Occupation: Student
Original: South Korea
Length of stay in Japan: 5 years
Q1.What brought you to Japan?
I decided to study in Japan because I was learning Japanese when I lived in Korea and
I thought that Japanese is very similar to Korean comparing to other languages. Also,
when I traveled to Japan, my friend who was studying here really recommended the great
experience.
Q2.What kind of impression did you have toward Japan before coming?
Since I have a Japanese relative and I watched Japanese TV shows often in Korea, I have
already grew a sense of affinity with Japan. Before coming here, I had an impression that
Japan is a closely related but somehow different country from Korea.
Q3.Did your impression change?
After living in Japan and communicating with the Japanese people, I discovered that
Japanese people are individualists. Comparing with Koreans, Japanese people try their
best not to annoy others. On the other hand, Korean people try their best to help one
another. Koreans value “emotion” very much, so it was something new for me.
Q4.Which Japanese culture do you like the most?
I love TV shows, especially, Kohaku Uta Gassen (the annual contest between male and
female popular singers) on New Year’s Eve.
Singers from various ages groups competing in the same show is very unusual, and it is
one of the rare shows that everyone can enjoy.
Q5.Which places in Japan do you recommend the most?
Definitely Atami and Asakusa. Atami has great onsen and beaches so that people can
have a very relaxing time. Asakusa is a place with traditional atmosphere, while in the
background Sky Tree is the highest modern tower in Japan. Asakusa is also recommended
for its easy access being inside Tokyo city.