Based in Vancouver, Miki Mizobe works as an SNS manager for the NPO Toiro. At the core of Miki’s motivation lies an unwavering feeling of loving people, no matter the situation.
It all traces back to a memory she has cherished since childhood: the simple phrase “thank you.”
Her grandmother always said, “Thank you. Thank you so much.” Those warm words have shaped her values to this day.
In Japan, she worked for three years at a hospital with psychiatric and child/adolescent mental health departments, engaging daily with patients from diverse backgrounds. Witnessing depressed patients gradually recover and finally smile to say “thank you” gave her a deep sense of how precious human connection truly is.
After three years, she left her stable job and took the bold leap to study in Canada. Through work and learning there, she reaffirmed her fundamental love for people. Trusting the founder, Maria, and resonating with her “Ten People, Ten Colors” philosophy, she joined Toiro as a volunteer.
Beneath all her varied roles in social media management lies a simple, constant desire: “I want to be of help to someone.”
Three Years in Psychiatry: Learning to Read the Human Heart and Walk in Others’ Shoes
――Before joining Toiro, what kind of work were you doing?
Before moving to Canada, I worked for three years in Japan as a medical administrator at a hospital with a psychiatric and child and adolescent psychosomatic medicine department. I interacted with patients from truly diverse backgrounds: people struggling with depression or hallucinations, children in complex family situations, and more.
Many patients held high-responsibility professions like teachers, Self-Defense Forces personnel, and doctors. I witnessed firsthand how their very seriousness often led to deep struggles and paralysis. Going through the medical records of patients with various mental health concerns also drove home how much a person’s mental state is shaped by their environment — whether they grew up in an institution, or what their home life was like.
What I learned in these settings was the importance of putting myself in the other person’s shoes and providing reassuring care. Witnessing a deeply depressed patient gradually recover through treatment and finally leave with a smile, saying “Thank you,” was an irreplaceable joy.
――What led you to go to Canada afterward?
Winning a spot in “AK-English Study Abroad Support” by Akane, a YouTuber I’d followed since high school, was a major turning point. The application timing coincided perfectly with my three-year work milestone. Thinking “I still haven’t fulfilled my dream of studying abroad,” I took a chance and applied—and miraculously won.
I debated whether to stay in my hometown of Kyushu or take the leap to Vancouver. Ultimately, drawn to its rich natural environment, I chose Vancouver. There, while studying hospitality management, I interacted with many people through jobs like customer service and dog walking.
Dog walking especially often took me to the beach, which became a source of healing for me too. It reaffirmed that my true motivation lies in those moments when we exchange “thank yous.”
Current Role and Toiro’s Appeal: The Joy of Connecting Diverse Personalities
――What role do you currently hold at Toiro?
Currently, as SNS Manager, I handle Instagram operations, post scheduling, and coordinating schedules. The DMs, comments, and engagement we receive every day keep me energized.
Working closely with CEO Maria and other SNS team members to comprehensively manage the overall brand and accurately convey Toiro’s appeal is truly rewarding.
――What do you find most appealing about the organization?
It’s truly the concept of “Ten People, Ten Colors” itself. Members with diverse backgrounds and values come together, each contributing their unique color and shape to our activities. Being able to connect with the thoughts and stories of such diverse individuals is a major appeal for me.
Maria is a warm person who never fails to praise even small achievements and carefully guides us on areas for improvement. She gives detailed advice through videos and other means, so I’m always learning. I feel a strong sense of fulfillment as a manager, supporting the organization’s growth and the increase in volunteer members up close, while being inspired by her overwhelming drive and wealth of information.
Even before this, as a meetup organizer, I found joy in preparing things like playing cards and origami to make participants happy—in doing things for others. Building on that experience, I’m now proud to spread thoughtfulness for others through social media for the wonderful team at Toiro.
Outlook and Message for the Future: Cherishing the Present, Even When Tomorrow is Unpredictable
――Please tell us about your future goals and challenges you wish to take on.
At this point, I haven’t settled on a single path for my future. I’ve always been very curious, and my interests tend to shift over time. What I envision now might change into a different dream next month.
But I think that’s perfectly fine. Rather than fixing my future, my greatest joy is carefully fulfilling my role as SNS Manager now, walking alongside Toiro as it grows and its activities and aspirations reach more people. I want to continue being involved in whatever way I can and cheer on this organization’s growth from the closest possible vantage point.
――Finally, please share a message for our readers.
What I want to convey is the importance of “living in the present.” No one knows what the future holds, and I myself might be talking about new dreams again. Even so, I feel there is great value in trusting the things you love in this very moment and acting on them.
Of course, it’s wonderful to hear “thank you” from others, but for me, being in a relationship where I can sincerely say “thank you” to someone is incredibly comforting and happy. Toiro is a place that accepts each person’s true colors without denying their individuality.
Don’t overthink it. If you feel even a little interest, cherish that feeling and take a step forward. There, you’ll surely find a new version of yourself you never imagined and wonderful encounters waiting for you.
