Four Seasons Language School and Cultural Center was founded in 1980 by Mr. Takashi Kiyokawa and Mr. William S. Anton (Bill) to promote the learning of foreign languages, as well as foster intercultural awareness and understanding. Mr. Kiyokawa, who was the Managing Director, died on March 10, 1998. Kind and of good humor, he was well-known and well-respected in the community. His presence is deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bill, who was co-owner and Curriculum Director until Kiyokawa-san's death, was elected Managing Director by the remaining members of the board. Bill, who has been living in Japan with his family for over twenty-five years, is also a full professor at Hamamatsu College.

Tomomi Itoh currently holds the spot of General Manager of the school. He is responsible for marketing our programs and services to corporate clients.

Joe Libby, whose wife used to work for the school, and who has been a close friend of both Mr. Kiyokawa and Bill for many years, is the Assistant Director. His chief assignment is developing additional markets for the many different language programs offered by Four Seasons. In addition, he administers tests, introducing programs and teachers, and helping teachers with any matters related to accommodations, and living in Japan in general. Joe is also the computer expert and all-around Mr. Fix-it. Despite Joe's main focus on our corporate clients, he is always willing to serve as a sympathetic ear.

Rieko Tanaka is in charge of the accounts, in addition to her other duties. If you have questions regarding your pay or taxes, address them to her.

Eri Otsuki handles textbook ordering and the various reports that are needed by our corporate clients, and many other duties.

Mariko Suzuki is the Administrative Coordinator; she is responsible for the overall management of the office. She also handles the scheduling with the Academic Coordinator.

Ayako Odo handles translation work, the weekly car scheduling, and many other duties.

The Academic Coordinator is chosen on a rotating basis; usually the job is held for a period of one year (it can be longer or shorter depending on the teacher's contract). The Academic Coordinator works with Mariko Suzuki on teachers' schedules, but also functions as a liaison between the office staff and the teachers, and, on occasion, between the teachers and the administration. The best interests of Four seasons' students must always be kept paramount in the mind of the Academic Coordinator.