NYT Column: Take Back the Trash by JET alum Bruce Feiler
Article/Journalism, Books, Celebrity, Food & Drink, Notable JET Alums, Writers 
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“Take Back the Trash“ is a thoughtful column on whether to throw out food in your refrigerator by JET alum Bruce Feiler, author of Learning to Bow, Walking the Bible and several other best-sellers including his recent book The Council of Dads:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/fashion/06ThisLife.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2
Justin’s Japan (or America): Oscar Winner + Film Director Q&As
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Academy Award-winning songwriter Randy Newman. (Pamela Springsteen)
JetWit is proud to announce that JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) is now the official Music Q&A and Perfoming Arts Q&A reporter for Examiner.com‘s national page! Kicking off his new channels are exclusive interviews with Academy Award-winning songwriter Randy Newman and filmmaker Kevin Smith.
Visit Justin’s site here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Writer/actor/director Kevin Smith. (Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Justin’s Japan: Q&A with Billy Sheehan of Mr. Big
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- Billy Sheehan of platinum-selling rock group Mr. Big. (William Hames)
By JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Considered by many to be the Eddie Van Halen of bass, Billy Sheehan launched his recording career in the late ’70s with the Buffalo-based rock trio Talas, then joined original Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth’s band in the mid-’80s for two platinum-selling albums. After parting with Diamond Dave, Sheehan formed Mr. Big in 1988. Best known for its hit ballad “To Be with You”—which went to number one in 15 countries including the U.S. in 1992—Mr. Big called it quits a decade later, but in 2009 the original lineup reformed for a massive tour of Asia and Europe.
In February, the band released What If…, the first album in 15 years from the reunited rockers, which instantly went gold in Japan upon release. I spoke with Billy about the new album, his long relationship with Japan, and Mr. Big’s future touring plans.
What are some of your favorite “culture shock” memories from Japan?
Let’s see. Well, I toured with a Japanese band called B’z [in 2002], and they’re a huge band. One of their singles released that I played on [1999’s “Giri Giri Chop,” with Pat Torpey] sold, I think, three or four million units in a day; they’ve sold more records in Japan than Madonna has sold. Amazing statistics; wonderful bunch of guys, too. But we’ve played in little, tiny places where very few Western bands have ever performed. We did a thing on this little island where at the hotel there weren’t even Western numbers on the doors, so I had to remember the character of the kanji on the door to try to remember which door was mine, and that was an interesting moment for me.
It must have been a thrilling experience to go on tour with them.
We played all over. In Mr. Big, that’s one thing we’ve done, as well. Most bands [play] Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and that’s it. But we’ve done Sendai, Kagoshima, Niigata, Sapporo, Fukuoka; all kinds of little places, a lot of places where many bands don’t get to. In Sendai, the first time we played there, we found out that they were having a petition to have Mr. Big play there. It had 30,000 signatures on it, and the place we were playing could only hold about 5,000 people, so we asked, what happened to the other 25,000 people that signed the thing? It was pretty fun; a sweet, sweet beautiful little city, great spot. We were very lucky to see a side of Japan that not a lot of Westerners see. It’s a very inspirational experience.
In your opinion, how do you think Japan has changed from the time you first went there up until now?
I know the economy’s been in trouble for a while, so now we’re starting to see things like discount stores and prices that aren’t set anymore; that’s a new thing for them, to go into a store and not pay absolute full retail for something, which they did for a long, long time. Now, they’re actually looking for bargains. That’s an interesting cultural change that not a lot of Japanese folks are used to. Also, the idea that once you work for a company, you are there for a lifetime of work; it’s not as secure anymore. So, I do believe there is a little bit of concern and worry amongst the average folks now that things are changing, and it’s sad to see. It’ll be interesting to see how things play out in the end.
When you played the Mr. Big reunion shows in Japan in 2009, did you notice any shift in the people who were coming to the shows?
We were very, very surprised at how many young kids were in the audience. We had a few gray heads of hair out there, too, of course, but there was amazingly a very large amount of very young kids, because I guess like any band, when you’re fortunate enough to get to some plateau of success, things start to kind of become timeless, as with this whole Beatles fans thing—I’m not comparing ourselves to them, of course, but same principle. So, we’re pleasantly surprised to see a lot of very young people whose parents probably turned them on to it, or their older brothers or sisters. So, that was a great thing.
