Mike Simms-Williams

Mike Simms-Williams has been interested in Japan as long as he can remember. The main thing that turned him in this direction was martial arts. He was doing Jujutsu several years before the current 1990’s-onward Jujutsu fad even started. He has also had a life-long interest in motorcycles, of which Japan is the mecca.

In 1994 Mike graduated from the University of Sheffield in the UK with a BA in Japanese Studies and Business Studies. He married a Japanese woman while still a student and they went to Japan together as soon as he graduated - he now has two children and has never looked back.

Mike has spent his entire working life to date in Japan. He started out as a Project Manager for the Ayrton Senna Foundation. Next, he became International Project Co-ordinator for Cresner Co. Ltd, then became a proofreader and translator for Medical English Service, and finally, was successful in getting a job at the British Embassy in Japan. His first six years were spent as Science & Technology Officer. He was Transport Manager for three years, and is currently the Post Security Manager. Mike uses his Japanese skills every day dealing with staff, negotiating with suppliers, dealing with contractors, and working with the local police force etc.

Never one to conform, Mike does not park his bicycle at the station; rather, he continues on and commutes the 20km to work from his home in Kawasaki City to central Tokyo, which takes him 45minutes. He plans to ride around New Zealand in the near future. Aside from cycling, Mike plays guitar, and even after almost 20 years, still likes to study Japanese.

Profiled by Rupert Atkinson

In charge of UK Embassy Security (Mike is the civvy in the centre front of the photo)	Mike the bike – finishing a 200km bike race in Japan	The happy couple.