About
About Me
My name is Noriko Morimoto. I was born and raised in Kobe, Japan, between Buddhist parents. I'm the eldest of three siblings.
Education and Career
I went to a private girls' Protestant Missionary Middle school and High school in Nishinomiya city, Hyogo-prefecture, which was founded by American Missionary. When I was in my third year of Middle school, I had my first overseas experience through a homestay in the UK. Getting to meet my pen pal there in person moved me deeply.In my second year of high school, I spent a year in Saskatchewan, Canada as an AFS exchange student. Connecting with international students from around the world inspired me to pursue a career that contributes to peace, and I began aspiring to become an international civil servant.
I moved to Tokyo for college, and majored in international relations.
In 1997, I was hired by the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, where I worked for over 21 years.
My 20s and 30s were a time of "searching for myself." I traveled to 36 countries, and in 2006, I visited Bhutan for the first time. I was deeply inspired by Bhutan's well-known concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and became a devoted fan of the country. I later had the privilege to translate two books about Bhutan and had the honor of attending the current 5th King's coronation as a guest. To this date, I cannot forget what one of my Bhutanese friends told me that "There exists no happiness if the happiness is pursued only to yourself."
In 2014, I experienced a long-term health setback and took a three-month medical leave. When Western medicine couldn't fully explain my symptoms, I turned to alternative healing and inner work. I began the journey of self-inquiry, integrating suppressed and repressed emotions, and healing the ‘inner-child', gradually finding healing and peace within.
This journey led me to appreciate the importance of looking within. I became drawn to spiritual teachings, seeking the Truth, including non-duality and A Course in Miracles.
In 2018, I left the U.S. Embassy after 21 years of service. After obtaining permanent residency in the U.S., I moved to the US by myself in the beginning of 2019. I spent three months working as a live-in assistant on an organic farm on the Big Island of Hawaii, then traveled for several more months across the Hawaiian islands and the mainland U.S. Eventually, I settled in San Diego.
In 2021, I faced another health challenge and couldn't return to Japan for some time due to the pandemic. It was a difficult period, but in 2022, I was finally able to go back to Japan to spend some time for healing. I returned to the U.S. in 2023, embracing the life theme of "Love Is."
In the process of healing, I have found the joy of making raw(no-bake) vegan sweets, and I have completed a Raw Sweets Creator course.
Current Activities & Future Vision
- Supporting others as a companion on their journey of healing
- Performing as a visiting pianist at home gatherings and senior care facilities
- Hosting raw sweets workshops at a local yoga studio
In the future, I aim to offer counseling services that deepen self-acceptance, combining active listening with various healing modalities I've studied.
Things I Love
Self-reflection, retreats, traveling, playing the piano, making sweets and bread, and appreciating art
Personal Traits
I find joy in connecting with others heart-to-heart, beyond nationality, age, race, or faith.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Integrated Counselling, Holistic Healing College (London)
- Certified EFT(Emotional Freedom Technique) Practitioner (JMET)
- Certified RFT (Resistance Freedom Therapy) Practitioner
- Reiki Master (formally attuned)
- Completion of various Theta Healing® courses
- Empowered with Durga Healing Energy by Mr. Hitoshi Matsuda
Areas of Study
- Teaching of Non-Duality(Advaita Vedanta) and spiritual awakening (with revered teachers such as Mooji, Louise Kay, Satoriri-san, and others)
- Integrated Psychology (Introductory to Advanced levels under Ms. Ayuka Mizoguchi)
- Ho'oponopono practice (under the guidance of Uncle Bruce, a direct disciple of Aunty Morrnah Simeona)
- "Awakening of Consciousness Program" and "Spiritual Counselor Training Course" led by Mr. Hitoshi Matsuda
- A Course in Miracles
- SatoLILI channel