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.