Mitsue was born and raised in Japan and spent some of her adult years in Vancouver, New York and California. She started her Zen practice in 2010 at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. After meeting with Sensei Kaz Tanahashi, she decided to deepen her practice at Upaya Zen Center, where she lived over a year practicing with Roshi Joan Halifax and the community. She presently resides in Japan working on her photographic book, and preparing herself to serve as a bridge in between Western culture and Japan. She received Jukai with Roshi Joan in 2013. Her Dharma name is Hoetsu (Joy of Dharma).