Ayako Komiyama
Kirin Beverage Company
Tokyo,Japan
6
Languages
1
Certification
8
years of professional experience
Detail-oriented Graduate Student in Deaf Studies with a background in Social Welfare. Experienced in video production, captioning, and social media content creation. Expertise in developing accessible content and facilitating communication across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, with a focus on advancing Deaf-centered research and community initiatives.
Work History
Employee
5 Years 6 Months- Worked in a corporate environment and gained firsthand experience of communication barriers affecting Deaf employees.
- Supported quality management and inventory checks for vending machines.
- Contributed to resolving customer complaints regarding expired or poor-quality beverages.
- Shared information about Deaf experiences and everyday life through monthly Microsoft Teams presentations to promote awareness among colleagues.
Practicum Student / Part–time Staff
4 Months- Supported Deaf adults transitioning into employment.
- Assisted clients in identifying effective communication strategies and understanding their hearing levels.
- Observed how limited access to information and self-advocacy skills could affect employment stability.
Part–time Staff
2 Years 9 Months- Worked in a customer-facing, team-based environment.
- Navigated communication and accessibility challenges in a fast-paced, hearing-dominant workplace.
Education
International Special Student Program
- Enrolled as an international special student
- Focus on Deaf Studies–related coursework and academic English
- Engaged in learning within a Deaf–centered academic environment
Master of Arts - Deaf Studies (Cultural Studies) (Expected)
B.A. - Sociology, Department of Social Welfare
Skills
Video recording and production
Caption creation and accessible communication
Social media content creation and management
Microsoft Teams
Google Forms
and Google Sheets
Data management and inventory control
Customer complaint resolution and problem-solving
Cross-cultural communication
Community and Volunteer Involvement
Deaf Community and Accessibility Engagement | Japan and USA | 2023–Present
- Participate in discussions and activities related to Deaf experiences, accessibility, and inclusive communication.
- Share perspectives on Deaf culture and communication access through community engagement and peer support.
Certification
- Licensed Social Worker (Japan), 2025
Language Skills
Japanese Sign Language (JSL): Native / Fluent
American Sign Language (ASL): Intermediate
ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI): Level 3
Japanese (written/spoken): Native
English (written): Intermediate
TOEFL iBT: Reading 19 / Writing 21 (2025)
Timeline
Employee
Kirin Beverage Company
04.2021 - CurrentRead More
Practicum Student / Part–time Staff
RONA Deaf and Hard of Hearing Employment Support Center
10.2020 - 02.2021Read More
Part–time Staff
Starbucks Coffee Japan
05.2018 - 02.2021Read More
Meiji Gakuin University
B.A. from Sociology, Department of Social Welfare
Read More
Gallaudet University
International Special Student Program
Read More
Gallaudet University
Master of Arts from Deaf Studies (Cultural Studies) (Expected)
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