Nori moved from busy Japan in 2004, to the peacefulness of Nelson, to create a slower pace of life. In keeping with his goal of a balanced lifestyle, if it's a sunny day, he will play tennis. If it's not, he will make pots. He graduated with a Diploma in Ceramic Arts through Otago Polytechnic in 2010. Now he plans to focus on the fusion of traditional Japanese style pots and modern New Zealand style.