Keiko’s hometown is Nagoya, located between Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan. Keiko pursued her medical studies at Nagoya University School of Medicine. Following her graduation, she completed her medical training in Internal Medicine at Toyota Memorial Hospital and in Infectious Diseases at Kyoto University, where she also earned her PhD. Keiko’s PhD work focused on HTLV-1, a human oncovirus prevalent in Japan, investigating its role in oncogenesis and its evasion of antivirus immunity. Specifically, she explored how HTLV-1 includes oncogenesis, including the activation of immune-checkpoint molecules. With a keen interest in advancing treatment, Keiko shifted her focus to studying the beneficial microbiome’s potential against infections after completing her PhD studies. In 2021, Keiko joined the Hohl lab to research the beneficial microbiome’s role in combating fungal infection. Outside of work, Keiko enjoys exploring the city, especially its parks and playgrounds with her children, playing the piano, and engaging in some exercise.