Born in Hiroshima to an American father and a Japanese mother, Richard grew up surrounded by the rich bounty of Japan’s mountains and sea. His foundation was built on memories of a dining table where diverse cultures intersected, and a resilient spirit forged through the discipline of Judo. Captivated by the art of "monozukuri" (making things) since childhood, Richard eventually became a carpenter. He honed his meticulous craftsmanship in the world of traditional Japanese architecture, working on the restoration of ancient temples in Nara—a field where even a fraction of a millimeter’s compromise is not permitted. It was here that he learned to "converse" with his materials, a philosophy that remains the core of his work today.