You’re spanning generations now over there.
Yeah, I think there’s probably three generations easily being represented in the audience. We’re so thankful.
You’ve been known to get extra work and gigs in Japan over the years, like the B’z tour, Hard Rock Cafe radio spots, bass clinics, and other appearances. Do these usually come to you by reputation, or do you have to actively campaign for them?
Generally, they come to me, which I’m humbled by. It’s awful nice of them to consider me for their endorsement things and what have you. Fortunately, the press in Japan is thorough and omnipresent, so we really get a lot of coverage, and if we get fortunate enough to have a reputation that precedes us, that’s pretty cool. And it’s been an incredibly lucrative thing, to be frank—we’ve made a lot of money from Japan. And when we played there, we realized that. So, we played, and I came off the stage and practically collapsed from exhaustion a couple of times, because we push hard in our appreciation for what we have now as a result of the fans there. We don’t forget it for a minute. That’s pretty awesome.
Click here for the complete interview.
FoxHound87: Hadaka Matsuri
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Joshua Small is a First Year JET currently living in Ikaruga-cho, Nara-ken and has been chronicling his experience on his blog Snorlax87.
Most people haven’t noticed, but I’ve been training ever since I arrived in Japan. Not physical training, mind you, but social training. Being a gaijin (foreigner) in Japan is sometimes like having two heads. Adults stare you in confusion. Children hide behind their parents. Students are oddly fascinated. All this “standing out” has given me this incredible layer of social apathy. I am no longer fazed when people stare. I no longer die a little inside when children run from me. I relish the times when people don’t sit next to me on the train, even when the train is CRAMMED with people. All this “training” has prepared me for what happened on February 19th, the Hadaka Matsuri (better known as the Naked Man Festival).
The Hadaka Matsuri is a fertility festival held all across Japan, but the largest one is in Ookayama Prefecture. When I say largest, I mean it. There are 9,000 participants, all male. Allow me to tell you a tale of manliness, testosterone, and true grit.
The Ookayama AJET chartered a bus for all the visiting JETs from across Japan. There were probably about 30 of us in all. On the bus, the Ookayama AJET president gave us the lowdown on what to expect at the festival. The main event didn’t start until 10, so they suggested that we “suit up” around 8:30. We had arrived at 6:30 so we had plenty of time to kill. That is, until one Nara JET suggested that we “suit up” now. Screw the whole 8:30 thing. Ok, I’m game. Let’s do it.
I bought my fundoshi (sumo diaper) and running slippers and went into the changing tent with 4 other Nara JETs. I had to fill out a personal form including name, address, and blood type (in case I get injured). That was….unnerving. There were some old men waiting for us in the tent. They were volunteer fundoshi wrappers. I got naked and let the old man have his way with me. He gave me the biggest wedgie of my life. He slapped my belly as he commanded I spin so the fundoshi wrapped tightly. High school bullies could learn a thing or two from this man. I heard that in other tents, there were also old ladies doing the fundoshi wrapping.
There we stood. 4 proud men, buttocks out, ready for the weirdest festival of our lives. By the way, it was cold…ahem. In this festival, groups of men (similarly dressed) run around the temple grounds in Saidaiji shouting “Washoi!” “Washoi” is a mantra meant to heat up the body. Remember, it’s f*cking cold. We waited for a group of men to come running by so we could join their ranks. We were so excited that we jumped into the first group that ran by. BIG mistake.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.
http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/
JapaneseLondon Round-up – March 3, 2011
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Thanks to JETAA UK Communications Director Vanessa Villalobos for sharing this with JetWit. Vanessa is also the publisher of JapaneseLondon.com:
Featured article: March 2011 Round-Up Part One
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JAPANESE LONDON?
From Norwegian Wood, Tran Anh Hung’s film, based on Murakami’s book. What was that? *Head spins on neck*. Erm, that was the first one-sixth of 2011, passed already. But fear not, now spring has most definitely sprung it’s the perfect time to get out and appreciate Japan… in London!
