Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide Interview

(Kobayashi is on the left in the photo)

This time, we spoke with Naoki Kobayashi, a second-year student at Meiji University and the leader of the student volunteer interpreter guide group. Since the summer of his first year, he has actively participated in this program and now plays a key role in energizing the group, working smoothly even with older, working adult members.

What inspired you to start this activity?

I happened to come across this activity on Facebook. I was interested in Japanese shrines and also wanted to interact with people from overseas, so I felt this was the perfect activity for me and decided to join.

After starting the activity, what did you notice, and what do you keep in mind?

What surprised me most was how many tourists from all over the world visit Meiji Shrine.

Many visitors show a strong interest in Japanese ways of thinking and ask questions about shrines. Since I had no study-abroad experience and had not studied shrines in depth before, I try to prepare on the mornings of activity days by reviewing scripts and studying the knowledge necessary for guiding.

There are also working professionals who participate as observers, and I learn a lot from them. Through interacting with them, I gain insights into Japanese culture, customs, and ways of thinking that cannot be learned from books alone.

Regarding English, even if you understand something yourself, it takes effort to explain it clearly to others. I believe the most important thing is to communicate as clearly as possible.

More than English skills, what matters first is having knowledge about what you are explaining—especially Japan’s unique Shinto beliefs and how they are connected to everyday life. If you are clear about what you want to say and have enough knowledge to speak with confidence, you can adjust your English expressions according to your level.

We usually work in groups, so one group of guests may be guided by two or three people. In such cases, we can complement each other’s strengths. For example, one member may have strong knowledge of sightseeing, while another may be more fluent in English. Together, we can provide a better guiding experience.

At first, I didn’t have much mental room to spare and tried to explain as much as I had memorized, but focusing too much on that made it difficult to have real two-way communication. Now, I try to value interaction by asking about the guests’ countries and their impressions of Japan.

Topics like “lucky numbers,” “traditional clothing,” “wedding customs,” “how people meet,” and “how they spend their holidays” often get people talking and make conversations lively.

Guests also enjoy it when I write their names in katakana or assign kanji characters and explain their meanings. Many people are especially interested in kanji.

I also think it’s helpful to practice explaining your own background and hobbies. In my case, my family runs a temple, and I am training to become a Buddhist priest, so sharing my experiences often interests guests.

　

Do you have any message for those who are thinking about joining this activity?

I am currently the leader of this group, having taken over from my seniors, but I am not someone who studied abroad, nor did I have any special background in history or culture. I simply had an interest in overseas cultures and wanted to share Japanese culture with people from other countries.

When I came across this activity, I realized it allowed me to achieve both goals at the same time.

Even now, I am not fully confident in my English, and I am still learning about Japanese culture. However, after continuing this activity for over a year, I have become able to communicate enjoyably with international guests and provide tours that make them happy.

So, for those who are unsure about joining, I encourage you to attend an orientation or try a trial guide session. For those with a strong curiosity to learn, this is an incredibly meaningful activity.

Participation is flexible—you can join at any time and balance it with other clubs or volunteer activities. Regular activities are held twice a month, on Sundays from 1:00 PM at Meiji Shrine.

Some people join because they want to improve their English, but I believe the quickest way is to first learn how to explain Japanese culture properly in Japanese. As your knowledge grows and your desire to communicate increases, you will naturally acquire the necessary English expressions.

Aside from these regular activities, I don’t do any special English study, but through repeated experience, you naturally learn commonly used expressions.

Studying English without a clear purpose can be difficult, but when you have a clear goal, it becomes surprisingly easier to continue without losing motivation.

The most important thing is consistency.

So, feel free to give it a try!

 

An Ideal Student Activity: Volunteer Interpreter Guides—Improving Language Skills While Learning About Japan

We spoke with Sae Iida (far left, graduate of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), who served as the 2017 leader of the volunteer interpreter guide program and even created a full-scale guide text for Meiji Shrine as her graduation thesis.

What inspired you to join the volunteer interpreter guide activities?

