Consultant for Video Game Company
Hired by SILA Consulting, LA, for a client of theirs developing a video game with East Asian content. Here is Shazia Mian’s review of my work": “Our consulting firm, which supports creative teams across film, TV, and video games, needed an expert in East Asian history and art. Dr. Vaporis quickly became the top choice due to his extensive experience and knowledge in this field. He provided invaluable support to a video game company developing East Asian-inspired assets, acting as the subject matter expert for this project. Dr. Vaporis reviewed confidential material and offered scholarly insights and recommendations to help guide the game team toward authentic representations. It was a pleasure working with him, and we look forward to collaborating with him again.” (from LinkedIn, Oct. 7, 2024)
National Geographic Museum: Consultant and Principal Writer
National Geographic Museum exhibit Samurai. The Warrior Transformed, Washington, D.C. , 3/7/12-9/3/12. Wrote narrative text for exhibition placards, including object cards; advised on layout of exhibit and selection of artifacts for display.
Exhibition Reviewed in the Huffington Post
Localization Consultant, Large Health Care Technology Company
Offered Japanese cultural and language support as well as insights to supporting how a large health care technology company navigated the Japanese business environment. Client review here.
Historical Signage Consultant and Editor, Export Japan (Tokyo, Japan)
Assisted in the production of expository signage text for a number of tourist sites across Japan. Provided substantive feedback on the content and composition of the signage text, as well as consultation about the direction of the text. Client review here.
Smithsonian Journeys Expert
Educator attached to guided tours to Japan and Korea (2015-present) to present formal lectures and informal talks while on the road. Expert profile and travelers’ comments here.
Sample of lecture topics delivered to date: “From Edo to Tokyo”; “The Countryside, Agriculture, and Religion: Past and Present”; “The Samurai and the Castle Towns of Tokugawa Japan”; “Buddhism and Japan’s Ancient Capitals”; “The Atomic Bombs in Japanese History and Memory”; “Travel and Pilgrimage in Japan: Then & Now”; “A Maritime View of the Japanese Archipelago.”
Ted-Ed: Creator and Consultant
Animation “A Day as a Teenage Samurai,” created with TED-Ed. It has received more than 1.2 million views on Ted-Ed and YouTube. Lesson plan I created for educators has been customized by hundreds of teachers.
Defense or Government Consultant, UMBC Training Centers
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), Springfield, VA and St. Louis, MO..: 2014-17 Taught numerous three-day intensive courses: “Asia Pacific” to mid-level analysts.
Department of Defense (DoD), “Japan in East Asia,” Suitland, Maryland, 2011;
Air Force, Navy and Department of Defense (DoD),“History of Contemporary Japan,” Yokota Air Force Base, Tokyo, Japan, 2010.
Consultant/Educator for Cruises around Japanese islands and Korea
Princeton Journeys Guest Lecturer (2014, 2017). Presented a series of lectures and open forum discussions for 100 passengers during a two-week cruise around the Japanese islands and Korea.
Orion Expedition Cruises, Guest Lecturer (2013). Presented a series of lectures for 75 international passengers during a ten-day cruise around the Japanese islands and Korea.