Introduction & How I Started "Manitabi"

Hello, my name is Naoto Sakata, founder of Mani-Tabi.

Naoto Sakata
Naoto Sakata

I was born in 1993 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
Currently, I am building a local tour business based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Here's a brief background about myself:

  • Graduated from Meiji University, Faculty of Political Science and Economics
  • Studied abroad at Thammasat University in Thailand for one year during university
  • Worked for 3.5 years at Isuzu Motors in the Overseas Sales Department, responsible for Thailand
  • Worked for 3.5 years at Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting
  • Traveled to over 25 countries as a backpacker

While studying in Thailand, I had a life-changing encounter with a local crepe shop owner, along with many other meaningful interactions around the world.

These experiences taught me the importance of living true to oneself and enjoying life, greatly expanding my perspectives and approach to living.

Driven by a passion to offer more Japanese people the chance to experience this life-expanding journey, I decided to move to Chiang Mai in October 2023 to start my new adventure.