I joined in the winter of my second year at university. I wanted more opportunities to speak English, and I had already been interested in interpreter guiding. Since it was a student-led organization, I felt comfortable participating. Also, influenced by my mother, who loves shrines and temples, I was drawn to the refreshing atmosphere, which helped keep me motivated to continue.

What was your experience like once you started?

At first, I felt a bit hesitant about approaching foreign visitors on my own. However, as I kept trying, I gradually got used to conversations and started to enjoy it. I also wanted to provide more satisfying tours, so I began researching shrines on my own.

Even if you are not confident in your English at first, senior members will guide you in the beginning. You can learn by accompanying them and gradually becoming accustomed to the role.

As a leader, what did you pay attention to?

Participants had varying levels of English ability, so I made sure that both beginners and experienced members could enjoy the activity. We worked in groups and supported each other.

Since it can take time to truly feel the enjoyment of guiding, I tried to assign simple roles to beginners so they could actively participate from the start.

Did this activity help with your job hunting?

Yes, very much. When I talked about my volunteer interpreter guide experience, many interviewers showed strong interest. Since it is a socially meaningful activity, I believe recruiters valued it highly.

Although I did not join the activity for job-hunting purposes, it became a major strength and talking point during my job search.

What motivated you to choose Meiji Shrine guiding as your graduation thesis topic?

There are many books about Meiji Shrine and Shinto, but I felt that academic texts were too difficult, while tourist guidebooks did not fully convey their true appeal.

As I continued my research, I developed a desire to create something more comprehensive and practical—something that could actually be used in real guiding situations.

Fortunately, I was able to have the content reviewed by a Shinto priest I became acquainted with. For translations, professors at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies were very supportive. Native instructors checked not only the English but also the Korean, which is my major, and provided valuable feedback.

I structured the material in a conversational format so it could be used in real guiding activities. I was very happy to hear that junior members are using it.

It became quite a large project, but I was able to complete it with the help of many people. I also created the illustrations myself using an iPad drawing app—which, unexpectedly, took quite a lot of time!

Final message

As I graduate this spring, I truly believe this activity is extremely meaningful for students.

It not only helps improve language skills but also provides an opportunity to learn about Japan. Another great aspect is meeting people from all over the world at Meiji Shrine.

I still stay connected via Facebook with people I met there, and I was also able to make friends with students from other universities who share an interest in international exchange.

For students like me who major in languages, gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese culture is very important.

With the increasing number of international visitors leading up to 2020 and beyond, I strongly encourage many students to participate in this activity.

I would be very happy if you could make use of the English–Korean bilingual guide I created!

Although Ms. Iida was originally rather quiet and reserved, she gradually discovered the joy of volunteer interpreter guiding through repeated participation. Eventually, she even created a full-scale bilingual guide as her graduation thesis.

The guide is written in a dialogue format, making it easier to read and use. We encourage you to start by reading it in Japanese, and if you are even slightly interested, please consider joining one of the regular activity sessions.

Recruitment information:
https://gc-volunteer-guide.jimdosite.com/

Meiji Shrine Guide (English–Korean bilingual, created by Ms. Iida):
https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20180201meijishrine_editor_ja

Ms. Seguchi, a Former Student Volunteer Interpreter, Now Working as a Japanese Language Teacher in Hanoi, Vietnam
(February 4, 2020)

(Ms. Seguchi is fifth from the right in the photo)

– What inspired me to become a Japanese language teacher –
Since my student days, I had always been interested in overseas cultures and English. Through activities such as volunteer interpreting, I developed a strong desire to work in a field where I could interact with people from different countries.

After graduating from university in Japan, I worked at a university, a manufacturing company, and a foreign-affiliated company. Later, during my working holiday in New Zealand, I met someone working as a Japanese language teacher. That encounter made me realize that this could be the kind of career I had envisioned since my student days.

I was especially drawn to the idea of being able to work freely not only in Japan but also abroad, and to continue this career long-term. After returning to Japan, I immediately enrolled in a Japanese language teacher training course.

