Draft:Kyoko Masaki

Masaki was born in Himeji, Japan, the daughter of Takashi and Ikuyo Masaki. She grew up in Yumesaki Okimoto, a small township in Himeji Prefecture known for its tranquil landscapes. Masaki attended Yumesaki High School,{{Citation |title=兵庫県立夢前高等学校 |date=2024-12-17 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%85%B5%E5%BA%AB%E7%9C%8C%E7%AB%8B%E5%A4%A2%E5%89%8D%E9%AB%98%E7%AD%89%E5%AD%A6%E6%A0%A1 |access-date=2025-02-01 |language=ja}} where she developed an interest in traditional Japanese arts, including flower arrangement, drawing, Japanese crafts, traditional cooking and was a member of the Yumesaki High School Chorus Club. She also pursued outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, inspired by her parents' knowledge of traditional Japanese herbs and plants.

After completing her university education, Masaki began her career at Mitsubishi Electric Sanda Works in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. She worked in the software programming research and development department, focusing on vehicle navigation systems used in automobiles such as Mercedes, Volvo, Peugeot, and Jaguar. Over time, she specialized in project management.

File:Kyoko.Masaki-Ellis.jpg

In 2022, Masaki became the Project Manager for Mitsubishi's hospital robotics project, code-named "Melcaly."{{Cite web |title=How Will Robotics Change Nursing Care in 2030/2040? {{!}} Columns {{!}} Mitsubishi Research Institute 50th Anniversary Website |url=https://www.mri.co.jp/en/50th/columns/robotics/no03/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. |language=en |archive-date=2024-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519100226/https://www.mri.co.jp/en/50th/columns/robotics/no03/ |url-status=live }} She also served as the financial auditor for the project, overseeing a budget exceeding 100 billion yen. The project focused on developing innovative robotic systems for hospital use.

In 2015, Masaki founded PIE Group Sanda,{{Cite web |title=特定非営利活動法人P.I.E.GROUP.SANDA {{!}} NPO法人ポータルサイト - 内閣府 |url=https://www.npo-homepage.go.jp/npoportal/detail/028002762 |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=www.npo-homepage.go.jp}} an organization dedicated to cancer prevention through education and intervention.{{Cite web |title=Our Cancer Prevention Recommendations |url=https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/our-cancer-prevention-recommendations/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=World Cancer Research Fund |language=en-GB |archive-date=2025-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131101155/https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/our-cancer-prevention-recommendations/ |url-status=live }} Initially focusing on breast cancer, the group expanded to address various types of cancer. In 2018, it became a registered Nonprofit organization. Masaki organized events such as Pink Ribbon Day{{Cite web |title=Breast Cancer Ribbon: Pink Ribbon |url=https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-ribbon/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=National Breast Cancer Foundation |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005104043/https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-ribbon/ |url-status=live }} and participated in monthly cancer prevention seminars, promoting lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk.

Masaki also contributed to creating the first cancer peer support programs, hosting discussions on HONEY FM in Sanda City{{Citation |title=エフエムさんだ |date=2024-07-31 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%A8%E3%83%95%E3%82%A8%E3%83%A0%E3%81%95%E3%82%93%E3%81%A0 |access-date=2025-02-01 |language=ja |archive-date=2025-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130143323/https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%A8%E3%83%95%E3%82%A8%E3%83%A0%E3%81%95%E3%82%93%E3%81%A0 |url-status=live }} and developing resources for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Her efforts have been recognized in local media, including the Ashia Newspaper.

Between 2000 and 2015, Masaki volunteered as a psychiatric counselor with the Hyogo Prefecture Hikikomori Association. She provided training and support to affected families and individuals, addressing the social isolation associated with Hikikomori.

On 3 December 2023 Masaki was awarded an Honorary Ph.D. in Community Support and Education by Japan Medical Education Institution.

Raised in proximity to Buddhist temples, including the historic Shoshazan Engyo-Ji Temple, Masaki developed a strong connection to Buddhism, and the beliefs as a New Ager, Mystic, and Cosmic spiritualist, which had influenced her personal and professional life.

Masaki's early exposure to nature and physical challenges significantly influenced her later life. She has summited Mount Fuji six times and completed a 64-kilometer endurance hiking course on Mount Rokkyo, demonstrating a strong commitment to outdoor pursuits.{{Cite web |title=Rokko Zenzan Jyusou (Rokko Entire Mountain Hike) |url=https://rokkosan.center/mountainreport/rokko-zenzan-jyusou-rokko-entire-mountain-hike/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=六甲山ビジターセンター |language=ja |archive-date=2024-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241103102922/https://rokkosan.center/mountainreport/rokko-zenzan-jyusou-rokko-entire-mountain-hike/ |url-status=live }}

Masaki died of cancer on 27 January, 2025.

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