Meet Our Team

• 

  Manabu serves as Director, CEO, and Chairman of the Board at Edutech Lab, Inc. He graduated from Osaka University’s School of Law and began a career in banking. He later earned an MBA from Hitotsubashi University, followed by a second MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. During his banking career, he mainly worked in Tokyo, managing the account of a major Japanese general trading company. He later oversaw European business strategy in London and, after returning from MIT, led global administrative and system enhancements in the Corporate Planning Division. In November 2019, he joined EduLab Group as an Executive Officer, and in January 2024, he formally assumed the role of CEO and Chairman of the Board at Edutech Lab, Inc.

• 

  Noriko serves as Director of Edutech Lab, Inc. She earned her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology (Learning and Cognition) from Teachers College at Columbia University. She then worked as a Senior Researcher, developing adaptive learning applications and leading the creation of an online English learning service from concept to commercialization. After working as an education consultant in Beijing, she joined The Japan Institute for Educational Measurement, Inc., (an EduLab group company) in 2016 and assumed her current position as President in January 2022. She was appointed Vice President of Product Development at Edutech Lab, Inc., in January 2020, and she became a Director of EduLab, Inc., in December 2022.

• 

  Gina oversees standardized English language test scoring and item development operations as well as management of the extended workforce. She earned an MA TESOL from Portland State University and a BA in English literature with an undergraduate certificate in TESOL from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to joining Edutech Lab in 2016, Gina taught both applied linguistics and intensive English language courses, worked as an editor for ELT publishers, and was a certified IELTS examiner. She also taught English as a foreign language at a public high school in South Korea. In her free time, Gina enjoys yoga, cooking, and outdoor adventures with her family.

• 

  Joe has an MA in theological studies and TESOL certification. Before joining Edutech Lab, he served as lead instructor and testing coordinator at a language school in Seattle. In this role, Joe was responsible for overseeing student assessments, mentoring instructors, and designing curriculum. Joe also has international teaching experience, having taught elementary school English in South Korea while also providing volunteer tutoring services for teenagers and adults. At Edutech Lab, he enjoys writing test items, discussing vocabulary and grammar, and contemplating document aesthetics. Outside of work, Joe enjoys reading, watching movies, and collecting 70's-era Japanese folk records.

• 

  William has an MA in TESOL from Seattle Pacific University as well as undergraduate degrees in anthropology and communication. Before joining Edutech Lab, he spent nearly a decade teaching English in positions at universities in both Japan and the USA, where he was a lead instructor responsible for overseeing curriculum, developing assessments, and mentoring new instructors. He has a passion for research and has presented on multiple occasions at the TESOL International Conference. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, kayaking, and collectible card games.

• 

  Janine holds an MA in TESOL from the University of Washington and undergraduate degrees in Linguistics and Early Childhood and Family Studies. Before joining Edutech Lab in 2020, she spent a year in Japan teaching English to elementary school students as an assistant language teacher. She also designed and taught her own English composition course at the University of Washington while pursuing her Master's degree. In her free time, Janine enjoys playing tennis, baking, and playing video games.

• 

  Michael is a Test Development Specialist who joined Edutech Lab in 2021. He designs content for standardized language tests across all proficiency levels. Holding a Master’s in TESOL and a certificate in Project Management, Michael applies his expertise to develop reliable, high-quality assessments that meet educational standards. His work supports language learners by ensuring tests are both effective and engaging. Outside of work, Michael enjoys staying active through running and playing basketball, maintaining a healthy balance between his professional and personal life.

• 

  Originally from Gifu, Japan, Shiho graduated from a Japanese university with a major in social science and began her career at a major printing company. She then moved to the US to attend a language school and gain experience in the childcare industry. Later, she pursued an MBA in Seattle. Since then, Shiho’s career has focused on business and financial consulting for numerous organizations across multiple sectors. Her experience spans roles in the US banking and manufacturing industries, as well as positions at a start-up and a nonprofit supporting children with disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring the food of different cultures with her family.