SUU – Study in Osaka – from South Korea

Meet Suu, a South Korean student passionately embracing Japanese culture in Osaka. Through anime and festivals, Suu’s journey led to studying abroad, eager to speak like a local. Making diverse friends at J Kokokusai School, enjoying Osaka’s warm community, and overcoming language challenges, Suu dreams of permanent residency, cherishing every cultural encounter.

Interview – Study in Japan

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

South Korea

WHY DO YOU STUDY JAPANESE?

Initially, I started learning Japanese because I liked anime and Japanese festivals. Then, as I made Japanese friends and began to converse with them, I wanted to live in Japan and speak like a local. So, I decided to study abroad to improve my Japanese skills.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL?

Study at「J Kokokusai / Japanese Communication International School」in Osaka.

At school, I can meet friends from various countries, including Americans, Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese, Germans, and Vietnamese. It’s really fun to exchange languages and practice Japanese while also learning other languages. Plus, the school supports us in difficult aspects of life and with future career and education plans, which I really appreciate.

あわせて読みたい

Japanese International School Japanese International School スクロールできます INTRODUCTION Japanese International School (JIS) in Osaka, part of the Kokusai Tsuushin Group, offers a comp…

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?

I chose to stay in Osaka because the people are friendlier compared to other areas. The locals have a good sense of camaraderie and are very welcoming. The city is home to people from various nationalities, so it has well-established infrastructure making it convenient to live. There are many festivals, plenty of things to see and do, and the transportation is convenient, making it an attractive city.

WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?

For food, ‘Fukutaro‘ has delicious okonomiyaki and yakisoba. ‘Takotakoking‘ and ‘Hanatako‘ are great for takoyaki. I recommend visiting Osaka Castle at night for the scenery and staying in Kyoto until sunset to experience its beauty in every season. Universal Studios Osaka, especially the Mario zone in Nintendo World, is a must-visit. Nara Park, where you can feed deer, and Kobe, known for its beautiful scenery and tasty beef, are also recommended.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE LIVING IN JAPAN?

Festivals have been the highlight! During the summer, I wore a yukata and went to the Tenjin Festival with Korean friends. We enjoyed yakisoba, takoyaki, ramune, tamagosenbei, karaage, and watched fireworks. I also enjoyed the Gion Festival in Kyoto, the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival in Osaka, and unique experiences like the Oodori Festival and the New Year’s visit to a shrine.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEING IN JAPAN?

Working part-time and currently job hunting have been challenging due to the different culture and language. It was hard to use polite language and adapt to the work culture, including break times, greetings, and etiquette, leading to misunderstandings. However, I’ve grown accustomed to these differences and enjoy learning from them.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JAPAN AND YOUR COUNTRY?

The biggest difference I’ve noticed is in interpersonal relationships. Japanese people tend not to speak directly, making it hard to understand their thoughts and feelings. It’s also difficult to make plans spontaneously due to their dislike for impromptu invitations. The emphasis on manners and avoiding inconvenience to others leads to a strong sense of individualism, creating a sense of distance. However, there are many kind and proactive friends to be made, so it’s all about effort.

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

As I’m about to graduate, I wish to stay in Japan longer and am preparing for employment to change my status from student to working professional. Job hunting is challenging due to differences in resumes and interviews, but I’m working hard for a good outcome.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

My dream is to obtain permanent residency in Japan to travel freely. Living abroad has always been enjoyable, and I wish to continue experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. I hope to work at an airport and learn languages like English and Chinese, possibly living in other countries to learn about various cultures.

MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.

Japanese may seem easy to start with because it’s similar to Korean, but the complexity increases with kanji and polite language. Don’t give up; learning a foreign language can become enjoyable. Instead of studying just for exams, try making local friends and practicing through conversation. This approach can quickly improve your understanding of grammar, making it easier to achieve high levels in proficiency tests like JLPT N1 in about five months. Start with conversation rather than the traditional classroom learning method!

Recommendation

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle, a pivotal historical monument in Japan, stands as a testament to the nation’s rich feudal history. Constructed in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a renowned unifier of Japan, the castle played a significant role in the unification process. Surrounded by impressive stone walls and moats, its architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese and modern restoration techniques. Though the main tower is a concrete reconstruction from 1931, it houses an informative museum that showcases the castle’s history and the life of Hideyoshi. The surrounding park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, offers a serene escape in the heart of bustling Osaka.

• Osaka Castle

Fukutaro

Fukutaro in Osaka is celebrated for its delicious Negiyaki, a local variant of Okonomiyaki packed with minced Japanese green leeks. A favorite among locals and tourists, Fukutaro sources its fresh beef, pork, and seafood daily from the Osaka Central Wholesale Market, offering a unique experience where guests can watch their meal being expertly grilled.

• Fukutaro

Handako

Hanadako, a bustling takoyaki stall just a minute’s walk from JR Osaka Station, delights with its traditional and innovative variations like “Negi Mayo.” Known for its visually appealing, generously sized takoyaki cooked at high temperatures for a crispy outside and creamy inside, it’s a must-visit for authentic Osaka flavors and takoyaki on the go.

• Hanadako

Takotako King

• Takotako King