Interviewing the Foreigners of Iwate
Updated: Nov 14, 2023
You've read some of the articles, saw the pictures, and it sounds good and you're interested. But the lingering question that you really want to ask is: What is it really like living in Iwate?
And I totally understand because I too wanted to ask that before I came here.
Today, I'd like to share the voices from the people that came from outside of Japan. Unfortunately, it's something that's still up and coming. Maybe the questions you want to ask may not be here but I think it'll help to provide some kind of idea of what you can expect.
Also, you're more than welcome to comment and provide me with questions I can ask these people going forward!
PROFILE
Name: Taiga Okamoto (30)
From: New York, USA
Ethnicity: Asian (Japanese)
Work: CIR of Ofunato City from Sept. 2021
Hobbies: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Going out
with friends, games, etc.
Why Iwate? Why Japan?
I've always wanted to work in Japan. My parents are Japanese and for me to say "I'm Japanese" I thought it'd be best to experience the work-life in Japan firsthand. But after starting work after college and staying there for 5 years, my future in working in Japan seemed quite dim... Soon after, although it took about a year for everthing to come together, I took the reigns and applied to work in Japan through the JET Program.
As for working in Iwate, in all honesty I didn't have a specific preference. Even in the interview, I had answered that I'm more than happy to be placed anywhere between Hokkaido and Okinawa. Although, I did mention that my hobby is fishing and I feel like this tipped the scale for them to place me in Ofunato since the ocean is very close. But all in all, I am glad I came to Iwate.
What do you do? What was your previous occupation?
I currently work as a Coordinator for International Relations ("CIR") for Ofunato City. What this means is that my job generally entails promoting cultural exchange for the city I work in and help the local community accept foreigners, and all the same while promote Ofunato city to people outside of Iwate (both within the country and internationally) so that they will come visit Ofunato.
My previous job was banking. It was honestly a big change, since, as you can tell the industry that I work in now is completely different. My main reason is as I had mentioned before, but if I were to add i wanted to make use of being bilingual and help those with need with international exchange and possibly expand the boundaries that the people in Japan often set for themselves.
How is life here in Iwate?
Life here in Iwate, or rather Ofunato, is great. I'm not saying this because I'm here to promote the city. I also don't want to state the cliché comments with the air tasting good and what not, but work-wise and private-life wise, I'm able to genuinely enjoy the lifestyle here. Of course, don't get me wrong, there are good and bad of being in a town that's situated in the outskirts of Iwate, but if you like nature and if you are the one to actively reach out and communicate, you are more than likely to have a great time here. Both the mountain and ocean are very close for you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
As a comment from someone who lived here for a year, I feel that the more effort you put into finding and talking to the people/community here, the more they will give back to you in return. You'll need to be open-minded and accepting of the people here since for them, speaking to a foreign person maybe a challenge for them and possibly something new. Oh I should state that the food here is amazing, the stars you see at night is gorgeous, and again the food is great.
Salmon Roe Bowl
What do you usually do in Iwate/Ofunato on the weekend/free-time?
Honestly It really varies... I need to do chores around the house, and I do like to sit around like a bum to relieve the week's work. But after getting a car I tend to drive around to enjoy the scenery and/or eat outdoors. My work right now pertains to tourism so if there is a seasonal event/festival going on, I'll attend that event to take pictures. Outside of that, you'll most likely seem me fishing by the shore.
Have you had any rough times while you were in Iwate?
Oh yeah, definitely. I will say that working as a CIR is not a job for everyone. No matter how much interest you have towards Japan, there will be stress, you will feel secluded, not needed, and possibly not feel like doing anything. It does help to have friends you can talk to but, when you are stressed, even the slightest of things like the change of weather can wear you down, and I speak this based on experience. What I did to overcome this? I feel like its not something you can entirely overcome, but I try to be very lenient on myself and do the things I want to do, eat what I want, be unsocial when I want, etc. At a certain point, I came to realize that I had been feeling the pressure and the obligation to stand out, be liked, show the American-side of me, etc. Ultimately, I concluded that I should really do what I want and be stress-free to the best of my abilities.
What is the one thing you would recommend a foreigner that is new to Iwate do?
One thing I will recommend a foreigner that is new to Ofunato, is to hike. My personal favorite is Koube-saki cape, which is a very simple and relatively short trail with a magnificent view nonetheless. (If you're interested, take a look at the details HERE!!) But other than that, there are really many things to do in Iwate, maybe too many things to do. I should add that many things are still not foreigner friendly, but people here are more friendlier than they seem so I would advise not to be too shy and ask. Because I mean, aren't those happenings what makes traveling overseas so fun?
Koube-saki Cape
A comment to foreigners thinking of coming/moving to Iwate
You may have stereo-types for Japanese people before coming here, but do understand it goes both ways. Don't just react negatively because of how it tastes, how it smells or even how it looks, but take a deep breath, change your perspective and change how you approach it. You don't have to ultimately like it, just understand that this too is cross-cultural exchange.
Finally, a comment to Japanese people living in Iwate
積極的に話掛けなくても、必要以上におもてなしをしなくても、大丈夫です。中には日本語が覚束無い方もいるとは思いますが、その際にはゆっくり話して、時間を十分に使って聞き取り、手をかしてもらえると嬉しいです。Thank you very much for your time.
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