Mr Tim, The Magic Crayons

About Mr. Tim — Teacher, Illustrator, and Maker in Japan

Creating educational resources, digital art, laser-cut crafts, and cycling-inspired gifts from Tokyo, Japan.

  • Hello, I’m Mr. Tim, an English teacher, designer, and illustrator based in Tokyo.

    Originally from Birmingham, UK, I moved to Japan in 2004 and have been teaching in international schools ever since. I love combining creativity with education — whether that’s through classroom resources, read-aloud videos, printable artwork, or handcrafted laser-cut maps and gifts.

    Over the years, The Magic Crayons has grown from a small classroom project into a creative studio producing:

    • Educational materials for teachers around the world
    • Digital illustration downloads of vehicles, boats, aircraft, and more
    • Laser-cut wood art made in Tokyo
    • Custom cycling maps created from Strava GPX files
    • Cycling-themed gifts inspired by routes across Japan

    Everything you see in this shop — from artwork to videos to teaching resources — is created by me, here in Japan.

  • My Journey

    I’ve worked as an IB Computing & Design teacher, ESL specialist, elementary librarian, and technology coordinator. No matter the role, I’ve always used creativity to help students learn and express themselves.

    Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find me cycling through Kanagawa, Tokyo, Shizuoka, or Yamanashi, where many of my wood-map designs begin. I photograph routes, sketch landmarks, and turn them into handcrafted pieces in my workshop.

    If you enjoy cycling, art, teaching, or all three — you’re in the right place.

  • The Magic Crayons (Music) — A Short History

    Before the illustrations and wood art, The Magic Crayons began as a group of international teachers writing and performing original children’s songs for schools across Japan.

    The music is still available today, and many teachers continue to use it in their classrooms.

Meet The Original Magic Crayons Band

The Magic Crayons began as a group of international teachers writing and performing original ESL songs for young learners in Japan. Today the music continues to be enjoyed worldwide.

  • Musician & Songwriter — Dallas, USA

    Bradley has taught children in Japan since 2005 and brings creativity and humour to every classroom. As a songwriter and keyboard player, he helped shape the fun, energetic sound of The Magic Crayons.

  • Dave

    Originally from the U.S., Dave has lived in Japan since his teenage years and teaches English to young learners in Tokyo. A guitarist and vocalist with The Magic Crayons, he brought energy and humour to the band’s performances. He also enjoys movies and time with friends.

  • Guitar & Vocals — England

    Dave has lived in Japan since 2004, teaching kindergarten children by day and performing lively educational songs by night. His enthusiasm and guitar-driven melodies helped define the band’s early sound.

  • Rachel

    Rachel has taught English in Japan since 2008 and brings warmth and energy to both the classroom and the stage. Her bright vocals helped bring many Magic Crayons songs to life.

Thanks for Visiting

If you have questions about teaching resources, custom artwork, or cycling maps, I’d love to hear from you. Mr. Tim, Tokyo, Japan

Shop Maps