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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

Sports:

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

  • Participated in the World Table Tennis Masters Championships in 2024.

  • Avid athlete with records in race-walking; competed at Japan's National Athletics Championships (3000m and long jump).

  • 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 in European Cup tournaments (2006 & 2007).

  • Trained for the Olympics in table tennis at Waseda University, narrowly missing qualification.

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

Media:

  • Top 10 TV personality ("Gaijin-talent") in Japan, appearing on major programs such as 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 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.

As his legacy, JD is dedicated to helping ambitious youth around the world chase their dreams in business, sports, and life. His life mission is to inspire others by sharing his vast experiences, including many crazy adventures like climbing the Egyptian Pyramids at midnight and scaling the Swiss Alps despite a motorbike crash & injuries. These experiences reflect his belief in pushing boundaries and taking bold action toward success.