Interviewing Australian people
working in Japan-related enterprises

 

Interview: Rebecca Honda Before university, marriage and her career became entwined with Japan, Rebecca Honda's relationship with the country began in high school. Those initial HSC studies led to years of advanced education at the University of Wollongong and the University of Tsukuba, which she attended on a peace and friendship scholarship from the Association of International Education, Japan. Rebecca returned to live and work in Japan before graduating with a Master of Arts (International Relations) in her home country. Now working for the Japan National Tourist Organisation's Sydney office, she combines work with travel and her special knowledge of Japanese language and culture. Rebecca cites the tea ceremony and Japanese films as her loves, with an added passion for cooking which she shares with her son.

What do you like about Japan?
My flat mates at university were Japanese and I lived in Japan, so I came to love the country. I love the food, people, shopping (so many choices!) and the great customer service. Regardless of whether it is a convenience or department store, the Japanese are always polite. Also, no matter how insignificant the job, the Japanese take pride in what they do. I love how organised and safe Japan is. I love Japanese teas - not just sencha, but genmaicha, houjicha, mugicha and more. I studied the tea ceremony (sencha-do) for two years and this intensified my love for this amazing beverage.

How do you know the Japanese language?
I studied Japanese for the HSC, then for a further four years at university (three years in Australia and one year in Japan).

Where have you stayed in Japan and what have been your experiences?
I have been to Japan about 10 times. First I studied at the Kawasaki International Centre and stayed with a Japanese family. I traveled to Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Tokyo. My second visit was to study at the University of Tsukuba. I also spent from 1999 to 2001 working in Mie Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture. The other visits have been for holidays and business. I have been north to Sapporo and as far south as Kagoshima.

What has living in Japan taught you?
Japanese people were more open than I had expected them to be. I didn't feel any cultural barriers. I was warmly welcomed into my husband's family. I mean, I could just drop by if I was in the neighbourhood and say 'Hi', have some tea and a chat. It was great.

Describe one of your interesting travel experiences.
When I went to Japan to work, I was a vegetarian. Many Japanese couldn't believe I could survive without meat. I thought this surprising since, with their Buddhist history, the Japanese once frowned on eating meat. Anyway I did survive, though I lost 10kg in my first year in Japan and no matter how many bowls of miso ramen I eat (no chashu!) I just can't seem to put it back on.

You work for the Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO). Describe what you do.
I chose to work at the JNTO because I wanted to use my Japanese language skills and knowledge. My position is public relations/media co-ordinator. I organise media familiarisation trips (famils) to Japan for journalists. My office is too busy to allow me to accompany all famils, but I am fortunate enough to go once or twice a year. I also assist journalists travelling independently to Japan. I provide Japanese information to the media, write media releases and a newsletter, Japan Travel News. I work with many travel journalists and meet a lot of interesting and amazing people.

Rebecca enjoys a relaxing break from work at the Yudanaka Onsen footbath

How do you use your Japanese language skills and cultural understanding at work?
All my colleagues are Japanese and we usually speak Japanese in the office. Documents from head office are in Japanese so it helps to be able to understand these! Having worked in Japan, I also understand the dynamics of a Japanese office.

Do you notice differences between Australian and Japanese workers?
Sometimes, although I can't generalise about workers in my office. As a Japanese office in Australia, and with our executive and deputy directors here short-term (only a couple of years), naturally the office has a Japanese feel. I only worked for an Australian company once, and it was a lot more laid-back.

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Interviewing Japanese people working in Australian enterprises
	Interview: Shogo Kikuchi Born and raised in Japan, Shogo Kikuchi could now be classed a truly global employee. Arriving in Australia in 1988, his Japanese heritage and burgeoning English language skills were first applied at Nichigo Press (publishers of jstyle). He later worked for a Japanese trading company, followed by a French telecommunications firm and most recently, as a marketing and sales professional in the Sydney office of German IT company ThinPrint Pty Ltd. Work aside, he derives great pleasure from swimming, golf, tennis and the very Australian pastimes of rugby union and socialising at the local pub. He cites the beautiful beaches, open democracy and stable economy of Australia as great assets of his adopted country, along with a communal love for cold beer and warm conversation. Shogo lives in Balmain.
(Shogo second from right)

What first attracted you to Australia?
When I first came to Australia as a tourist, I went to Bondi Beach. I was so amazed to see such a beautiful beach less than 30 minutes from the city. Then I decided to come to Sydney to study English. I simply fell in love with the beauty of Balmoral Beach in Mosman. The Sydney beaches are exactly what I have dreamt about since my childhood.

Describe your life and career path in Australia since your arrival.
Australia has given me a wonderful life. My life in Sydney has been simple, humble, quiet and sporty and I am so satisfied with what I am now. I started my Australian career with Nichigo Press. I was made chief editor and enjoyed it for six years. I then worked for a Japanese trading company and after that an international telecommunication company. This was a big career change. I then entered the IT industry as a sales and marketing manager. This career is what I have been seeking for a decade.

You are working in a specialised field. What is required for your position?
There are no special qualifications for my position, but some things are essential. These include an understanding of cultural differences among Asia-Pacific nations, competency in English at a business level, interpretation and translation skills (English and Japanese), knowledge of the IT industry and business management skills. Personally, you need a strong will to succeed, persistency and a never-give-up attitude, along with an optimistic and happy nature - which includes being able to eat and drink a lot!

Please describe your current work. My work is very international.
I am required to go to many countries such as Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea and China in order to see our customers and business partners. In order to sell server-based computing software products, I need to attend business trade shows in the region. It is hard work but very fun and I see many people with different cultural backgrounds.

How do you apply your Japanese language and cultural skills in your career?
In my company I am the only person who understands Japanese, and the Japanese market is so important for my Berlin-based company. I sometimes feel I am the interface of two different cultures, European and Japanese. When I go to Japan with my German or Australian colleagues, I need to be a professional interpreter and expert in Japanese history, culture and business practice. At the same time, I am required to do my own sales and marketing work. Japan is actually a hard country to do business in, especially for European companies. There is such a big cultural gap and for Westerners, communication with Japanese people is not easy even after they know each other. If a Western company has an interface person who understands the culture and the language, doing business becomes much easier.

Shogo shares his passion for Australian sport and drink with his rugby team, the Old Ignatians

What is your attitude to work and how does that compare to your Australian colleagues?
I've been described by my Japanese customers as being half-Japanese and half-Australian. I am so familiar with the Australian way of life and the attitude of its citizens, but I sometimes work like a Japanese working bee! I would like to become more like an Australian worker in order to enjoy my life, family and my achievements. I still envy my Australian colleagues.

Describe your average weekend.
During rugby season (April to early September), I enjoy Saturday rugby and drinking beers with friends. On Sunday, I just sleep to cure the pains in my body! In the non-rugby season, I enjoy swimming, tennis, golf and other outdoor sports. Life is really good and beautiful in Sydney.