About Shozo A. Kurokawa

A lifetime dedicated to language, culture and education.

Shozo A. Kurokawa is the Principal Consultant and Translator of Kurokawa & Associates, bringing decades of academic, teaching and professional experience in Japan and the United States.

His work in translation, cultural consulting, family heritage research and language instruction is grounded in a lifelong study of Japanese and English language and culture.

Education & Academic Career

Shozo A. Kurokawa earned his B.A. in English from Waseda University in Tokyo and his M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.


His academic career spans both Japan and the United States, with teaching appointments at the University of Maryland Far East Division in Tokyo, the University of Hawaiʻi, Keio University, Seiwa College and Himeji Dokkyo University.


After retiring early from the University of Hawaiʻi as an Assistant Professor, he continued his academic career in Japan and is presently Professor Emeritus of Himeji Dokkyo University.

Translation & Consulting Experience

Throughout his career, Shozo A. Kurokawa has applied his language and cultural expertise to a wide range of translation and consulting projects in Japan and the United States.


His translation work includes the Maui Charter for the County of Maui, translated into Japanese with Dr. James Araki, and The Spirit of Tea, translated into English with Dr. Paul Varley. He has also translated Japanese family histories and genealogical materials, including the genealogy of Tsuneichi Yamamoto.


Shozo’s consulting experience includes assisting with Japanese-American business and cultural communication, including work involving Aisin Seiki and BorgWarner, as well as Samsonite and Ace Luggage.

Published Works

Throughout his academic career, Shozo A. Kurokawa has authored and contributed to books, articles, textbooks and other educational works related to language, culture and education.


His most recent publication, A Memoir Written by a Ninety-Five-Year-Old Naturalized U.S. Language Teacher, reflects on his 38 years of teaching in Japan and the United States and explores differences in language, culture and society through a lifetime of experience on both sides of the Pacific.