Japanese Literature
Fans of Japan-related scribblings are in for a treat this month. Tran Anh Hung’s highly-anticipated screen version of Haruki Murakami’s bestselling novel, ‘Norwegian Wood’, will open at UK cinemas from 11th March. British author David Mitchell’s newest offering, ‘The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet’ isn’t due for release until March 17th, but has already racked up 96 rave reviews on Amazon. If you fancy a literary chinwag, Japan Society book club members will be vociferously discussing ‘Silence’ by Endo Shusaku next Monday March 7th – Japan Society members shouldregister their attendance: events@japanesociety.org.
Madame Butterfly
The enduringly popular Madame Butterfly is on at the Royal Albert Hall only until March 13th, so you’ll need to be quick to catch it. Set in an ‘enchanting’ Japanese Water Garden, an extra show has been already been added to meet ‘huge popular’ demand. If you can’t make it, why not order Angela Gheorghui’s CD recording, lie back and think of Japan? Or, if you’ve seen the opera and you crave more of the same, pre-order a copy of Lee Langley’s Butterfly’s Shadow – a novel in the style of Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea, that takes Puccini’s Madam Butterfly as its starting point.
HIBIKI – Japanese Music
Continuing on a musical note (!), HIBIKI: Resonances from Japan at King’s Place will run from today 3rd March, until 5th March 2011. This eclectic event; ‘A 1000-year journey through the rich heritage of Japanese music’ features collaborations with London-based musicians and an exploration of ‘Music in Mange’ with Helen McCarthy. Promisingly, there is also set to be a Suntory Hibiki whisky tasting in the bar.
Bunka-Sai – Japanese Cultural Festival
And finally – a new Japanese Culture Festival: ‘Bunka-sai’ will take over Conway Hall for one day only, this Saturday 5th March, to bring together Japanese culture, language, food and drink. Organised by Akemi Solloway.
JapaneseLondon.com‘s Round-Ups are bi-weekly. If you want to see more Japan-related events in London, check out the JapaneseLondon.com Events Calendar.
Job: Translation Job in Woodinville (Seattle Area)
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via PNW JETAA. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Translation Job in Woodinville (Seattle Area)
Job Details:
Precor, a manufacturer of fitness equipment – including treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bicycles – seeks a translator to work on location at its facilities in Woodinville, WA for the duration of a translation project. The translator will be provided with an introduction to the fitness equipment’s software user interface prior to translating the UI to the Japanese language. Familiarity with Qt Linguist is preferred, but not required.
Successful completion of the project requires:
To facilitate this project, Precor will provide:
How to apply:
In your Statement of Work, please specify:
Please direct inquiries to:
Autumn Stroupe
autumn.stroupe@precor.com
Job: Accounting/Administrative Assistant (Illinois)
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via Actus Consulting Group, Inc.. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Accounting/Administrative Assistant (Illinois)
Job Details:
Japanese trading company seeks an Accounting/Administrative Assistant for their new office in Schamburg, IL.
Job duties will include accounting related work such as A/R, A/P, and payroll as well as various assisting work for their staffs.
Business Hours: 9am to 5pm.
Salary: $40K
Qualifications:
How to apply:
Please forward your most recent resume and cover letter to stakeda@actus-usa.com as an MS Word attachment. Make sure to mention which position you are applying to in your cover letter. We will contact qualified candidates to have a preliminary interview. We are a Japanese staffing agency and currently searching for candidates for the above position at one of our client companies. We look forward to your application. Thank you!
Matthew Cook leads 4th & 5th year JETs in a game of karuta at the Mid-Year Conference
Matthew Cook (Osaka-fu, 2007-Present) has been elected as National AJET Chair for the 2011-2012 JET year. Cook has been particularly focused on the challenges faced by the JET Program to its future existence.
According to fellow Osaka JET Cailin Arena (2008-Present):
“Matt has spent the past year completely re-defining Osaka AJET. He and the other members have taken the organization in a new direction – using events planning and fundraising to promote JET within their community, which has been experiencing a diminishing number of requests for JETs every year. In just the past 10 months, Osaka has set up volunteer relationships with local orphanages and public service workers, and it has begun developing a study abroad scholarship for students of JET teachers. AJET has been working hard to show Osaka exactly what the benefits of choosing JET are.”
