■ Frank Yoshida won the Grand Prize in the "Gateway to Success for New Writers 2008" Contest sponsored by Goodbook Shuppan, Japan, with his short love story titled "Hanarerarenaku-nacchau" (What would I do without you?), marking his professional debut in commercial publications in January 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Kobe University of Commerce. ■ Frank has a diverse international business background. He served as a technical adviser on Surface Mount Technology (SMT) in Silicon Valley, Hsinchu, Taiwan, and San Jose, California. Additionally, he has experience as an icebreaker in resolving international disputes over direct investment in the USA, advised on leather business matters, and negotiated timber imports. He has undertaken flexpatriate assignments across North America, Latin America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa at trading companies as well as international business consultant. ■ As of today, Frank holds ten English qualifications, including United Nations Association's Test of English (UNATE) SA Class, Business English Standard Test (BEST) A-Grade, Volunteer Interpreter Test (V-Tsuken) A-Grade, Nursing English Proficiency Test (TOPEC) Perfect Score, Nissho Business English Proficiency Test Grade 1, Tourism English Proficiency Test Grade 1, Zensho English Proficiency Test Grade 1, English Vocabulary Test (TANKEN) Grade 1, EIKEN® Grade 1, and National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. ■ Frank finds ultimate freedom in motorcycle riding. He enjoys touring the coastline on his beloved mega tourer, the Suzuki Hayabusa GSX-1300R. He describes the experience with the word "Stay aloof."
