Meet Olivia, who is passionate about the Japanese language and culture. From the UK and USA, she’s enchanted by Japan’s sounds, alphabets, and challenges. Olivia achieved a solo trip to Tokyo, feeling at home amidst its bustling streets. She dreams of fluency in Japanese and a lifelong connection to Japan.
Interview – Study in Japan
- WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
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UK & USA
- WHY DO YOU STUDY JAPANESE?
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The Japanese language has been one of my favorite things about the country since I fell in love three years ago. I love how it sounds and the alphabet and the challenge to learn it! I use my favorite Japanese songs to learn, and daily conversation topics to use while I visit.
- WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL?
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I haven’t decided to study in Japan yet but started courses in the Suffolk New College; Sainsbury Institute for the study of Japanese arts and cultures, United Kingdom. But through my self-study and classes, I was confident enough to achieve my first solo trip to Tokyo in 2023.
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?
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On my trips, I chose the east of the city, Sumida/Ryogoku, to be in the vicinity of Skytree -my favorite destination in Tokyo. Though it was brief, it felt like I lived there, and I felt at home 🙂
- WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?
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Skytree, within Tokyo Solomachi, is the most impressive and awe-inspiring destination that I can recommend: View the largest city in the world from the highest tower in the world! I know it’s already so popular, but I went straight there from Haneda Airport on the direct Skytree Town shuttle, because of my excitement. And this activity does not disappoint!
- WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE LIVING IN JAPAN?
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Regardless of the impressive sites to see, just standing on a normal street, watching normal Japanese life, gives me the most joy. And I am sure, any region of the country with its unique scenery would be just as inspiring. 🙂
- WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEING IN JAPAN?
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Being in Japan is very comfortable and convenient. My challenge was my own confidence in the language, even though I was prepared, I doubted myself. I benefitted from as many real-life interactions as possible, though intimidating.
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JAPAN AND YOUR COUNTRY?
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I believe where I live, England, and Japan actually have a lot of similarities -being islands of beautiful peaceful nature and polite people. But Japan is cleaner and quieter and lovelier 🙂 But the social and public ‘rules’ of Japan make it difficult to integrate into; the UK doesn’t have those; I think people feel more welcomed and themselves here.
- DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS?
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Once you experience Japan, you never want to leave, and so even now months later, I still have my suitcase in my room, as if my journey continues 🙂 I look for ways to integrate Japan into my personal and professional life, and the possibilities of inspiring more people.
- WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
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It is a grand dream to feel fluent in Nihongo one day 🙂 And to always feel free to travel there, whatever my career or life path, I always want to feel connected to this place which I have the strongest adoration for.
- MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.
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You can begin, with one word, with one letter, if you are passionate, Japanese will keep rewarding you. Study where-ever, when-ever, forever! 🙂 Embrace the challenge.
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