AKIKO Desu!

Your Friendly Virtual Assistant & Local AirBnb Host in Japan

Let’s make your life in Japan more comfortable.

Avoid stress. Save time!

Japan is a wonderful place to live and travel, but we all know that it doesn’t come without a price. From the language barrier to unnecessarily complicated procedures, sometimes we just need that one go-to person who can make things easier. That’s where I come in. Whether it’s a business or personal task, I will do my best to assist you!

Services

Booking

Easily book appointments and tickets for hair salons, spas, restaurants, bars, museums, events, concerts, and more! Don’t forget: booking early is always best!

Research

Language shouldn’t hold you back from important information or great opportunities. I’ll do my best to help you research anything you need.

Travel Planning

Done with the tourist traps? I can plan your trip to Japan’s best-kept secrets! Hotels, tours, and restaurants all booked for you.

Translation 

Japanese is not easy for everybody. With an accessible bilingual assistant, you can save your time and energy to do things that are more important.  

Government Transactions

Struggling with pension forms, insurance paperwork, or tax returns? I’m not an accountant, but I can walk you through the process by translating and explaining things in a simple way.

So much more!

Have other tasks in mind, like setting up a bank account or handling product orders and shipping from Japan? Let me know! As long as it’s legal, I’m ready to assist. 

Testimonials

Thanks for helping me get my subsidy! The process was so smooth and unbelievably fast. I love that you are so hands on and very easy to talk to. This pandemic is such a tough time but your help made my life so much better. Recommending you to everyone I know!

Charmaine U.
Esl iNstructor, Saitama

Thanks Akiko! I’m so glad I found out about you before my trip to Japan. Thanks to you I got to easily make all the restaurant and event reservations for this trip.  I will surely use your service again in the future! Arigato!

Marco B.
TOURIST, TOKYO

Very thankful for Akiko’s help! I asked her to book my doctor’s appointment and she did it promptly. Highly recommended for foreigners like me who need extra help!

Angelica A.
School teacher, Ibaraki

About Me

Hi, I’m Akiko — the founder of Akiko Desu!

My journey has taken me through a wide range of industries, from food service and fashion to finance and education. These experiences not only gave me a diverse skill set but also helped me connect with people from all walks of life.

During university, I joined a student exchange program that brought me to Washington, USA, where I studied Marketing for a year. After graduating, I worked as a specialist in International System Development at a leading financial company in Japan. There, I collaborated with global partners like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and China UnionPay, and even traveled to countries such as England, Belgium, and the U.S. to help solve complex problems — something I’ve always loved doing.

In 2012, I stepped into a new chapter: motherhood. Wanting to continue doing meaningful work while supporting others, I started Akiko Desu!
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to live in a foreign country — especially when the language and systems are so different. Even something as simple as booking a taxi in Japan can be challenging if you don’t speak the language.

That’s where I come in. My goal is  to make your life in Japan easier by helping with everyday tasks, translating and explaining confusing systems, and giving you peace of mind so you can focus on what truly matters.

I’m excited to connect with you and help make your experience in Japan smoother and more enjoyable!

How can I assist you today? Send me a message!

TOKYO airbnb recommendation

Cozy & Authentic Japanese Home

Stay in our private fully-furnished 2-story detached house with a spacious Japanese tatami bedroom, well-equipped kitchen, laundry essentials, separate toilet and bath, living room with smart TV, and fast wi-fi connection. Sleeps up to 6. 

FULL LIST OF AMENITIES
THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Live Like a Local

Our neighborhood is perfect for those who want to experience a more local side of Tokyo while still being close to the hustle and bustle of the city.

The vibe is very laid-back, where you can take leisurely walks along the Edo River, explore the streets lined with traditional shops, or go on a culinary adventure as there are plenty of local eateries nearby.

HOUSE AND LOCATION DETAILS

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