For the Animals

Since 2005, Auckland-born Briar Simpson has worked in Japan for the Tokyo branch of non-profit organisation Animal Refuge Kansai, where she finds homes for animals and coordinates fundraising and educational programmes for children. A resident of Japan for 16 years, Simpson has been directly or indirectly involved in helping find homes for some 12 animals. “It’s the single most stressful job I’ve ever had. It’s also the best job,” Simpson says. After receiving a business degree in finance in New Zealand, she came to Japan and completed her Masters in international trade at Waseda University. Wanting to volunteer at a shelter, she heard of ARK, contacted them and was offered a job at its then new Tokyo branch.