– The rewards of being a Japanese language teacher –
The most rewarding aspect is being able to witness my students’ growth up close. From a human resource development perspective, I work with students who are serious about working in Japan, guiding them from having zero knowledge of Japanese to being able to live and function in Japan. Watching their progress gradually fills me with deep emotion.

At first, I was overwhelmed by the energy of the young students. However, I soon realized that many of them have great potential, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to teach them every day.

Although I am still a relatively new teacher, each day feels so fulfilling that it’s as if I have been here for two years already. Every day brings new learning and discoveries.

– My future goals –
I don’t know how long I will stay here, but now that I have begun to truly appreciate the joy of teaching students on-site, I would like to continue working abroad for a while.

Living outside Japan has made me realize that in Japan, where almost everything is readily available, I tended to expect too much from others, which made life more difficult. Teaching in a foreign country is by no means easy.

While it is important to live with pride as a Japanese person, I believe it is equally essential to be flexible and adaptable. Through working as a Japanese language teacher, my perspective on life has also changed.

At first, my lessons did not go well at all. I was overly focused on how to conduct the class from my own perspective, which made me rigid. I came to understand that if I do not relax and enjoy myself, the lessons will not leave a lasting impression on my students.

A teacher must think about how to encourage students to communicate. Going forward, I want to focus on creating relaxed, student-centered classes and truly enjoy the teaching process.

Profile: Ms. Yuriko Seguchi
After graduating from the Faculty of International Studies at Meiji Gakuin University, she worked as a university staff member, at a manufacturing company, and at a foreign-affiliated company. She then went to New Zealand on a working holiday visa. After returning to Japan and completing a Japanese language teacher training course, she is currently teaching Japanese at a university in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Although she was rather quiet during her student years, Ms. Seguchi has broken out of her shell and is now actively working independently in Vietnam. In just three months, she has already adapted well to the local environment, which is reassuring to see. Being a Japanese language teacher is a highly attractive profession that allows for personal growth, and I hope she continues to dedicate herself fully to this path.

Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide Activities (which Ms. Seguchi participated in during her student years)
https://gc-volunteer-guide.jimdosite.com/

 

 

Interview with Rie Tanioka – GC Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide Alumni

We spoke with Rie Tanioka, who helped energize and lead the interpreter‑volunteer activities at Meiji Jingu.

Q1: You joined this activity in your second year of university. What do you consider the greatest appeal of the student interpreter‑volunteer guide program?

A1: First, even without traveling abroad, you can meet people from many different countries and introduce Japanese culture, at the same time learning about a wide range of other cultures. Second, because you are explaining Japan to others, you naturally become more interested in your own country and start studying Japanese history, customs, and traditions more seriously.

At first, it felt a bit strange to approach visitors and offer guidance in Meiji Jingu. But once we started, many foreign tourists happily accepted our help. Meiji Jingu is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist sites and attracts visitors from all over the world. Through this program, I was able to communicate with people from many different countries.

Even now, I continue to exchange messages with people from various countries via social media. Some who became friends in Japan come back to visit, and sometimes I travel to their countries and meet them there.

Of course, English ability is important, but what is even more essential is the hospitality that motivates you to make others happy, together with a solid understanding of Japanese culture.

Shinto may at first seem difficult to understand, but once you start researching, you realize how many everyday Japanese customs and practices are influenced by Shinto. At Meiji Jingu, you also see many wedding couples, which is itself a major attraction for foreign visitors.

I often explain Japanese ideas about marriage and family life to foreign visitors, and at the same time I learn about their own views. Visitors are usually business travelers or tourists who truly want to understand Japan, so they listen attentively and are genuinely interested in our stories. When they say things like “I’ve visited Japan many times, but today I finally feel I really understand the country,” it is incredibly rewarding.

Even as a young and inexperienced university student, this program helped me improve my spoken English and acquire the kind of general knowledge that Japanese people need. Today, when I travel abroad for work, my experience of studying Japan and explaining it in my own words to foreign visitors at Meiji Jingu is extremely useful.

Being able to express Japanese culture in your own words to others overseas is very important and becomes a meaningful starting point for communication.

