Connect Moderators are Local Guides just like you and me. They apply the knowledge they’ve gained as active members of our community to moderate Connect and help improve the experience for everyone. You may see them welcoming newcomers, explaining the program, answering questions, and sharing their knowledge with others.
Each month, we share some personal insights from one of our amazing Connect Moderators. This month, meet @HiroyukiTakisawa . Hiroyuki lives inIwate, Northeast Japan and speaks Japanese and English. Hiroyuki is a Street View Trusted Photographer and a foodie who loves to explore new coffee shops and restaurants.
Name: Hiroyuki Takisawa
Location: Iwate, Northeast Japan
What I love about being a Local Guide: Contributing as a Local Guides is similar to writing a diary. I’m able to remember what I did that day from the map and if I find something wonderful, I can share and talk about it with my friends all over the world on Local Guides Connect. In addition, the result of our Local Guides activities can make someone happy somewhere anytime.
Why I’m a Connect Moderator: First, I hope to increase the number of useful and engaging posts on Local Guides Connect. I love the Local Guides community. This community is a valuable community that we can easily communicate with kind and unique Local Guides all over the world. I want everyone to know this great community.
Secondly, I want to support and motivate the Japanese Local Guides community. This year, I posted some helpful posts for Japanese newbies and established an unofficial community for Japanese Local Guides. They have skilled knowledge and passion but they are a bit shy. I believe their power will improve the map and the community sooner or later.
My favorite things to explore: I like to explore cafes and restaurants. Yes, I’m a foodie. I love noodles such as ramen or soba, and vegan/vegetarian dishes. Cafes are special to me. I explore and visit a cafe anywhere I go. As a result, I sometimes encounter a surprising cafe.
My favorite type of contribution(s) to make on Google Maps: I like doing Englishnization and posting accessibility photos and information. Recently, I’ve been interested in adding family-friendly (including pets) places in my region. Furthermore, as a Street View photographer, I’m making Street View for countryside paths using a handmade camera mounted helmet.
Languages I read/speak/write fluently: I can use Japanese fluently and some English. I started to study English after my marriage (July 2016) to talk to my wife’s family and friends.
Places I’d like to visit: This is a very difficult question. But first, Spain, Singapore, and Indonesia! Some countries in the Middle East would also be nice. I’d go anywhere with engaging food and coffee. In my own country, I want to visit all the popular hot spring areas in Japan.
Fun fact about me: As a matter of fact, I LOVE coffee. I actually had a cafe in the past that doubled as an office for my company. The walls inside were whiteboards and there was free wi-fi as well as power outlets. Coffee, desserts, and Piadina was served. The cafe is actually where I met my wife. I closed the cafe three years ago, but it was a great experience.
I’ve shared posts about coffee and cafes on Local Guides Connect. Last year, I held a worldwide meet-up I called “Worldwide Cafe Walk 2018.” That was a great, memorable meet-up. I’ll propose a similar meet-up again. To all cafe lovers, please join in!
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know @HiroyukiTakisawa . Say hi or ask him a question below as he has a lot to share about Google Maps and Connect.
Interested in becoming a Connect Moderator? Learn more here.
Want to learn about other Connect Moderators?
Learn more about Jesi in August 2019
Learn more about Alejandra in June 2019
Learn more about Adrian in May 2019
Learn more about Gregg in January 2019
Learn more about Stephen in November 2018
Learn more about Paul in October 2018
Learn more about Sonia in August 2018
Learn more about Nunung in July 2018
Learn more about Shirley in June 2018
Learn more about Farid in April 2018
Learn more about Ludwig in March 2018
Learn more about Karen in February 2018
Learn more about Ivan in January 2018
Learn more about Ermes in December 2017
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