Hitomi is a Distinguished Professor at Toyo Gakuen University in Japan, where she previously led the SDGs Study Group and directed the International Career Program. Her academic interests include Native American culture and teaching English to young learners, informed by her learning of ecological philosophy from Native American communities. Her commitment to volunteer work with people with disabilities dates back to her undergraduate years. An Irish government scholarship enabled her to study in Ireland, where she gained a deep appreciation for the value of respecting all cultures, regardless of size.