RADIO BERRY FM Tochigi On the radio program “IZ*ONE Honda Hitomi and World Get You” (last Thursday 21:30-21:45) broadcast on May 28, 2020 (Thursday).
The experience of “Gei Touf”, who is studying in Japan from Inner Mongolia, China, was introduced.
Honda Hitomi: This time, we will be talking to Gei Touf, who is from China.
Do you know the place called “Inner Mongolia”? This is the first time I’ve heard of it.
It is located above Beijing, China, and is apparently also famous as a production area of herbal medicine.
So, what kind of person is Gei Touf?
What motivated me to study abroad and what I felt in Japan
Honda Hitomi: Because I admire Japan and love Japan. Wanting to further deepen my understanding of the country I love, Gei Touf came to Japan about four years ago, at the age of 22.
Now, I study at Utsunomiya University and work part-time every day. On the weekends, he often plays futsal or basketball to keep fit. He says he was bad at cooking at first, but now he’s completely used to it.
What is Geitouf’s favorite Japanese word?
Geitouf: I love the phrase “otsukaresama desu.”
Honda Hitomi: “otsukaresama desu.” I see.
According to Geitouf, “otsukaresama desu” is a “kind word.”
He says that it feels that way when we say it to each other at the end of a shift.
When I say my final goodbyes to the staff and people who have helped me on set, I say “otsukaresama desu” in Korean as “sugohashossumnida” or “kosenhashossumnida.”
It’s true that it could be a “kind word” in the sense that it’s something we say to each other.
…Geitouf also said that he felt that there were many kind Japanese people.
I wonder if he felt that way because of the phrase “otsukaresama desu.”
But being kind to others is really a wonderful thing.
I also think that Korean people… and of course Japanese people too, are really kind because they always ask “Have you eaten?” as a greeting.
And if you haven’t eaten, for example, they’ll say “Oh, you won’t be feeling well unless you eat. Eat a lot!” I really like the greeting “Have you eaten?”.
I think it’s great to communicate like that.
And he said he found convenience stores and vending machines convenient. That’s true.
I haven’t seen many vending machines in Korea. In Japan, there are already lots of them… So that’s right. When I went to Korea, I thought “Oh, there aren’t that many vending machines.”
I’m really happy that a foreigner like Geitouf loves Japan, where he was born and raised, and that he wants to study abroad because he loves it so much.
Difficulties after coming to Japan
Honda Hitomi: Well, Geitouf came to Japan with great enthusiasm, but it seems that it wasn’t all fun and games.
Geitouf: I spent my first Lunar New Year in Japan, so for the first time I wasn’t able to be with my parents.
It was very hard.
Honda Hitomi: It’s true that you want to spend New Year’s with your family.
In Korea, New Year’s is also what we call Lunar New Year in Japan, but it’s around February, I think, and it’s true that you want to spend this kind of holiday with your family. For now, I’ve been able to spend New Year’s with my family without fail…
I haven’t been able to spend time with my family lately, so I’ve been feeling a lot more gratitude towards my parents.
Changes before and after studying in Japan
Honda Hitomi: It seems that some time after coming to Japan from China, Geitouf noticed a “change” that had occurred within herself.
Geitouf: I think that the various experiences I had while studying abroad have broadened my horizons.
Honda Hitomi: I can empathize with Geitouf in some ways. When I lived in Japan, my parents were close by, so I would often ask them for everything… and rely on them. But by moving away from my family, I have so many things I have to do myself, and I’m in an environment where I have to do things myself, so I think my perspective has broadened.
I think nothing will start unless I take action…
I’m sure there are some of you listening right now who want to start something new, but can’t take that first step, but…I think it’s really important to make the decision to “do something” yourself…
You can do anything if you have a little courage.
Please don’t be afraid to try various things.
Future dream
Geitouf: After graduating from graduate school, I’m thinking of getting a job in Japan.
When I become a member of society, I will use the knowledge I learned at university… I’m currently studying knowledge at the Graduate School of Regional Revitalization Science at Utsunomiya University, so I’m learning about “knowledge to improve the region,” and I want to deepen my understanding of Japanese society and prepare to become a “bridge between Japan and China.”
Honda Hitomi: I think you’re probably overwhelmed with your future, but you want to become a “bridge between Japan and China,” and you’re thinking about your own country and the country you love. I think it’s really amazing and I respect that.
I think it’s hard to think about “for your country,” but like Geitouf, you should try things you’ve studied and are good at… first. I said earlier that it’s important to take a step forward, and that in the end it will help someone else… and maybe it will help Japan. If you keep believing that, I think it will give you the strength to persevere even when times are tough.
I would like to continue working hard so that I can become a “bridge between Japan and Korea.”
Geitouf said that he is thinking about finding a job in Japan after graduating from graduate school… Geitouf is currently working hard to learn more about Japan, and I’m sure he has a bright future ahead of him.
Listening to Geitouf’s story, I also felt like I wanted to have brighter dreams for the future.
Let’s continue to work hard together. Thank you for your hard work!