SIMONA – Study in Okinawa Japan – from Italy

2024-04-21

Meet Simona from Italy, whose love for Japan was ignited by her father’s passion for Judo. They explored Tokyo together, making it feel like home. Simona pursued Japanese studies and dreams of fluency to teach the language. She cherishes Japan’s blend of modernity and tradition, sharing her experiences on social media.

STUDY JAPANESE IN JAPAN

Interview – Story in Japan

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Italy

WHAT DO YOU DO IN JAPAN?

I started as a tourist and then I did an exchange programme in Okinawa for six months during the end of my third year of the bachelor degree where I studied Japanese. My most recent journey in Japan was instead in August 2023 with my dad.

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JAPAN?

I share an interest in this country with my dad. I read some books about Japan during the first year of high school and I got into liking this country and the culture. When I talked to my dad about it I discovered he likes this country as well and he started liking it when he did Judo during high school.

So we immediately planned our first time in Japan in 2013.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?

Tokyo is the first city I have visited with my dad and the one where we came back for our recent journey in Japan.

We had been there several times before my exchange in Naha, Okinawa where I studied to write my thesis about the Okinawa language うちなーぐち.

Tokyo is our back home since in 2013 we were inexpert but then after several years going there feels like home.

WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?

In Tokyo, our favourite place is Asakusa at night because it’s the first place where we went to during our first journey and it has been for all the other journeys in Tokyo. While I was in Naha, Okinawa it was instead the park of Shurijo (Shuri castle) because it feels untouched by time and peaceful to walk in.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?

I enjoyed the food very much! From the freshest sushi in Tokyo to the delicious Soki Soba in Okinawa. I also enjoyed cities like Tokyo and Osaka which seem to never be sleeping and where there is always something to do! And last but not least the people who make you feel at home even when you are far away from it.

DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS AFTER YOU START YOUR JOURNEY?

After my first time in Japan in 2013, I was so in love with the culture that I studied Japanese at University in Milan in order to also be able to do an exchange. Now while I am still studying Japanese I found myself attracted to the international work place and I would like to work closely with Japan in the future.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

I would like to be able to speak Japanese by reaching a native level and to be able to teach it. For now, I try to speak this language as much as I can in my social media profile by talking about the city where I was born, Genova, and about cultural aspects of Japan and the places I visited with my dad.

MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.

Enjoy Japan entirely by exploring all places from the most futuristic ones to the most historical ones almost left untouched by today modernity.

HOW DO YOU LEARN JAPANESE?

It is important to talk as much as you can with native speakers without having fear of making mistakes.

It is actually the best to make them I think that learning something after we have made a mistake will last longer. Another important thing is to practice as much as you can! Even when you are not actively studying by watching movies, anime, and playing video games in Japanese.