Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, John appreciates and relates to the pioneer spirit of overcoming challenges and hardships. In the late 1950's, John's parents emigrated from Japan to Portland. As a result, he personally knows the confusion and struggles immigrants often face when confronting an unfamiliar legal system. That's why John makes it a priority to walk clients through the legal process and explain issues in clear, easy-to-understand terms. “Laws keep our society together, so it’s crucial that everyone understand them,” he notes.

John has been practicing law for over 30 years.  Prior to establishing Kodachi Law, John worked for the large and midsize law firms of Bullivant Houser Bailey, P.C. and Kell, Alterman & Runstein, LLP in Portland. He also worked for the law firm of Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda in Honolulu, Hawaii, right after graduating from Lewis & Clark Law School. "The climates are obviously different, but the legal communities in Portland and Hawaii are similar in that your legal reputation is everything," he observes. As a result, John stresses the importance of upholding the highest standards of professionalism in the time-honored profession.

When John is not practicing law, he strengthens his bonds to the local community by serving as a volunteer board member for several nonprofit organizations.  In 2024, the Consular Office of Japan awarded him a Certificate of Commendation for deepening the mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the US.

Outside of work and volunteering, John enjoys watching the Portland Trailblazers, Portland Timbers, and competing in ninja obstacle course competitions. John is a three-time competitor on the television show American Ninja Warrior, having first appeared at the age of 55. He is known as the “Legal Eagle Ninja.” He explains, “I got into the sport later in life, but it’s been an amazing experience. I’ve met so many wonderful people through it.” He adds, “The obstacles are physically and mentally demanding, but they keep me young.”