HJJ Work in Japan Files

Q1 : Why did you decide to come to Japan?

Ans. : I wanted a chance to experience Japanese culture and traditions first-hand. I love learning about new cultures and languages! Plus, I enjoy traveling and Japan has so much to offer in the way of sight-seeing.
Q2 : What was your biggest problem at first?

Ans. : The biggest problem for me has definitely been the language barrier. I came to Japan with a zero knowledge base of the language. But, after 4 months Ive been surprising myself at how much Ive learned.
Q3 : What surprised you most about Japan?

Ans. : The weather was a shocker for me. Living in Nagoya this summer has been super humid and sticky.
Q4 : What do you do in Japan now?

Ans. : I work as an Assistant Language Teacher in an elementary and junior high school. I really enjoy working with children and this has been the ideal position for me. This is both a rewarding and enriching experience.
Q5 : Do you have any favorite place in Japan?

Ans. : My favorite place is Osu Kannon in Nagoya. It has many funky/hippie shops and great places to grab a quick cheap bite to eat.

Q1 : Why did you decide to come to Japan?

Ans. : I am half Japanese, but I have never been in Japan for more than holidays or short-term internships. I wanted to have an experience of “real life” in Japan, and to know more about my mother country, especially since I’ve been teaching Japanese in France.
Q2 : What was your biggest problem at first?

Ans. : I came with nothing but my optimism, and had to find a job and a place to live. Hopefully my lucky star is twinkling above Japan and I had got everything within 3 weeks!
Q3 : What surprised you most about Japan?

Ans. : I didn’t expect to meet funky Japanese people, and I am always surprised by what I call their high level of amateurism. Most of them are fire dancers, DJs or break dancers, musicians, painters or craft workers, have a blog or write a diary “just for fun”… and when I draw a tomato, people think it’s an apple.
Q4 : What do you do in Japan now?

Ans. : I’m assistant English teacher in 2 public schools, 1 Elementary and 1 Junior High… and incidentally spying the education system, which is miles away from the way French grown-ups are built up.
Q5 : Do you have any favorite place in Japan?

Ans. : I spent my winter holidays in Takayama (Gifu Pref.) and I found the place really beautiful. But I also love to temples, karaoke, onsen (hot springs)… and wherever you grab your chopsticks and enjoy Japanese food.
Free message :

Despite my understanding of the language, every day I have a bit of cultural shock. Sometimes I was like Don Quichotte, struggling against an enemy invisible to any Japanese. So if you feel like that, here’s the tip: let things be, and carpe diem.

Q1 : Why did you decide to come to Japan?
Ans. : My best friend came a year earlier and recommend a trip to visit him. When I got here I decided to stay.

Q2 : What was your biggest problem at first?
Ans. : I didn't speak Japanese at all!!

Q3 : What surprised you most about Japan?
Ans. : I was very surprised how mellow people are in crowded areas.

Q4 : What do you do in Japan now?
Ans. : I am a junior high school English teacher.

Q5 : Do you have any favorite place in Japan?
Ans. : My favorite place in Japan is Shibuya.

Free message :
I hope to learn Japanese and use it for the rest of my life.

Q1 : Why did you decide to come to Japan?
Ans. : I wanted to learn more about my own culture, and improve my Japanese.

Q2 : What was your biggest problem at first?
Ans. : I didn’t really have any cultural problems when I first came to Japan, but it was a little difficult to save money at first.

Q3 : What surprised you most about Japan?
Ans. : The incredible amount of packaging used for food surprised me, along with some of the English t-shirts.

Q4 : What do you do in Japan now?
Ans. : I teach English at elementary and junior high schools in Shikoku.

Q5 : Do you have any favorite place in Japan?
Ans. : I like the various temples in Kyoto a lot, but I've enjoyed living in Matsuyama the most.

Free message :
Be sure to travel around in Japan once you're here, there're a lot of good things to be discovered.