Interview with Russell&Shinsuke: a lovely couple support and travel of the world
ZONE NY: How long are you in New York and what brought you here in the first place?
Russell Fox: I first came to NYC for Graduate school at Columbia University in 1986.
Shinsuke Chikata Fox: Since studying dance abroad at the Alvin Ailey Dance School in 2007, I have been living in New York.
ZN: What do you do for your life? What is your occupation?
R: I work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 2 as the Division Director of National Preparedness and also serve as the Federal Preparedness Coordinator. I’ve been working for FEMA since 9/11. Prior to this I worked in international development as a staff member for the United States Peace Corps in Washington, DC and served as a Peace Cross Volunteer in Togo, Africa.
S: I have been working as a healer for 12 years. I identify the causes of clients’ energy imbalances and support them in living a richer and easier life by aligning those energies. I am also a dancer.
ZN: What do you like about New York most?
R&S: The diversity of cultures. I love that I interact with people from all over the world. I also love that I can eat food from everywhere.
This photo was taken by a professional when we traveled to Japan together.
ZN: How long you’ve known each other?
R&S: Almost 9 years.
ZN: What were the most challenging moments to get through as a couple for both of you in New York both for you personally and for your career?
R&S: COVID was a big challenge. We live in a 1 bedroom apartment and the walls began to close in on us as the days went on. I started to go to the FEMA office about 6 weeks after the outbreak a few days a week to give us some alone time during the week.
R: COVID also impacted my career. I was deeply engaged with helping ensure that people in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands has access to medical supplies and the vaccinations.
S: Due to the inability to conduct in-person healing sessions, I have switched to remote healing using Zoom.
We stayed overnight in a tent in the desert.
ZN: What has changed for you two since you got married in NY? -Did you two need to make any change in your life, in your businesses, etc.? Did you learn something about yourself, people around you, etc.?
R: I got fatter and grayer. Shinsuke is a wonderful chef who makes dinner for us most of the time. These days I am on a diet and try to go to the gym 3 days a week..
S: Before getting married, I used to participate in healing events and dance events frequently. However, after marriage, I spend more time with my spouse and have become distant from other friends. Additionally, since he loves traveling, there has been a significant change in going on vacations overseas several times a year. Also, as Russell mentioned, I have gained quite a bit of weight, so I am working hard on my diet.
ZN: What are your plans for the nearest future?
R: Travel and exploring the world has always been a big part of my life. Shinsuke and I regularly travel the world. Shinsuke only started traveling after we got married. It took some time for him to get used to travel a few times a year. During COVID our ability to explore the world was curtailed due to numerous travel bans. We decided not to let the pandemic stand in the way of living our lives. Instead we explored the United States and visited many areas neither one of us had ever explored such as Alaska, Maine, Hawaii and upstate New York. Work wise, I specialize in Emergency Management, This can be a very busy and at times stressful job. Sometimes I am on the road with FEMA and not home for up to 4 weeks at a time depending on the crisis. When I was single this was not an issue. After I got married I learned I did not enjoy long separations from my husband.
S: It seems like he wants to live abroad for a few months after retiring. Similarly, I am taking steps now so that I can continue my current work (healing) from anywhere, together with him.
ZN: Where in NYC you go for a fun and what would you recommend to ZONE readers?
R&S: I love the East Village and Williamsburg. The people who visit and live these areas tend to be in their 20s-30s and I love youthful aspect of these parts off New York. I also recommend visiting the museums and art galleries of New York. The best ethic food is found outside Manhattan to explore Queens and Brooklyn for the best ethic food restaurants.
The photograph on the top/left: Meteora monasteries in Greece.
Shinsuke IG: @shinsukefoxny