
WHO WE ARE
Friends of Valor International School, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2024 to support the mission of Valor International School and bring it to life in Yokohama, Japan. Friends of Valor and Valor International School unite in vision for this purpose:
"Raising up lionhearted people who lead with compassion to impact cultures and nations."
ABOUT THE
CO-FOUNDERS
Masaki Jason & Aimee Fukao
Masaki Jason and Aimee Fukao are Los Angeles natives who followed a call from God to move to Japan in 2021 to love and serve the Japanese people. Their desire is to joyfully live in obedience to God's word and invitation to them: to intercede for the Japanese Bride, catalyze spirit filled and biblically obedient disciple making movements, and raise up spiritual sons & daughters for the Land of the Rising SON!
It is their joy and honor to be part of the harvest in Japan. With great hope and expectation, Valor International School is excited to open our doors to the Yokohama community in April 2026!

Our Team

Masaki Jason Fukao
President and Co-Founder
Masaki holds a Master’s in Education, dual credentials in Math and History, and brings extensive experience from the American public high school system. He also has a strong background in coaching athletics and directing student leadership classes. Honored as “Teacher of the Year” and cherished by students in both Los Angeles and now Yokohama, Masaki is deeply passionate about nurturing growth—in knowledge, confidence, and character.
As the principal of a newly established international school in Yokohama, Masaki built foundational systems and cultivated a staff culture rooted in vision, collaboration, and prayer. Masaki is more than a teacher—he’s a guide, a mentor, and a living example of mindful leadership.
What sets Masaki apart is his extraordinary ability to inspire a lasting spirit of gratitude in his students—an inner discipline that guides them long after their time with him. Known by students, colleagues, and staff as the “most inspirational teacher,” Masaki finds great joy in seeing students discover their identity, grow in resilience, and make a difference.
At Valor, Masaki is humbled and excited to see God's dreams for each student. Beyond the classroom, Masaki enjoys feeding people, exploring the outdoors, riding his bike, and going on adventures. He lives in Yokohama with his beautiful wife and their three "genki" children.

Aimee Fukao
Co-Founder
Aimee radiates a steadfast joy grounded in the conviction that each of us is made in the image of God and carry the sacred within us. Her deep commitment to justice and compassion has led her to work with renowned organizations combatting human trafficking, empowering women entrepreneurs, and supporting aspiring law students. Guided by a heart for restoration and a calling to lead with light, Aimee brings hope and wisdom wherever she is. At her core, Aimee’s greatest joy is found in children and the youth. Whether teaching, coaching, or simply playing together, she delights in the purity, creativity, and fun they bring to the world.
Aimee holds a Master’s in Teaching, BA degrees in Sociology, with an emphasis in Human Services, and Music, as well as a teaching credential in Music. A gifted educator, Aimee has taught in diverse settings—from public schools to private studios—but her greatest passion is found in directing orchestra students and nurturing their love for making music together.
Aimee is the product of a generational legacy of faith, and she believes deeply in the power of worship and prayer. She lives with a holy expectancy, convinced that the banner over each of our lives is God’s grace, mercy, and goodness. She eagerly awaits all that God will do through Valor—capturing students' hearts and transforming their lives for eternity. Aimee adores her husband and is abundantly blessed to share life with their very loud and very kind children in Yokohama, Japan.

Janice Tsao
Board Member
Janice carries a deep well of wisdom, compassion, and a profound devotion to the ancient, contemplative traditions of Christian spirituality. A mission-driven leader and champion for social impact, she has dedicated her life’s work to serving the most vulnerable—walking alongside the marginalized with unwavering grace and conviction. Her passion for justice is evident through her extensive work with renowned NGOs supporting indigent communities, survivors of human trafficking, refugees, and the chronically homeless.
Holding a graduate degree in Intercultural Studies, Janice brings both academic depth and lived experience to her leadership. She is filled with hope and anticipation for how God will use Valor to deepen faith, transform lives, and draw hearts into His Kingdom.
When not advocating for the underserved, discipling others, or practicing the presence of God, Janice finds joy in exploring new cultures, savoring delicious food, traveling the world, and unwinding with a good Korean drama.

Shannon Russ Inouye
Board Member
Shannon has built a distinguished career centered around empowering women and families facing the difficult journey of an unintended pregnancy. With extensive experience in development and a proven track record as a visionary CEO, Shannon has led transformative initiatives that have impacted countless lives. Her leadership is marked by a rare combination of strategic insight, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to providing hope and support.
Through her work, Shannon has built a lasting legacy of hope that spans generations. Shannon holds a degree in Communications, and her ability to connect with others has been further enriched by her experience hosting an early morning radio show, where she shared messages of joy and inspiration with a wide audience. Passionate about introducing people to Jesus, she finds joy in witnessing the transformative power of a personal encounter with Him. Shannon is especially excited for Valor’s launch and the incredible opportunities it will bring for Japanese students to discover Christ. With her dynamic leadership, infectious energy, and deep faith, Shannon continues to be a beacon of hope in her community.
Outside of her professional and ministry endeavors, Shannon is a fun-loving and playful spirit who enjoys spending time with her husband and three adorable children. Whether soaking up the sun at the beach or relaxing poolside with friends, the Inouye family treasures their time together and embraces life to the fullest.

Kenneth Jung
Chief Financial Officer
Kenneth Jung is an accomplished Actuary and strategic risk manager at Humana Military, where he leads efforts at the intersection of clinical and financial outcomes. With a focus on optimizing healthcare for 4.5 million Department of Defense beneficiaries, he ensures access, quality, and readiness while driving cost efficiency. With a degree in Business Administration, Kenneth’s expertise extends beyond finance and healthcare; he previously excelled as a residential and commercial real estate broker, showcasing his diverse leadership and business acumen.
Kenneth is passionate about helping Japanese students encounter Jesus through Valor, and he brings a unique blend of strategic insight, community commitment, and personal integrity to his role. An avid sports enthusiast and board game lover, Kenneth was once the #1 ranked 7 Wonders player on Board Game Arena.
He and his wife, Aimee, are the proud parents of two wonderful children. As a family, they are dedicated to exploring national parks and embracing their kids’ growing Spanish language skills through their dual immersion schooling. Kenneth is driven by a deep commitment to both family and faith, and he looks forward to the impact Valor will continue to have on students' lives.