JD BIO

Key Achievements & Life Experiences

Japan:

  • Over 30 years of living and working in Japan, fluent in Japanese and deeply familiar with cultural nuances.

  • Top 10 TV personality ("Gai-tare") in Japan, as an “Edutainer” (楽学家) regularly appearing on all major Japanese TV networks.

  • First foreigner to graduate from the prestigious "Donut University" in Japan.

  • Established sister-city relationships between Japan and Australia to foster cultural exchange.

  • Recognized for climbing Mount Fuji backwards and walking down barefoot, a feat acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records.

  • Had the distinct honor of conversing with the Japanese Emperor and Empress, receiving their heartfelt royal wishes for my baby nephew.

  • Survived 4 days in 'Ittoen' with Duskin corporation, Japan's unique self-sacrifice camp in Kansai, an intense experience that provided profound insights into the Japanese work philosophy & resilience.

Business:

  • Recognized by TechCrunch as a Top 100 global startup and awarded Red Herring Top 100 Europe.

  • Founder & CEO of multiple award winning technology Startup companies.

  • Developed a social geolocation iPhone app that achieved Top 10 status in 5 countries in 2013.

  • Developed an innovative AI-powered language learning app Kaki-Kaiwa, tailored for the Japanese market, leveraging cutting-edge technology in 2019.

  • Played an instrumental role in building a successful web-based matchmaking startup in the late 1990s, which was later sold to a public company for $43 million.

  • Developed the World’s first mobile video greeting cards in Japan, securing a contract with KDDI (Japan's largest 3G operator).

  • Instrumental in establishing Mister Donut and SunMerry Bakery franchises in Australia, achieving market leadership.

  • Founded and produced groundbreaking Edutainment TV series for mobile platforms in Japan during the early 2000s.

  • Pioneered innovative products, including an early SNS service for Japan in 2003.

Sports:

  • Competed in the World Table Tennis Masters Championships in Italy, 2024.

  • Competed in the European Table Tennis Championships in Italy, 2023.

  • Broke many records in 1500m race-walking, in little athletics, smashing the record from 9'38” to 7'59”.

  • As an 18yo competed at Japan's National Athletics Championships (3000m steeple-chase & long-jump), in the National Stadium.

  • Represented the Czech national cricket team as a pace bowler and batsman.

  • Founder and President of the Czech Australian Football Association (CAFA), establishing the Prague Tigers as one of the first AFL teams in the Czech Republic, significantly contributing to the growth and development of Australian Rules Football (AFL) in Central Europe.

  • Leading Goal-kicker Award in the European Cup tournament (2006 & 2007).

  • Trained for the Olympics in Table Tennis at Waseda University, narrowly missing qualification.

Media:

  • Top 10 TV personality ("Gaijin-talent") in Japan, appearing weekly on major programs such as the TONIGHT show, CNN Daybreak, Waratte-ii-tomo, Sekai Tondemo History, Chikyu Marukajiri, SMAP, Tonnels, Datcho-club, Sanma-san Nandemo derby, & many more.

  • Produced and starred in original TV shows, including JD’s EZ English on Czech TV Nova.

  • Featured as main actor in award-winning commercials for brands like TOYOTA, Coca-Cola (as lead dancer for its 100th anniversary ad), SONY, Suntory Beer, Labaat Ice beer, Dekavita-C with soccer star Kazu, Disneyland, & many more!

  • Regular columnist for leading Japanese magazines such as Obunsha’s "100 Man nin no Eigo" and "Jitsugyou Nippon."

  • MC at prestigious events like the World Daidougei Cup, Tokyo Motor Show, and World Skateboard Championships.

  • Commentated live on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony for Japanese Bunka-Houso.

  • Commentated the AFL Grand Final live from the MCG to Japan for NHK, as well as the weekly AFL games to Japan on Sports-i.

As his legacy, JD is dedicated to helping ambitious youth around the world chase their dreams in business, sports, and life.

His name "JD" was given to him many years ago during his TV personality days, and it has been his name & calling card ever since.

His life mission is to inspire others by sharing his vast experiences, including wild adventures like climbing the Egyptian Pyramids at midnight and scaling the Swiss Alps despite a motorbike crash and bleeding from injuries. These stories reflect his belief in pushing boundaries, taking bold action, and living life with purpose.