Meet Nida, an Indonesian working as a Unit Service Staff in Hokkaido, Japan, after studying Japanese at Higashikawa Japanese Language School. Her fascination with Japanese culture sparked in childhood and deepened through university studies. Nida cherishes Hokkaido’s scenery, friendly locals, and memorable summers, redefining her dreams and future in Japan.
Interview – Story in Japan
- WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
-
Indonesia
- WHAT DO YOU DO IN JAPAN?
-
I work as a Unit Service Staff at one of the hotel & resort companies in Japan (Hokkaido Area).
- WHERE DO YOU LEARN JAPANESE LANGUAGE?
-
Study at「Higashikawa Japanese Language School」
- WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JAPAN?
-
The first time I got in touch with Japanese Culture was when I was in elementary school. My mother gave me Japanese Sports Comics (Dan Doh!’ and ‘Prince of Tennis’), and since then, I have gradually loved Japanese Culture.
I chose to study Japanese Literature at the university and began to learn Japanese deeper than when I was in Highschool. Even when I was at university, my motivation for learning Japanese decreased a bit.
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?
-
My first time staying in Japan was when I studied at a Japanese Language School in Higashikawa (2022-2023).
A school building is like a real school (actually it was an elementary school building), and because I am a fan of Japanese School Life, I chose to study there. But what I got there was beyond my expectations.
Not only are the teachers well-experienced in teaching Japanese (also handling foreigners), but the people in Higashikawa are exceptionally kind. The town offered scenery you could not see in other places, and the water there was so fresh that maybe it was the freshest water you had ever drunk.
After I graduated, I moved to Hakodate for on-the-job training (OJT/Kenshuu). This place was new to me, and none of the employees were from the same nationality as me, so I was afraid that I could not blend in at first. But after a week of staying here, I am naturally communicating with them without any hesitation. Hakodate is surrounded by tourist destinations wherever you walk. It is a great place to stay. My next assigned city is Asahikawa. I wonder how my life there is going to be!
- WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?
-
The most enjoyable thing in Hokkaido for me is the summer. A cool breeze blows, making the weather that season not too hot. I could just walk around at the park or cycle to the Asahikawa Airport, seeing the plane depart and arrive. I also traveled with my friends to some cities in Hokkaido. Summer is also called a ‘love season’. Sadly, summer in Hokkaido is short (I think it was only two months and two weeks last year), but I had a lot of memories with my friends. Summer is the best time for traveling, or just ‘run away’ from my activities.
- DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS AFTER YOU START YOUR JOURNEY?
-
Of course! Before I flew to Japan, I’d never thought of working in Japan and planned to go back to my hometown after finishing my studies. After arriving in Japan, I saw my friends trying hard to find opportunities to stay longer in Japan after graduating from school. At first, I thought, why linger in Japan? However, after I had lived in Higashikawa for several months (and because of ‘someone’), I was thinking of staying in Japan a bit longer. Even though job hunting in Japan was not as easy as I imagined, it feels like my efforts paid off when I got the chance to see more of Japan.
- WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
-
My biggest dream at first was to study abroad in Japan. I could reach it because my mother supported me even when I almost gave up on my dream. My dream now is to show her every single beauty in Japan. (Also, I would like to be an interpreter someday.)
- MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.
-
Living abroad is not easy for some people because they are separated from their family and friends in their hometown. Although you can stand by yourself, friends are also important because they can be a second family on your journey. Be down-to-earth and always cherish your friends, wherever you are.
＼ Follow Our Community ／
STUDY IN JAPAN
INQUIRE NOW
Please feel free to seek our help at NO COST.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
