Nobuaki Hanaoka, an ordained United Methodist minister, grew up as a Christian in the predominantly Buddhist culture of Japan. After finishing his seminary training in Japan, he traveled to the United States for additional theological studies. He has since served the Church as pastor for 35 years, mostly in Northern California. He is now retired, but remains active through writing, speaking and teaching. His main passions are for world peace, human rights, inclusiveness in the church, and interfaith dialogue.