Mat Roniss
Japanese-American mindfulness teacher, writer, and entrepreneur dedicated to making people feel at home in their own skin—through mindfulness, community resources, and cultural storytelling.
About Me
I’m a Japanese-American mindfulness teacher, writer, and entrepreneur. I help globally curious, thoughtful people feel more at home—in their bodies, their work, and the world. Especially when navigating unfamiliar cultures or high-pressure careers.I teach embodied mindfulness, build digital tools that support cultural belonging, and guide communities that value compassion, clarity, and curiosity.I didn’t start meditating to feel calm. I started because I felt lost.Living between countries and cultures, burning out in my job, and feeling like I didn’t quite belong anywhere—mindfulness gave me a way back into my body. It helped me find stillness in motion.Now I share that with others who’ve felt the same.
Teaching
I help professionals and creatives break the cycle of burnout, self-judgment, and disconnection—so they can show up fully in life and work.I teach mindfulness, breathwork, and embodied self-inquiry that’s grounded in science but tailored to modern life. Everything I offer is practical, culturally aware, and designed to support sustainable change.
Certifications and Training
- Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program
A two-year training led by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.
Accredited by:
- Awareness Training Institute
- UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center- Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification
Completed through Mindfulness Exercises, taught by Sean Fargo.
Accredited by:
- International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA)
- CPD Certification Service
- International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance (IMMA)- RYT-200 Hatha Yoga Teacher
Completed a month-long training in India at Arhanta Yoga Ashram, under the guidance of Dr. Ram Jain, PhD.
Registered with:
- Yoga Alliance
- International Yoga Association
- International Yoga Federation
- CRKBO (The Netherlands)- University of Southern California c/o 2013
Bachelors in Communications (Annenberg)
Work
I’m the founder of TattooFriendlyOnsen.com, an online resource that helps travelers with tattoos find welcoming onsen and ryokan in Japan. Every listing is verified and culturally contextualized to make Japan’s traditional bathing culture more accessible to international visitors.Tattoo Friendly Onsen isn’t just a travel tool. It's a cultural translation. A bridge between ancient tradition and modern inclusivity.As someone who has spent over 30 years traveling to Japan and now lives abroad full-time, I know how powerful it is to feel truly welcome in unfamiliar places. That’s what this project is about—creating that feeling for others.Before starting this, I spent more than eight years localizing and marketing Japanese video games to Western audiences. I worked on dozens of AAA gaming titles for the likes of SEGA, Playstation, & Nintendo, and collaborated with translators, studios, and developers to help Eastern stories resonate globally. That work sharpened my storytelling, cross-cultural sensitivity, and eye for detail—all of which now shape how I teach, write, and design digital experiences.You can check out some of my video game credits here.
Let's Connect
- Book a Mindfulness or Yoga Session
- Partner on a Wellness or Cultural Project
- Collaborate on Creative Content