In addition to his work with AJET, Cook has been extremely active within his Board of Education, developing an English curriculum to help Japanese teachers make the transition to elementary school English education as easy as possible. Using his experiences as both a mid-year conference presenter and Tokyo Orientation presenter, Cook will also be leading training seminars this spring. Together with AJET, he hopes to bring support to both JETs and their contracting organizations.
For more detailed information on Cook’s plans for AJET, please visit the AJET website and read his campaign platform: http://ajet.net/lang/en/about/ajet-elections/2011-2012-executive-candidate-platforms/
You can also visit his discussion page to voice any opinions you have about the direction you’d like to see AJET go: http://www.facebook.com/MCookAJET
Osaka AJET is also on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us to join the discussion! http://twitter.com/OsakaAJET
Job: Finance/Accounting–fluent in Japanese (Chicago)
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via Bianca Jarvis (CIR Kyoto-shi, 2002-05). Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Finance/Accounting position
Job Details:
Recent graduate with Finance or Accounting background needed to do billing. This is a wonderful opportunity for a recent college grad looking to begin their career in Finance or Accounting.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should email their resumes as an MS Word attachment to: chopkins@bannerpersonnel.com
Job: News Producer, Nippon TV (London)
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via JETAA UK. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: News Producer, Nippon TV (London)
Job Details:
Japanese broadcaster Nippon Television is looking for a News Producer to join its busy London bureau. A good understanding of Japanese and a proactive approach to newsgathering are essential for the role.
You should be university educated, with a keen interest in domestic and international current affairs, have excellent communication skills and a desire to learn video production techniques.
You will be working closely with Japanese correspondents and various broadcast staff and should be a strong team player.
The role involves frequent overseas travel to both Europe and the Middle East and it is essential that you are available to travel at short notice and to work flexible hours.
How to apply:
To apply for this position, please e-mail your CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the position to: ntvproducer@gmail.com.
JOB START DATE: Tuesday 3 May 2011
CLOSING DATE: Monday 28 March 2011
CONTACT NAME: Gemma Haywood
CONTACT EMAIL: ntvproducer@gmail.com
Job: Manager, International Strategy & Planning at 7-Eleven, Inc.
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via 7-Eleven, Inc. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Manager, International Strategy & Planning
Job Details:
Consult and lead International Licensees in developing and executing a strategic plan and long-term approach to implementing the 7-Eleven, Inc. business system. Provide planning and analysis support for the International Division.
Position Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelors degree required. MBA preferred
• 5–10 years of experience with a multi-unit/division based retail company
• Previous experience with international business processes, strategic planning and financial analysis
• Working knowledge of commercial international real estate development principles
• Training skills necessary to teach planning principles, for example, strategic planning, project management, acquisition processes) to International Licensees and their employees
• Presentation skills necessary to effectively communicate, update, persuade, and/or facilitate discussions with international senior management teams
• Interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, employees, management, and suppliers.
• Ability to consult and interact comfortably with C-level and senior executives around the world
• Computer proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, and web-based applications
• Working knowledge of world cultures and religious beliefs
• Must have a valid passport or the ability to obtain one
ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Fluent Japanese or Chinese communication skills a plus
• Strategy consulting background
• Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in finance or strategy.
• Thorough knowledge of 7-Eleven, Inc.’s Business Concept including Retailer Initiative
For more details see post on the JetWit LinkedIn page:
http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&discussionID=45228734&gid=1434827&trk=eml-anet_dig-b_jb-ttl-cn
JET alum sake expert spotlighted in Japan Times
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Today’s Japan Times makes mention of JET alum and leading sake expert John Gauntner (a.k.a. The Sake Guy), author of the Sake World E-Newsletter. In the article, which highlights sake’s growing popularity around the world, Gauntner recalls his long journey with the rice-based beverage — from love at first sip to his current status as the first and only non-Japanese certified “sake expert assessor”.
Check out the article, “Foreign sake experts win over hearts, palates”.
Gauntner is a noted lecturer on sake who travels the world speaking on the topic. He has published a score of books on sake and spoke at Japan Society last May. To learn more about him and sake, visit his website www.sake-world.com.
Cherry Blossom Guide for Japan 2011
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I just saw this in the AJET March 2011 eBulletin and thought it might be useful to JetWit readers as well (or at least induce natsukashii feelings):
The Sakura Guide
Here are the predicted dates for the sakura first blossom opening and full bloom across Japan (for major cherry blossom sites in each prefecture). If you are travelling around, make the most of each prefecture!
