IJA Board Members

The IJA is an Idaho nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing Japanese culture in Idaho. Founded in 2008, it currently has over 1000 members. We organize and host fun events for communities in the Treasure Valley!!! As of 2026, the current IJA board members are listed below with self introductions!

Self Introduction Questions❓

1. Name
2. Hometown
3. Favorite Places in Idaho 
4. What kind of “oshi-katsu” (supporting your favorite things/places/people) are you currently into?

Second from the left (Red outfit) 

1. Sonia West (President)  
2. Ibaraki but have been in Boise for almost my entire life
3. The mountains, trees, rivers, and feel very lucky to call this place my home. I have enjoyed camping trips in Stanley and Cascade especially. 
4. I absolutely love cats and enjoy spending my free time gaming, listening to music, and doing art. I enjoy going out for coffees and good company

Left Corner (Brown jacket) 

1. Hisashi Tatsumi (Vice President) 
2. Adachi Ward, Tokyo
3. Idaho IceWorld because I love watching my son practice hard there.
4. The “Noburock Channel” on YouTube.

Right Corner  (Black Hoodie) 

1. Thomas Stevens (Treasury) 
2. I was born and raised in Boise. 
3. I like trying delicious drinks; mostly coffees and sodas. I always like when a new coffee shop opens around.
4. I am an animal-loving cat parent and enjoy watching movies in my free time. 

Second from the right   (Yellow jacket) 

1. Atsuko Baxter  
2. Tokyo Tachikawa & Tokyo Kita Ward 
3. Shoshone Falls, Kirkham Hot Springs, Gold Fork Hot Springs. Go there, and you’ll see guaranteed.
4.  Searching for all sorts of things to find out what I should do to live a long life (lol)

Third from the left (Cream white outfit) 

1. Hikari Gallagher 
2. Kochi City, Kochi Japan
3. Morley Nelson Snake River Bird of Pray! When I first saw this view before deciding to relocate to Boise, I honestly thought why this is not recognized as National Park yet. It is absolutely beautiful place to check it out.
4. Sumo. I have been watching Sumo on TV for 2 years and this is my recent hobby. I love a lot of Rikishi, especially Aonishiki, Ichiyamamoto, Wakatakakage and Fujinokawa. My dream now is watching sumo in Japan at Kokugikan!

Third from the right (light blue outfit) 

   1. Miki Bigley 

   2. Tokyo, Japan

   3. Sawtooth Range: It is a magical area that cheers me up

   4. Rockhounding: I love rocks!

1. Keiko Flugel
2. Kochi, Japan
3. Jump Creek (Local easy hiking. After walking along with clean creaks, big rocks and trees, you will find a tall waterfall.), Shoshone Falls (Dynamic view of the waterfall in Twin Falls), fishing (handy outdoor activity in Snake River)
4. Traveling, Nattoh (納豆), Youtube, Yoga and light weight training for staying in health.

1. Towako Tamano (Secretary)
2. Born in Japan, raised in Boise, Idaho
3. Hiking up Table Rock at sunset! The view is amazing, and you can see all of Boise!
4. Since starting college and living on my own in Japan, I’ve really gotten into cooking for myself, interior decorating, and shopping!