Meet Sammi, from Canada, deeply immersed in Japanese culture since childhood through pursuits like Aikido, anime, and Harajuku fashion. Currently studying at Yokohama Design College, Sammi’s love for Japan led to a desire to preserve and promote Harajuku fashion globally. Sammi encourages others to embrace the enriching experience of studying abroad in Japan.
Interview – Story in Japan
- WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
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Canada
- WHERE DO YOU LEARN JAPANESE LANGUAGE?
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Study at「Yokohama Design College」
- WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JAPAN?
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I’ve been heavily involved and interested in various Japanese cultural aspects since a very young age. When I was 8 years old, I started learning Aikido at a local dojo in my city, and we were taught basic Japanese. Since then, my love for Japan and the culture, mainly pop culture, has grown. I began getting heavily interested in anime and cosplay when I was 10, and it made me want to pursue learning the language, but I felt like it wasn’t something I could ever accomplish, so I focused on cosplay, and I became very invested in that until I was 13–14, when I started loving Harajuku fashion, and it continued from there! I’m still heavily interested in Harajuku fashion to this day, and I want to study fashion while I live here.
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?
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I love Yokohama, there’s so much to see and do, and it’s so convenient how close it is to Tokyo, so when I get the craving for Harajuku, it’s really easy to visit!
- WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?
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I enjoy the challenges I face with learning and practicing Japanese language with Japanese people who live here. I’ve met some really lovely Japanese people so far, and I hope to meet many more!
- DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS AFTER YOU START YOUR JOURNEY?
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I experienced lots of changes from when I moved here from Canada, but overall everything has been worth it for me, and I want to continue to be successful while I’m living here!
- WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
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I have so many dreams I wish to accomplish! I want to aid in the preservation of Harajuku fashion over the course of its existence and maybe work with Harajuku magazines, I also wish to open my own brand or store and sell my own Harajuku clothing designs, and I really want to become hands-on and super involved with the community within Harajuku whilst also making Harajuku fashion a worldwide experience!
- MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.
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If you get the chance to study here even for a few months, it’s really a cool experience that you should go for if you can!
Recommendation
Yokohama Design College
Yokohama Design College (YDC) stands out as a vibrant educational hub in Yokohama, blending Japanese language learning with a rich palette of creative disciplines. Beyond mastering Japanese, students can delve into design, art, manga, and fashion, benefiting from a curriculum that opens pathways to higher education and long-term employment in Japan. Located amidst Yokohama’s bustling shops, restaurants, and the scenic Minatomirai area, YDC ensures easy access to the city’s delights. With art electives, vocational courses, cultural activities, career support, and part-time job guidance, YDC offers a holistic learning environment for aspiring creatives seeking to immerse themselves in Japan’s dynamic culture and creative industries.
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