JAPANESE ABROAD

  • Ono Koharu

  • Hara Misa

  • Rina

  • Yuriko

  • Hanako-san

  • Satoshi

  • Yuko

  • Shono

Ono Koharu

Koharu is an Architect from Sapporo, Hokkaido

Koharu now is in London for an amazing

Ono koharu is an architect from Sapporo, Hokkaido.

She spent last 7 years in Tokyo, studying architecture and than working in a big company for 3 years.

During the pandemic she moved to London because curious to do a life experience abroad in an international environment.

As an Italian, the first thing that I noticed as a difference in the UK was the driving in a opposite way. It was very shocking for me that time. What’s the first thing that you noticed in the UK ?

People with a different face. In Japan 99% of the population is asian. And second, the building are made by bricks and so different from Japan: every scenery is completely different.

Do you remember what was your first feeling during your first days in London ?

Yes, I was feeling alone, nobody knew me and I didn’t know anybody.

Where did you meet the first friends and how was the first impression with international friend ?

The first thing that impressed me was the different way they laugh, they speak and they act. For example, as I am a quiet person, I don’t Like party and dancing but usually here people just join dances without any problem. Then people in London use to talk a lot, more than any japanese in Japan. In a way I think that in Japan we are more respectful of the others.

I remember one shocking episode: one of my language school class mates started eating lunch during the lesson, unbelievable !

Last thing that I observed and for me was completely unusual is the way they wear shoes everywhere: so dirty…

What were the good vibes that your friends in London gave you ?

People are less shy and not so close. I alwasy feel a warmer vibe.

In your opinion, how Japanese people in London are differente compared to Japanese people in Japan ?

Japanese in London are so different compared to Japanese in Japan. In a way they are more open mind and more opens to new things, not so convervative.

What is the differences that you observed about working in London compared to Japan ?

The working time is different and also people don’t live just for working.

What is your opinion about immigration ? Has this opinion changed after coming here ?

Immigration must be managed. If i have to choose I prefer to put some restriction and regulation, otherwise the immigration would be wild.

If possible, would you like to delete borders or do you prefer to keep immigration restrictions?

I think that it would never happen and so, to be realistic, I prefer to keep borders.

At the end of the interview I would like that you express a desire for your life in the next years. Can be a secret: this interview’s purpose is to keep people’s dreams alive.