Meet Hilke, a Belgian interior architect who fell in love with Japan after an internship with Torafu Architects. She enjoys exploring Japan’s mix of modern and traditional architecture, culture, and gastronomy. Hilke’s dream is to find a permanent design job in Tokyo and work on a “Japan renovation project.”
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Interview – Japan
- WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
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Belgium
- WHAT DO YOU DO IN JAPAN?
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I arrived in Tokyo about seven years ago, after completing my three-month internship at Torafu Architects. It was finally time to return; Tokyo was love at first sight. This time I was in Japan for two and a half months, most of the time I was staying in Tokyo. In the last two weeks of my trip through Japan, I visited Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima again and added Kobe, Naoshima, and Teshima as new destinations. Naoshima and Teshima had been on my bucket list for a long time, but I didn’t make it there the first time. These islands are very popular if you like architecture and art, so definitely worth visiting in my opinion!
- WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JAPAN?
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My interest in Japan started with a lecture I attended by the Japanese architect Ishigami in 2013 at De Singel in Antwerp, Belgium. During my studies in Interior Architecture, there was a course component that required an internship to gain experience in the field. I decided to go abroad for this and did some research and a few applications. I felt honored, as I also received an offer from Ishigami, but in the end I chose Torafu Architects. For me, this offered more growth opportunities, such as developing/designing architectural and graphic projects and making models (whereas at Ishigami, the focus was solely on models). Other major areas of interest that appealed to me in Japan include the diversity, the omnipresent mix of modern and traditional, and the extensive gastronomy.
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?
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After my first solo-trip to Japan in 2017, I spent the first two weeks traveling through Japan, the remaining time staying in Tokyo. After my internship, I came to feel that this place was exceptionally meaningful to me. So I decided to head back to Tokyo. Japan is not only a great source of inspiration in terms of modern architecture, but it is also ahead of Europe in almost every aspect, not just in terms of living culture but also in technology, etc.
- WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?
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Wow, that’s a tough question! Do you have a moment? I’d recommend visiting everything, but if I had to choose, here are some of my favorite places: Shibuya Sky, teamLab Borderless and a great coffee from % Arabica Coffee at Azabudai Hills. For a fun night out with friends try These Cocktailbar. You might enjoy strolling through Daikanyama towards Shibuya and Omotesando, with a stop at the Tsutaya bookstore. Don’t miss buying some artisanal caramel candies at Number Sugar, and have some ramen at Ichiran Shibuya for a unique dining experience. Take a break from the hustle and bustle at Yoyogi Park and if you’re lucky, you might even witness a traditional wedding. Tokyo is truly a vibrant metropolis. There’s always something to do, for people of all ages, so you’ll never be bored! If you’d like a detailed list of my favorite hotspots by district, feel free to send me a DM. 🙂
- WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?
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First of all, the kindness and hospitality of the Japanese people. Walking the streets to discover hidden hotspots and the mix of modern and ancient architecture.
- WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEING IN JAPAN?
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The first time in Japan, the language barrier, understanding social hierarchies and cultural differences can be quite challenging.
some examples:
- Work Culture: The work culture in Japan differs significantly from that in Europe. Performance pressure is high, and working days are often long. Adapting to this environment requires persistence and resilience.
- Finding the Exit: Navigating large train stations like Shibuya or Shinjuku can be confusing, especially when meeting up with friends. The sheer size and complexity of these stations can make finding the right exit difficult.
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JAPAN AND YOUR COUNTRY?
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In my opinion, the difference is quite significant and can be a culture shock for many travelers visiting Japan. However, due to my passion for travel and extensive experience exploring various parts of the world, I was able to adapt quickly and didn’t experience this “shock” firsthand. What I can definitely relate to is that Japan is exceptionally organized, clean, helpful, respectful and safe!
Shoes Etiquette: It is customary to remove your shoes when entering a home or even when trying on clothes in stores, reflecting the high standards of cleanliness and respect in Japanese culture.
- Diverse Acceptance: In Japan, you can truly be yourself—whether you’re a boy or girl, black, white, brown, or sporting a unique fashion sense, everyone is appreciated and accepted.
- Impeccable Hygiene: Public toilets in Japan are exceptionally well-maintained and free. By comparison, in Belgium you often have to pay to use public toilets and they can be quite dirty.
- Restaurants and cafe: In Japan you get free water, whereas in Belgium you usually have to pay for such amenities even if it’s tap water.
- Convenient Stores: There are convenience stores on nearly every corner, open every day and night. My personal favorite is 7-Eleven, which is perfect for grabbing a late-night snack! I wish we had these stores in Belgium too.
- Efficient Public Transportation: Japan’s public transportation system is highly efficient, with minimal delays and frequent connections. Transportation cards like Suica can be used throughout Japan, including in Tokyo and Osaka. In contrast, Belgium has various transport services (NMBS/De Lijn/MIVB), each requiring a different subscription, and delays or cancellations often disrupt travel plans with no clear timeline for the next service.
- DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS?
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I have grown personally, gaining more self-confidence and independence. I handle unfamiliar situations with greater ease, enjoy increased freedom and have become more adaptable.
- WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
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I have two main goals:
- Finding a collaboration and/or a permanent job within the design sector in Tokyo, Japan.
- With the people I met during my last trip in Tokyo, realize our “Japan renovation project” within 10 years.
- MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.
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Japan is the perfect destination for your first solo trip. It offers an unforgettable experience and I highly recommend booking a one-way ticket, you certainly won’t regret it! It will be my pleasure to show you around.
- HOW DO YOU LEARN JAPANESE?
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After spending six months in Japan, during which I stayed with a host family, I learned some Japanese from them. Additionally, I’ve picked up more through conversations and watching TV series. In my spare time, I use apps like Duolingo and LearnJapanese, and I plan to buy the book Genki for further self-study. While I’m not yet fluent in Japanese, I can understand some of it. My goal is to take Japanese lessons before my next visit so that I can engage in a more comprehensive conversation.
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