When it all feels like it's getting hard, Curiosity is what makes you see the light!

Minasama Kon’nichiwa

July 2 will mark 10 months since I arrived in Japan to work with Coca-Cola Japan Company. I came for an assignment as part of my career development and did not expect to be asked to stay permanently. I am very grateful for this. Yes, I am grateful for the amazing career opportunity, but I am also grateful for how much I am learning about myself and how I engage and act in both the work and social environment in Japan.

Working and living in Japan for non-Japanese people can be challenging. Sometimes I find myself in situations I don’t understand due to local rules, practices or social etiquette which I am not used to or familiar with. However, I am learning to respect them even if I will never understand them. The difference between understanding something and respecting it is very different, however, it is by having a Curious and open mindset that I can develop my respect. It is also this Curiosity which has been my most important behavior in how I have managed during COVID-19.

As a result of me continuing to respect both the work culture and social fabric of Japan, I have realized that being more competent in the Japanese language is key to better fitting into Japanese culture. For me, this is my number one personal goal for the remainder of the year.

Many of you know some of the personal challenges I am dealing with during this time, e.g. my husband and I cannot see each other due to border restrictions and my mother is sick overseas. As a result, it is easy for me to become frustrated, however, it is my Curiosity toward this beautiful culture and country which is keeping me happy.

I want to let you all know something! By letting you know I am going to have to commit! As a result of making learning Japanese my number one personal goal, I have decided I want to sit for the N5 Japanese exam. I am nervous about having to study for it as it will put a lot of pressure on me to do something which is outside my comfort zone. As an advocate of HAMIDASO (Japanese concept to Think outside the box), I want to show you how I am applying my HAMIDASO mindset, not just to work, but to my personal life. And please, if any of you are patient and good teachers, I would really appreciate your help. ??