Students who want to improve their English, go abroad, and meet people from many different countries should definitely try the Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide program. It is an activity that will truly benefit you after entering the workforce. You can also make friends with students from many universities who share an interest in the world. In fact, many of my former teammates now live abroad or work in international‑related fields. There are also opportunities to meet and talk with experienced alumni (OB/OG), so please come and join us at Meiji Jingu.

Q2: I understand you have participated in the International Red and White Singing Festival from the very first edition. From a student’s perspective, what do you find attractive about this event?

A2: At the International Red and White Singing Festival, Japanese people sing in foreign languages, and foreign participants sing in Japanese. Many people study Japanese hard for this event, and their efforts are very moving

Because we enjoy seeing the joy on their faces, we also practice songs in English, Chinese, and other languages, then perform them ourselves.

I joined the first edition as a performer, and from the second edition onward as an organizing volunteer. The first year, I was completely absorbed in performing, but in my second year, I wanted to support the other performers, so I shifted to the volunteer team.

Having experienced both sides—as a participant and as an organizer—was very meaningful. Creating a single event is difficult, but it is also deeply rewarding to see many people leave happy.

The festival is held every year, and in 2017, one edition was even held in Cebu, Philippines. The best performers from that event were invited to Tokyo to perform, which made me very happy because it showed that the festival’s message was reaching overseas as well.

If this event can help even one more foreign person become interested in Japan, I will be delighted.

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Q3: I hear you have been involved in the International Red and White Singing Festival for seven consecutive years. What kind of event would you like it to become in the future?

A3: It is already a wonderful event, but I hope it becomes better known to more people. Japanese participants are still fewer than foreign ones, so I would like more Japanese people to practice a foreign language and try singing.

I have been in charge of the kimono fashion show since last year, and working on this show with many foreign women has become a new source of enjoyment. Many foreign women are very interested in the kimono, so I would like many more visitors to come and watch the show.

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Q4: Have your experiences with the interpreter‑volunteer guide program and the International Red and White Singing Festival been helpful in your job hunting?

A4: They have been very helpful. Both activities were strong points in job interviews.

The interpreter‑volunteer guide program highlighted my initiative in approaching foreigners on my own, while the Red and White Singing Festival demonstrated my experience of working with others to create a single event.

Yet I don’t think people should join only because these activities are useful in job hunting. Through them, I learned about Japanese culture, shared the joy and difficulty of creating an event with many international participants, and grew as a person.

In my work, I travel abroad quite often, and I often talk about these two activities when introducing myself. Foreign colleagues always show great interest. Today, they have become part of my life’s work.

I would like working adults to join us as staff or volunteers for the interpreter‑guide program or the International Red and White Singing Festival. Anyone interested in these roles is welcome to join an orientation session. I would be happy to meet and talk with you in person.

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Rie Tanioka is fluent not only in English but also in Chinese, having studied in China, and she continues to train to become a tea‑ceremony instructor. She also admits that she once struggled after failing her university entrance exam.

University life may seem long, but it passes quickly. If you have the strong determination to stay focused on what you believe in and follow your path, you can succeed wherever you go.

Her activities have become well-known even within her university, and she has been interviewed by the university’s admissions office.

The Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide program and the International Red and White Singing Festival staff team offer great potential for personal growth. Japanese students, international students, and alumni can all meet regularly through these activities.

Please come and join our orientation session!

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Contact page – Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide
https://gc-volunteer-guide.jimdosite.com/

Contact page – International Red and White Singing Festival
https://www.irws.org

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Since 2009, the GC Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide program has been continuously active. It has now been officially registered as a Goodwill Guide Organization by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO):
 

As a student-centered organization, which is still quite rare, the approval process took time. However, our long-standing and consistent activities at Meiji Jingu were highly recognized. By 2019, more than 300 students had participated. After the COVID-19 pandemic, activities resumed in 2022, mainly at Osaka Castle and Toyokuni Shrine. By 2025, the number of registered student members exceeded 60.

