Code' to introduce computer science education into Japanese schools.

ーWhat led you to choose to work at S-Tokyo during your stay in Tokyo?

I was staying at a small hotel in Asakusa, and it was getting a bit boring, so I started looking for nearby coworking spaces. I found out about S-TOKYO through an article on 'Digital Nomad Asia', and it seemed like a good fit, especially considering its proximity to Asakusa.

ーWhat did you do during your time in Japan this time?

I stayed in Japan for a total of three weeks this time. The first week was spent exploring Tokyo with my family. The second week, I enjoyed cycling in Gunma Prefecture. The third week, I worked remotely in Tokyo while also taking some time to immerse myself in the culture before heading back home.

ーDo you have any memorable experiences or favorite spots from your time in Japan?

Since my wife is Japanese, I've been to Japan many times before. However, it was enjoyable coming back to Japan after the pandemic hiatus. One standout memory was revisiting the charming French restaurant called Canard in Shinjuku. The owner, a Japanese lady, cooks up authentic French cuisine based on recipes she made for her French husband over their 40-year marriage. It's a small place, but the food and atmosphere are unbeatable!

Community curator's comment

Simon, thank you for coming to S-TOKYO and joining us for the Weekly Free Beer on Wednesday! Canard was a new discovery for me, but after hearing your story, I really want to visit! Also, I'm thrilled with the cool Code stickers you gave me. I'll cherish them!

Please feel free to use S-TOKYO again when you return to Tokyo! We'll be waiting for your next visit 😊

Thank you so much!

S-TOKYO Chichi