I spent two years as an Assistant Language Teacher under the Japan Exchange Teaching program in Kumamoto. It had a profound impact on my life - even after I returned to Singapore. Here are the five Japanese gems I brought to the table at NorthLight School in 2023.

1. Style Savvy. Having wore a suit on special occasions in Japan, I find that rocking a suit is second nature. When I need to host a school event, you bet I’m suiting up for that sophisticated flair!

2. One Piece Wisdom. Shared some serious Kumamoto pride with my department colleague - did you know that Kumamoto Prefecture has 10 One Piece statues because the author of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, hails from there.

3. Red String Wisdom. Enlightened both staff and students about how raising the pinkie is the sign for lover in Japanese sign language. And explained how Japanese people believe in an invisible red string that is tied around their pinkie and connects them to the one they are destined to be with. Gives “the Universe loves you” a novel spin, huh?

4. Pro-level Professionalism. Wearing a suit is an example. So is distributing my curated handout to the participants after my sharing session. Whenever I do something extraordinary that takes people by surprise, know it’s just me channeling that Japanese work ethic. Surprising? Nah, it’s just ‘how the Japanese will do it’

5. Ikigai Wisdom. Replied to an email by our in-house career counsellor whether the Ministry of Education adopts the ikigai framework in its programmes. So, MOE doesn’t employ it yet, but it totally should!

Stay tuned for more Japanese-inspired fun reads! 🇯🇵 🌞

#lifeafterJET
#bringJapanhome
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