This initiative originated in 2009, when we were invited by the Tokyo 2016 Olympic Bid Committee to provide volunteer interpretation support at the press center for three weeks. Students also had the opportunity to attend exclusive networking events, creating unforgettable experiences.

Following this, regular activities began at Meiji Jingu. At the time, it was uncommon for Japanese people to approach foreign tourists, so many visitors warmly welcomed the students’ guidance.

After two to three years, more students began leveraging this experience for job hunting and AO entrance applications, leading to the rapid growth of the program. Educators from high schools and universities in Tokyo, as well as professionals from consulting firms and major IT companies, became increasingly interested and visited the site.

Below are some examples of how participating students have utilized this experience for their future careers

"An Interview with the Mayor of Osaka City's Ikuno Ward Promoting Citizen Exchanges through 'Iwakyosei'

Mayor Akihiro Sujihara, born in February 1963 in Wakayama Prefecture, graduated from Osaka City University's Faculty of Commerce and joined the Osaka City government in 1985. After over 20 years of involvement mainly in port administration and serving as mayor of Taisho and Minato wards, he assumed office as the mayor of Ikuno Ward in April 2022. Ikuno Ward, known for its culturally diverse population, embraces the philosophy of "Iwakyosei", promoting community-building that respects cultural differences with cooperation. Also active as a singer, Mayor Sujihara is well-loved for his flexible thinking and warm leadership.

Q: Before becoming mayor of Ikuno Ward, you were also mayor of Taisho and Minato wards. In those roles, you reportedly promoted close citizen exchanges based on "Iwakyosei". Could you give examples?

A: In Taisho Ward, where many residents have roots in Okinawa, we leveraged this regional characteristic by fostering exchanges between Osaka and Okinawan cultures through traditional events. We revitalized the area known as "Little Okinawa" and organized industrial and cultural events, encouraging youth and local factories to participate. These efforts helped build an advanced regional model embracing cultural and value diversity to expand co-creation opportunities.

Q: What does "Iwakyosei" mean?

A: "Iwakyosei" is a concept proposed by Kaoru Kinjou, director of the Kansai Okinawa Library, and serves as the fundamental philosophy for community building in Ikuno Ward. It means "living together harmoniously while remaining different." Instead of forcibly removing walls between people, it emphasizes intentionally keeping those walls while stepping forward gradually from the gaps between them to increase mutual understanding and cooperation. On the other hand, "multicultural coexistence" often focuses on harmonizing differences and increasing commonalities to promote social integration.

Ikuno Ward is home to people from nearly 60 countries and regions, creating a multicultural community. Here, the approach is not eliminating walls for harmony but starting dialogue and exchange through gaps in those walls, emphasizing respect. Thus, "Iwakyosei" envisions living together on the premise of embracing conflicts, protecting minority cultures and backgrounds as diversity.

Specifically, residents connected to foreign countries, Japanese people, and residents participate together in community events and urban development activities. They create spaces to discuss discomfort and feelings of alienation, aiming for "a community where everyone has both a place to belong and a role to play," which is the goal of "Iwakyosei".

Q: What did Ikuno Ward do for regional revitalization around the time of the 2025 "Expo Osaka-Kansai"?

A: To coincide with the 2025 "Expo Osaka-Kansai", Ikuno Ward launched the "EXPO Ikuno Heat Up Project" grounded in the philosophy of "Iwakyosei". This project involved diverse stakeholders—residents, NPOs, businesses, shops, and creators—working together to energize the community and build sustainable urban development. The core initiative was the "Monthly Heat Up Project 100", which ran from September 15 to October 20, 2024, featuring about 100 events throughout the ward. These ranged from children’s workshops and music performances to fusions of traditional culture and new experiments, creating an inclusive environment that allowed people from diverse backgrounds to interact.

Moreover, the music event "International Red and White Singing Festival in IKUNO" was held, where multilingual participants sang in Japanese and foreign languages to foster exchange and realize the ideals of "Iwakyosei". This singing festival celebrated regional diversity and was a significant opportunity for building a community that values cultural differences while living together.

