Meet Rin, a French travel planner in Japan, currently living in Fukuoka. Passionate about Japanese culture, she enjoys exploring the seasons, discovering coffee shops, and engaging with locals. Rin’s dream is to help French tourists experience Japan’s unique culture and promote lesser-known regions like Oita prefecture.
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Interview – Japan
- WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
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France
- WHAT DO YOU DO IN JAPAN?
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I am a freelance Travel Planner for French tourists. I live in Fukuoka for now with a WHV, but from January, I will settle in Kyushu with a work visa as a French tutor.
- WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JAPAN?
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I fell in love with Japan’s culture for many years now. I especially like the spiritual way of life, the deep respect for old traditions, and how we can live according to the seasons’ changes. I also think that Japanese way of life suits me better than French one.
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?
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I am know in Fukuoka because I thought it would be easier to find a job, but my heart is in Oita prefecture, especially Oita-shi and Beppu-shi, where I lived for 4 months. Fukuoka is a really dynamic city I love to explore. I live a bit far from the city center so I am surrounded by rice fields, little shrines and the sea. It feels so comfortable and I like to ride my bicycle around here.
- WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?
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I really recommend to pay a visit to the Hakatamachiya Furusatokan, which is a little museum full of culture where you can also see craftmen and craftwomen practice their art. You can also join a workshop to create your own craft!
- WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?
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I like to enjoy daily life according to seasons’ changes. I also love finding new coffee shops to work or just enjoy a good drink or food. But my favourite activity is to talk with Japanese people in the street, in a coffee shop or anywhere else to learn more about culture and their projects.
- WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEING IN JAPAN?
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Being independent with all the administrative paperwork in kanji ! It is really challenging. Sometimes I feel really frustrated no to be able to go to the hospital alone because I am afraid I cannot understand the instructions clearly.
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JAPAN AND YOUR COUNTRY?
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Japan is way safer than France, and also cleaner! I can walk by night alone without feeling as insecure as I would be in my country. People tend to respect each other’s space, for example on the train. It is quiet so you can either sleep, read, or listen to music peacefully. But sometimes it is difficult to have deep conversations with Japanese people and the French may be more frank, honest, and direct.
- DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS?
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I feel calmer here. I used to be angry about many things in France, especially about insecurity. I also found job opportunities I never got back in France, and I am really thankful for that.
- WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
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I think that it is to help more French people traveling to Japan and enjoy it while paying respect to its culture and manners. I also want to promote regions which are less chosen by tourists such as Oita prefecture. There is so much to see there!
- MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.
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If you ever come to Japan, it will be an unforgettable memory. And if you learn some Japanese before coming, your experience will get more unique so don’t hesitate!
- HOW DO YOU LEARN JAPANESE?
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When I was a student, I used to learn it by myself through music, dramas, and anime. Then I studied it at university for 3 years, and now I practice daily with my partner and my friends. I also teach Japanese to beginners so I can always improve my knowledge.
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