JD (JD) | Ishigaki Island Guide | ADVENTURE PiPi Staff Profiles
― JD (J.D.) ―
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Shima, in charge
Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island
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Place of Origin
São Paulo, Brazil
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Joining the Company
February 2020
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Supported Languages
Japanese, Portuguese, English, Spanish
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JD (J.D.), also known as Diego Saito, is,Ishigaki Island・Iriomote IslandA member of the adventure company "ADVENTURE PiPi,"Tour Guide. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, with over 6 years of experience as a tour guide. I speak Japanese, Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and lead tours such as the “Mysterious Island” Landing Tour, the Miyara Mangrove Canoe Tour, and the Starry Sky & Subtropical Jungle Night Tour.
Table of Contents
Profile | Ishigaki Island Guide Diego Saito
| Certifications Held | PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, Class 2 Small Vessel Operator, JFA-Certified Class C Coach, Certified Sommelier |
| Sign Tour | |
| Area of Responsibility | Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island |
| Career History | I moved to Tokyo at age 20, where I spent four years learning wine service and customer service at a jazz lounge and earned my sommelier certification. Afterward, I returned to Shizuoka Prefecture, where I grew up, and at age 25, I started my own business, gaining experience managing a restaurant. After moving to Aichi Prefecture, I launched a soccer school and have been coaching there for six years. After expanding my restaurant business to multiple locations, I decided I wanted to reevaluate my hectic lifestyle and moved to Ishigaki Island in 2020. |
| Supported Languages | Japanese, Portuguese, English, Spanish |
From the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission,"Outstanding Marine Recreation Provider for Safety Measures (Maru-Yu)"It is licensed to provide pleasure boat services and snorkeling guide services (as of November 2025). The licensing rate within Okinawa Prefecture isApprox. 31 TP 3 T(As of June 2024; according to a survey by the Ryugin Research Institute).
Also,Complete Guide...holds a snorkeling guide certification (either PADI Snorkeling Guide or OMSB Snorkeling Guide) and a rescue certification (either PADI EFR, Japanese Red Cross Society Water Safety Rescue Officer II, or OMSB Water Rescue Officer) (as of August 2026).
― What I Value Most as a Guide ―
— The Story of Diego Saito —
I was looking for a place to move to because I wanted to put an end to the hustle and bustle of city life and the constant rush. Ishigaki Island was one of my top three choices.
I first learned about the job of a guide thanks to a diver who took care of me on the main island of Okinawa a few years before I came to the island. He was cool, fun to talk to, and approached his work with such enthusiasm. From that moment on, I started to think, “This might be some kind of sign.”
When PiPi was still in its early days, I had the opportunity to speak with the CEO, and I felt that being a tour guide was my true calling. I was drawn to the company’s growth process and the CEO’s philosophy and vision, and I still enjoy my work every day, primarily on the front lines.
For our guests, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip with family and friends. We strive to provide a sense of security and flexibility so you can forget about everything else and enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Since we pass on this mindset and these skills to our junior staff, we’re confident that no matter which PiPi guide is assigned to you, you’ll have a wonderful time.
— We Asked Diego Saito —
— Customer Feedback for Diego Saito —
When it comes to travel, where you go is important, but isn’t who you go with just as important? I felt that having an amazing guide really made the trip even better. It was my first time on Ishigaki Island, and I’d love to go back. I want to see those views again and meet Diego.
This was the most fun and exciting experience of my trip to Ishigaki Island. It was my first time snorkeling, but thanks to our guide, Diego, I was able to enjoy it comfortably and without any worries. Anyone visiting Ishigaki Island should definitely try this! It was amazing.
Our guide, Diego, gave a really interesting tour and taught us all about Ishigaki Island. He didn't just talk about Ishigaki—he also shared the best things about Okinawa and recommended some great restaurants, so I think it was definitely worth the price!
The Starry Sky & Subtropical Jungle Night Tour is,Mii-chan／Gin-chan／Penpen／Asa-chan／Mr. Izumi／Isa I'm also in charge of that.
Tours Guided by JD (J.D.)