These efforts are based on the philosophy of "Iwakyosei", which differs from multicultural coexistence by acknowledging and embracing discomfort and friction rather than erasing them, thereby fostering community living. Ikuno Ward aims, with the 2025 Expo as a catalyst, to promote and share its unique culture of coexistence and enhance regional attraction and sustainable development. （ The editor of Globalcommunity, Kazumi Miyazaki)

 

Choei Global Desk – All Staff Are Former Tenants, Putting “Tenants First”

We spoke with Ms. Tao Sui‑Xin from Choei’s Global Desk, who is fluent in Japanese, English, and Chinese.

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Q: I’ve heard that you were originally a tenant in a Choei property. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?

A (Tao): That’s right. I used to live in a Choei property and felt very safe and comfortable there. One of Choei’s strengths is that they have such a wide variety of properties that you can choose the one best suited to your needs.

I graduated from a university in Kyoto, and after that, I moved to Hokkaido and Osaka for work. Eventually, I returned to Kyoto, a city that is so livable, and started working in my current role. My main job is to assist customers in English and Chinese.

Choei manages about 28,000 rental units, and among them, around 2,800 tenants are foreign nationals. I believe this is one of the reasons why our international customers feel reassured.

Q: I understand that many of those are international students?

A (Tao): That’s correct. Most of the people we support are international students studying at universities, vocational schools, or Japanese language schools. We not only help them find apartments, but also advise them on daily life in Kyoto, so that their parents back home can feel at ease as well.

Since I myself was once an international student in Kyoto, that experience is extremely helpful in my current work. Recently, we’ve often been helping students find a place to live even before they come to Japan. We also hold regular “Housing Guidance Sessions” at universities and language schools.

Because the busy times for apartment hunting tend to overlap, school visits like these are greatly appreciated. And since Choei manages so many of its properties, we can support a large number of students efficiently — that’s one of our strengths.

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Q: Choei’s unique services for tenants are quite popular as well.

A (Tao): That’s right. For example, this coming October, we will hold a private‑booking event at the Kyoto Aquarium. We’ll be inviting 4,000 people, and anyone living in a Choei‑managed property can join. Of course, the 2,800 foreign tenants are welcome as well, so I expect many will participate.

We also have very popular events like invitations to the Biwako Fireworks Festival and strawberry‑picking outings, and giveaways such as fully‑ripe Miyazaki mangoes or Kyoto‑grown rice. These kinds of activities, designed from a “Tenants First” perspective to help residents enjoy their daily lives, are something you’d rarely find anywhere else.

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Interviewer’s Note:
Thank you very much. It’s clear that Choei truly values its tenants.

While many real estate companies provide a variety of services for property owners, it is quite rare for a property management company to offer such services for tenants. With its long track record in Kyoto and its position as the number one local company in the area, Choei is also fulfilling an important social role.

It is said that about 10% of Kyoto’s residents are students, and among them, international students in particular often need multilingual support as they adjust to life in Japan. This service, too, grew out of Choei’s commitment to putting tenants first.

I sincerely hope that more real estate companies across Japan will follow Choei’s example of prioritizing tenants’ needs.（ Kazumi Miyazaki ）

Mr. Tao and Mr. Okuno, the Executive in Charge

 

Indonesian Student Who Came to Japan for the International Red-White Singing Festival Is Now Studying Abroad in Japan!

NAYA’s Experience at the 11th International Red-White Singing Festival in 2023　　

https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20231127irws2023_event_en

We interviewed NAYA, an Indonesian student currently studying in Japan, who won the Osaka Tourism Chairman’s Award at the 2023 International Red-White Singing Festival.

How She Came to Japan

NAYA first learned about the International Red-White Singing Festival during her fourth year of university. At the time, she was busy preparing for her graduation exams and didn’t initially plan to apply. However, encouraged by her teachers and parents, she decided to take on the challenge.

Having studied singing since the age of five, she carefully learned the meaning of the Japanese lyrics and sang “First Love” (by Hikaru Utada) with heartfelt emotion. After passing two rounds of selection, she was chosen to represent Indonesia at the festival in Japan. She was overjoyed to come to Japan and thoroughly enjoyed her time, being impressed by the cleanliness of the cities and the politeness of the Japanese people.

