I was born in Taipei and raised in Tokyo — a childhood shaped by two distinct cultures, two languages, and two ways of seeing the world. From an early age, I found myself drawn to spaces: the angle of light through a window, the texture of materials underfoot, the quiet presence of a building within a streetscape. I have always believed that the places we inhabit reflect who we are — and that belief remains at the heart of everything I do.
I grew up in an environment where business was part of everyday life, which gave me an intuitive feel for how markets and economies work. I went on to study economics at university, grounding that intuition in theory and analysis. After graduating, I spent 16 years building my career in Japanese manufacturing — an experience that shaped me profoundly. In an industry where precision, quality, and accountability are non-negotiable, I developed a sharp eye for detail, a deep respect for process, and a conviction that quiet consistency matters far more than short-term brilliance.
Traveling across 23 countries, I have explored architecture, visited museums, and immersed myself in local food cultures from Barcelona and Vienna to Lisbon and Porto. What strikes me most in every place I visit is how honest a space can be — how a building’s proportions, materials, and relationship to its surroundings speak volumes about the history, economy, and values of the people who created it. That habit of close observation carries directly into how I approach real estate and asset management.
Growing up between Taipei and Tokyo gave me the ability to hold multiple perspectives at once — to think globally while remaining attuned to the nuances of trust and relationship that define Japanese business culture.
Drawing on the analytical discipline of manufacturing and a lifelong sensitivity to space and value, I founded Kaya Planning with a clear purpose: to offer clients a financial planning partnership built on honesty, long-term thinking, and genuine care. I also practice calligraphy and hold a certification as a Coffee Coordinator — both disciplines that reward patience, attention, and an appreciation for what is left unsaid.
Less flash, more foundation. I am here for the long term.
Kana Iwao, Founder, Kaya Planning