Kae Hashimoto Reed, D.M.A. (University of Memphis), serves as Visiting Lecturer of Japanese Language at the University of Central Arkansas. Born in Okayama and raised in the historic city of Nara, Japan, Dr. Reed’s global journey has taken her to Bangkok, Singapore, New York City, and Arkansas, where she has lived, performed, and taught both music and Japanese language.

Dr. Reed’s academic and creative interests bridge Japanese aesthetics in musical performance practice, traditional Japanese arts, language, literature, and the use of manga (Japanese comic books) in education. She is passionate about connecting students with Japanese culture in innovative ways. Her presentations, including “Learning Japan from Manga and Anime” at Anime NYC and “The World of Manga and Japan: Social, Cultural, and Historical Significance” at the Southwest Conference on Asian Studies, reflect her dedication to exploring how pop culture intersects with history and society.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Reed is an internationally acclaimed percussionist who has performed in Japan, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Her unique career blends classical Western percussion with traditional Japanese artistry, offering students a rich cross-cultural perspective. She also practices Tate—Japanese sword fighting rooted in samurai traditions—and frequently incorporates elements of Japanese martial arts and theater into her teaching and performances.

Dr. Reed’s vibrant energy, diverse expertise, and passion for Japanese culture make her classes an exciting space for students eager to deepen their understanding of Japan’s language and arts.