After returning to Indonesia, NAYA wanted to work in Japan. However, since her major was clinical laboratory science, not nursing or caregiving, it was difficult to find a path to Japan. While considering her future, she had the opportunity to have a meal with Mr. Haruyama, President of Handy International Network, who had invited her to Japan for the International Red-White Singing Festival.

Impressed by her confident singing and cheerful, considerate personality, Mr. Haruyama invited NAYA to work in Japan. With her parents’ encouragement, she decided to pursue this opportunity she had once given up on.

However, one condition for employment was to improve her Japanese to a business-usable level.

She immediately began studying Japanese, taking two hours of online lessons daily. Although it was a busy time, as she was also preparing for her graduation exams, she managed to keep up with her studies. She even had to be hospitalized for a month due to exhaustion, but ultimately, she achieved her goal of passing the JLPT N4 exam.

After graduating from her university in Indonesia, she took a three-month intensive online course focused on Japanese conversation at ECC, studying four and a half hours every day. Studying online with about 14 other students, her conversational skills gradually improved. She also met other Indonesian students from the course in person, and they encouraged each other to keep studying.

After completing the intensive course, NAYA came to Japan in March 2025 and is now attending ECC Japanese Language Institute Sannomiya School.

Impressions of Japan and Daily Life

NAYA enjoys Japanese food and finds everyone very kind, so she is enjoying her life in Japan. Sometimes she misses Indonesian food, so she cooks Indonesian-style dishes using seasonings her mother sends from home. The hardest part is studying kanji, but she practices a little every day.

She also noticed that Japanese people walk very fast, and that both trains and people are always on time, which she finds impressive.

Dreams for the Future

First, NAYA wants to master Japanese and use her skills in Japanese, English, and Indonesian to support Indonesian and other foreign staff working in unfamiliar environments such as Japanese hospitals and care facilities. Many graduates from medical-related universities and higher education institutions in Indonesia struggle to find good opportunities and fair wages at home, so she expects more people will want to work in Japan in the future. She hopes to provide comprehensive support for foreign staff in hospitals so they can live comfortably and securely in Japan.

Also, since singing has always been her passion and has opened up new opportunities for her, she wants to continue singing to encourage others, even alongside her work.

NAYA spoke brightly about her dreams. It is now common to see foreign staff working in caregiving and medical fields in Japan. These are high-pressure, stressful workplaces, but foreign staff have become indispensable. People like NAYA, who support them, are also invaluable. We hope she will continue to bring joy and encouragement to everyone, sometimes through singing, just as she always has.

NAYA is scheduled to perform at the 13th International Red-White Singing Festival at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on September 19.

(Photo: With her teachers)

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"A Voice Beyond Borders": Sundari Mica’s 17-Year Cultural Bridge in Nepal

 

Born in Tokyo’s Ōta Ward, Sundari Mica began her musical journey with a band while studying at Waseda University. A transformative 1993 trip to Nepal introduced her to traditional folk music, inspiring her to master the Ressan Firiri rhythm and later form the Sundari Band upon returning to Japan. While working at a publishing company, she continued performing before relocating solo to Kathmandu in 1999 to immerse herself in Nepal’s musical heritage.

Learning from Legends Under the mentorship of Nepal’s iconic vocalist Mira Rana and percussion maestro Nuche Bahadur Dangol, Mica honed her craft. Her 2003 debut album, Sundari, recorded in both Nepali and Japanese- earned critical acclaim, followed by the Gorkha Dakshina Bahu Medal (4th Class) in 2004, making her the first Japanese recipient of this royal honor for cultural contributions. These achievements drew significant media attention in Japan.

 

Harmonizing Recovery

After Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake, Mica composed the anthem Ekata Ko Geet Gaundaai (Uniting Hearts), organizing charity events across Japan to engage youth from both nations. Her vision extended to education through initiatives like the Terakoya Project, fostering cross-cultural exchange for future generations.

