1. What do you do?
I work as a full-time content creator in Japan, creating Japanese-language learning content as well as Japan-lifestyle content, and I've built a community of over 10,000 across three platforms. Additionally, I work freelance teaching Japanese online, and work two part-time jobs in the meantime to sustain myself until I'm able to make content creation a larger part of my income.
2. What’s the coolest part of your job?
I get to create and connect with a community of aspiring Japanese learners, inspire people with my fluent Japanese skills through my videos, and work with awesome brands and restaurants.
3. Why are you passionate about it?
I'm passionate about it because I want to be the change I wish to see in the world; basically, I want to see more Black people, in particular, excel in Japanese. Thinking back to when I was studying Japanese in college, there weren't very many Black people in it; even online, there's only one YouTuber that comes to mind when I think of Black people who are fluent in Japanese. As I feel there needs to be more racial representation in the Japanese language field, I'm passionate about putting myself out there on social media since I feel there are many Black people out there in the world who want to get really good at Japanese but don't see anyone like themselves doing it or have anyone to look up to.
4. Which skills from your IAC degree have helped you be successful in this career?
Flexibility and curiosity. As content creation and the Japanese language are always changing, it's important to adapt to those changes in order to keep up with the hustle and also to make it mentally sustainable for yourself. In addition, always being willing to learn new skills and try new things has helped me a lot with my content and to find success in my part-time jobs.
5. What’s your #1 tip for students and alumni interested in your field?
Make a challenge to constantly immerse yourself in the foreign language you study outside of the classroom. It is tricky because you might not be in the country where your target language is being used most, but immersion is crucial to the acquisition of a second language and, eventually, fluency. Find native media online, like YouTube videos, blogs, podcasts, and conversation exchange apps, to help you achieve this. Also use a study method called shadowing, and be sure to talk to yourself and record yourself speaking your target language.
Meet more featured alumni in the School of Modern Languages!
