Amanda is the founder of Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs in the US, as well as a Certified Professional Coach in Transformation. Amanda graduated from the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law (LLB (Hons) and PCLL) and Faculty of Social Sciences (MSocSc in Corporate Environmental Governance). Survivng critical illness in 2014 allowed her to experience the deep healing power of living with awareness in the embrace of nature. Since 2017, she has guided and facilitated close to 100 forest bathing and nature connection experiences, lectures and workshops through public events and in collaboration with the corporate sector, social service organisations, environmental centres, NGOs and educational institutions in Hong Kong. Tapping into her extensive experience as a lawyer and a senior NGO manager and drawing from decades of combined experience in yoga, tai chi and mindfulness practice, she crafts highly relevant and personal experiences that support busy urbanites to reconnect with nature, each other and the peace and wisdom within us. Amanda’s deep connection with nature has supported her through life’s many challenges, including multiple career transitions and critical illness, and she has found nature to be a sacred sanctuary, a wise teacher, a fun-filled friend, a loving parent, and much more. She felt called to be of service to the earth in 2006, but it took her many years and a windy path before encountering Forest Therapy, a practice that deeply resonated with her calling. Amanda is now an ANFT Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Mentor, as well as an ICF Certified Professional Coach for Transformation based in Hong Kong. She founded Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong in 2017 to offer forest therapy and nature connection experiences to support busy urbanites reconnection with nature and reignite our passion for life. She collaborates extensively with the corporate sector, conservation organizations, NGOs and educational institutions and offers experiences in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Makiko is a Forest Therapy Guide and Therapist, based in Yakushima/Japan, where the first nature and forest medical research activities were conducted in the world. She is the first Japanese trained guide by ANFT and also certified by Forest Therapy Society in Japan. Since she moved to Yakushima in October 2020, she has been guiding over 500 people in her Kaleidoscope “deep shinrin-yoku” program. Prior to becoming the guide, for 20 years she has been involved in various international projects with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other UN organizations, focusing on improving the health status of the vulnerable people especially in Africa and Southeast Asia regions. In addition to being a guide, she is currently delegated to be ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) global advisor for the School Board in Yakushima, giving lectures for teachers and pupils. She is also the Board member of Yakushima Onoaida clinic run by her husband who is engaged in forest medical research activities. She holds B.A. in international law from Kansai University in Japan, M.A. in Public Health (international health) from Johns Hopkins University, and M.A. in Economic and Social Development from University of Pittsburgh in USA.