A Beacon for Aspiring Women

“Being a professional singer means preserving culture with conviction, not chasing profit,” Mica asserts. True to her name (Sundari translates to “beautiful woman” in Nepali), her cross-border artistry serves as a compass for women navigating diverse paths. “I’ll keep singing for friendship between our nations,” she vows.

Bridging Communities

With 6 million Nepalis (20% of Nepal’s population) working abroad and over 118,000 Nepali workers in Japan as of 2022, Mica’s dual role as a cultural ambassador-residing long-term in Nepal while advocating for its culture in Japan-holds exceptional significance.

Sundari Mica is confirmed to perform at the 13th International Red-White Singing Festival on September 19 at the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Festival Station, an event promoting cross-cultural exchange through music.

Her efforts at April’s inaugural NEPAL FESTA Osaka (April 26–27, 2025) showcased her dedication to fostering mutual understanding amid Japan’s growing Nepali diaspora.

As a representative of the International Red-White Singing Festival organizing committee, I think Mica continues to leverage music to address cultural gaps. Her work exemplifies the festival’s mission to deepen international ties through artistic collaboration.

(By Kazumi Miyazaki, Global Community Editor)

From Expo ’70 Osaka to Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai: Half a Century of UAE–Japan Friendship

In 1970, during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the Osaka Expo became a historic event with participation from 77 countries. 

At that time, what is now the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had not yet been founded; “Abu Dhabi” participated in the international exposition for the first time under British protection, marking the emirate’s initial steps into the global community alongside the discovery of oil resources.

When the UAE was officially established in 1971, Japan was among the very first countries to recognize the new nation, swiftly establishing diplomatic relations. 

Since then, the two countries have built a multi-layered relationship, centered on energy cooperation but extending into economic, cultural, and technological fields. 

After the oil shocks of the 1970s, Japan positioned the UAE as a vital crude oil supplier, while the UAE benefited from Japanese technology and infrastructure, accelerating its modernization.

Fifty years later, Expo 2025 returns to Osaka. The UAE will participate in the “Empowering Lives” zone with one of the largest national pavilions. This pavilion, blending traditional date palm materials with Japanese wooden architecture, symbolizes the UAE’s past, present, and future. 

It is designed as a showcase and a platform for international collaboration in innovation, sustainable technology, space exploration, and healthcare fields that will shape tomorrow's society.

A UAE official has emphasized the special significance of returning to Osaka, where Abu Dhabi first participated in a world expo in 1970. The UAE ambassador to Japan has highlighted the over 52 years of mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries.

The ties that began at Expo ’70 have grown far beyond energy and economics, now encompassing culture, education, and innovation. 

Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai will serve as a stage to demonstrate the enduring friendship from past to future, and the shared commitment of both nations to building a sustainable society together.

 

—The Stories of Two Youth Ambassadors: A Japanese Woman and a Man from the UAE—

Kyoto native Ms. Mizue Ichikawa, who previously worked in the apparel industry, decided to apply for the Youth Ambassador program, believing that such a valuable opportunity to interact with people worldwide at the Expo would never come again. Through the ambassador training, she discovered new attractions of the UAE, such as the fact that it is home to not only deserts but also rich natural environments, and that about 90% of the population consists of immigrants, making it a highly diverse and multicultural society. Although only two days have passed since the program began, she spoke with a gentle smile about the many wonderful encounters she has already had.

The male Youth Ambassador, Mr. Abdulla Alsuwaidi from the UAE, used to work at the state-owned oil company in Abu Dhabi and was transferred to its Tokyo branch.  He expressed how honored he was to have this opportunity. Afterwards, he guided visitors through the pavilion in fluent Japanese.

https://youtube.com/shorts/u-aGB2maHFA　（Pavilion Tour Video by the UAE Youth Ambassador）

In the UAE, dates from the date palm are processed in various ways, and their combination with coffee, in particular, has become a daily habit. Dates are served with coffee or added to the coffee itself, and they are rooted in Arab hospitality and modern cafe culture.