Patrick Lovell

Patrick’s initial interest in Japan was sparked when he was a high-school student in Seattle, Washington. During high school, his interest was aroused by the stories he heard daily about the country from his employer, a first generation Japanese American. A BA degree in Secondary Education and Japanese History followed at Western Washington College (now university) and, while there, Patrick made his first trip to Japan in 1972 as a home-stay student. This visit was only for six months but the experience fired his determination to return, which he did in 1973 and again in 1975. On this last visit he remained in Japan and he now strikes a familiar figure in Tokyo, his adopted hometown.

Patrick is one of the few foreigners to have witnessed first-hand Japan’s rapid economic development, the stock market bubble, and, since then, its ‘lost’ two decades. His career has included being the archetypal ‘salaryman’ in a Japanese company and he has also taught Japanese Social Studies at an international school.

Tokyo, which he has seen recreate itself several times already, fascinates him. Now an expert on its history, culture and society, Patrick is eloquent and passionate about the city making his tours there a vivid experience for the first-time visitor and locals alike.

Patrick brought his wealth of experience and knowledge of Japan to Walk Japan in 2011. Besides leading the Tokyo Tour, Patrick is expanding his knowledge base to lead the company’s other tours from 2012.

To relax, Patrick practices Nihon Buyo, a traditional form of dance that has taken cues from Kabuki and Noh theatre, Japanese folk dance and, more recently, western culture. Although he has practiced for over 20 years he feels he still has much to learn of the art. Nevertheless, his stage appearances have been featured on Japanese TV and in Japanese newspapers.