Introduction
Hikaru Kazushime is Azure's Founder & CEO. He has been working since 2007 as a web developer, industry journalist, community admin, leader, and an active online presence.
Kazu (for short) is known for his ability to adapt to leading communities, creating strategies to improve or build networks, and bringing people together.
Hailing from Sacramento, California, his career began as a volunteer at local comic and anime conventions in 2004. Always a self-learner, he taught himself basic web design and Japanese language skills while doing home school. Prior to graduating high school, he established a resume of web projects, junior press work, and a list of clientele and events he promoted.
Run Around:Network
Kazu founded Azure's predecessor "Run Around:Network" in 2008 as a geek culture and otaku network hub site dedicated to all things anime, video games, cosplay, conventions, and Japan. Through "RA:N", he assisted and toured live events, expos, and conventions for years while doing press coverage, working in programming, guest hosting industry panels, and presenting what he calls "Visual Culture" to the world from a fan and a professional's perspective.
Name
Kazu (for short) is known for his ability to adapt to leading communities, creating strategies to improve or build networks, and bringing people together.
Hailing from Sacramento, California, his career began as a volunteer at local comic and anime conventions in 2004. Always a self-learner, he taught himself basic web design and Japanese language skills while doing home school. Prior to graduating high school, he established a resume of web projects, junior press work, and a list of clientele and events he promoted.
Run Around:Network
Kazu founded Azure's predecessor "Run Around:Network" in 2008 as a geek culture and otaku network hub site dedicated to all things anime, video games, cosplay, conventions, and Japan. Through "RA:N", he assisted and toured live events, expos, and conventions for years while doing press coverage, working in programming, guest hosting industry panels, and presenting what he calls "Visual Culture" to the world from a fan and a professional's perspective.
Name
"Hikaru Kazushime" comes from his longtime nickname of "Hikaru" which began in Junior High School, and means "Light or Shining" in Japanese. Kazushime he added on in 2007 to flow with Hikaru and use as a full name in all of his work. Kazushime is not actually a Japanese name but fits into Japanese kana alphabet.
Hikaru or "Kazu" typically uses "Hikaru Kazushime" everywhere, and across the net, such as his character in Final Fantasy XIV or usernames online. He is also often referred to by his original character's names in online games, "Erika Shepard" and "Reika Fujishima" by many who know him as his original character's personas used across Azure media and online gaming. Sometimes Rei or Eri. The characters themselves share a soul in their lore and have quite a bit of meaning to Kazu and Azure alike. Learn more here: https://www.azure-net.com/p/about-reika-fujishima.html
Azure Infinitum Network
Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kazu shifted his focus solely to creating online content and building upon his communities. Azure Infinitum's popularity and development as his strongest online community brand led him to unify his content under one name. After its hiatus, RA:N along with Azure Infinitum, joined to merge into Azure Infinitum Network. This revived the soul of RA:N and provided the Azure Infinitum community a stronger anchor with a home website dedicated to content creation, and a community website where Azure communities are developed, and Azure Members can thrive.
Today and Beyond
Kazu's industry career continues alongside his writing here at Azure Infinitum Network as he seeks to 'inform and entertain' while building strong Azure communities. He loves Ranch Dressing, Anime and Video Games, and collecting merchandise at his home.
Read more about Hikaru's work history and experience at his LinkedIn profile.