HogenLabs
AI-powered language preservation
What is HogenLabs?
HogenLabs is a language preservation project that uses AI to document, protect, and deepen understanding of the Okinawan Language, not as a historical artifact, but as a living tradition.
The project brings together spoken interviews, written sources, and archival materials, carefully transcribed, to document how the Okinawan Language is actually used: its sounds, expressions, rhythms, and everyday meanings. These materials form the foundation for training an AI language model that reflects the language in its full depth.
Much of a language's richness is carried orally, passed through families, stories, and daily life rather than formal texts. When those voices fade, the language often fades with them. That's why a core part of this project is conducting original interviews with Okinawan speakers, capturing the language as it is spoken, in the words of those who know it best.
The work is guided by a respect for the people and communities who speak the Okinawan Language, and by a commitment to responsible documentation and long-term access.
A language carries identity, memory, and meaning. By preserving the Okinawan Language, we help ensure that its stories, knowledge, and traditions continue for generations to come.
A language carries identity, memory, and meaning. By preserving Hogen, we help ensure that its stories, knowledge, and traditions continue for generations to come.
Our Team
Michiru Tomiyama
Tomiyama-san is a member of the NPO, Ryukyu America Historical Research Society, in Okinawa, working to return cultural items to Okinawa and promote historical awareness and a shared sense of heritage while also offering programs for education and international friendship.
Tomiyama-san is also the Vice President of DOTE Solutions. Project Director
Takayuki Kishaba
Kishaba-san is the CEO of DOTE Solutions, an education company based in Okinawa, Japan. He works with local board of educations and international partners to promote English program/education, cultural projects, and regional innovation.Program Manager
John founded LatimerAI in January 2024, launching an inclusive large language model designed to mitigate bias and enhance cultural fluency around Black and Brown history and culture; he previously co-founded and led VoyageTV, raising $10 million before its acquisition, and has served as a partner at TRS Capital and Movita Organics while sitting on the Board of Outward Bound USA. He holds degrees from SUNY and Columbia University and lives in New York City with his wife and child.Chief Technical Architect
John Pasmore
Robert A. MacAuslan, Ph.D., is vice president of artificial intelligence at SNHU, where he leads the institution’s AI strategy and integration efforts. Since stepping into the role in 2023, he has focused on advancing innovative, ethical AI use across the university, drawing on a background that spans academia, entrepreneurship, and teaching on the societal impact of technology.AI Technical Program Lead
Robert MacAuslan
Masahide Ishihara received his PhD in Linguistics from the University of Arizona in 1991. He began teaching at the University of the Ryukyus as a lecturer in linguistics in 1992, was promoted to associate professor in 1995, and to professor in 2000. He retired from the university in 2025. He has served as a member of several committees related to the revitalization of the Ryukyuan languages. He has published papers and book chapters on the languages of the Ryukyus. Lead Linguist
Masahide Ishihara
Arakaki-sensei is a professor in the Department of English Communication at Okinawa Christian University. Her research interests focus on language revitalization and the description of Ryukyuan languages, especially Okinawan grammar.Lead Lingusit
Tomoko Arakaki
Volunteer Coordinator
Marques Furumoto
Furumoto-san is a second‑generation Okinawan born in Hawai‘i who now works with DOTE Solutions. He has dedicated his time in Okinawa to supporting Okinawan youth through cultural exchange, community engagement, and English education.
David Humphreys is the Director of AI Integration at Southern New Hampshire University, where he leads institution-wide efforts to support AI literacy and responsible adoption across faculty, staff, and students. He brings a background in communication and documentary film, shaping his focus on translating emerging AI tools into practical applications that support teaching and learning.Communications Director