A representative of KaleidoForest Inc., Makiko Sugishita based in Yakushima, is the first dual-certified Forest Therapy Guide in Japan, holding certifications from both ANFT and the Forest Therapy Society. She now became a certified ANFT trainer.

She holds a B.A. in international law from Kansai University in Japan, an M.A. in Public Health (International Health) from Johns Hopkins University, and an M.A. in Economic and Social Development from the University of Pittsburgh in USA.