Kyushu Area:
Okinawa: Finished (Early February)
Kagoshima: Open: 1st April Full Bloom: 10th April
Miyazaki: Open: 22nd March Full Bloom: 30th March
Oita: Open: 22nd March Full Bloom: 30th March
Kumamoto: Open: 21st March Full Bloom: 30th March
Nagasaki: Open: 22nd March Full Bloom: 31st March
Saga: Open: 22nd March Full Bloom: 31st March
Fukuoka: Open: 21st March Full Bloom: 30th March
Chugoku/Shikoku Area:
Kochi: Open: 20th March Full Bloom: 28th March
Ehime: Open: 25th March Full Bloom: 2nd April
Kagawa: Open: 25th March Full Bloom: 2nd April
Tokushima: Open: 28th March Full Bloom: 4th April
Yamaguchi: Open: 26th March Full Bloom: 3rd April
Hiroshima: Open: 26th March Full Bloom: 3rd April
Shimane: Open: 29th March Full Bloom: 6th April
Okayama: Open: 26th March Full Bloom: 3rd April
Tottori: Open: 30th March Full Bloom: 7th April
Kinki Area:
Wakayama: Open: 27th March Full Bloom: 4th April
Nara: Open: 28th March Full Bloom: 4th April
Hyogo: Open: 28th March Full Bloom: 5th April
Osaka: Open: 26th March Full Bloom: 3rd April
Kyoto: Open: 31st March Full Bloom: 7th April
Shiga: Open: 2nd April Full Bloom: 9th April
Mie: Open: 30th March Full Bloom: 6th April
Chubu Area:
Aichi: Open: 25th March Full Bloom: 2nd April
Shizuoka: Open: 26th March Full Bloom: 3rd April
Gifu: Open: 31st March Full Bloom: 7th April
Nagano: Open: 7th April Full Bloom: 13th April
Yamanashi: Open: 28th March Full Bloom: 5th April
Fukui: Open: 3rd April Full Bloom: 10th April
Ishikawa: Open: 4th April Full Bloom: 11th April
Toyama: Open: 3rd April Full Bloom: 10th April
Niigata: Open: 9th April Full Bloom: 15th April
Kanto:
Kanagawa: Open: 23rd March Full Bloom: 31st March
Tokyo: Open: 24th March Full Bloom: 1st April
Chiba: Open: 29th March Full Bloom: 5th April
Saitama: Open: 26th March Full Bloom: 2nd April
Gunma: Open: 29th March Full Bloom: 5th April
Tochigi: Open: 31st March Full Bloom: 6th April
Ibaraki: Open: 5th April Full Bloom: 13th April
Hokkaido/Tohoku Area:
Fukushima: Open: 8th April Full Bloom: 14th April
Yamagata: Open: 15th April Full Bloom: 21st April
Akita: Open: 24th April Full Bloom: 29th April
Miyagi: Open: 10th April Full Bloom: 16th April
Iwate: Open: 19th April Full Bloom: 25th April
Aomori: Open: 22nd April Full Bloom: 27th April
Hokkaido: Open: 1st May Full Bloom: 5th May
National AJET’s “Life After JET”: Beth Nicholls
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National AJET shares former JET participants’ experiences – and a little advice – with current JETs in their new monthly interview, Life After JET. Contact lifeafterjet [at] ajet.net to be featured in future posts.
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Beth Nicholls was a CIR in Yamagata from 1999-2000. Since then, she has been busy translating and traveling the world with UNICEF, as well as working at major sporting events.
Currently, Beth is undertaking a new endeavor, called Do What You Love, which includes an e-course starting on March 14 designed to help participants “[discover their] true passion, and [find] a way to make it a greater part of [their] everyday life.” Read the interview and check out Beth’s website to find out more about the course. If the course seems right for you, be sure to take advantage of the discount just for JETs — enter the discount code J1102 when you register at www.dowhatyouloveforlife.com/ecourse–spring2011/.
NAJET: Do you have a favorite story from your time on JET? (Anything that you still pull out at parties to this day?)
Beth: When I was on JET I had the good fortune to land my own TV show – ‘Besu Nikoruzu, minna tomodachi’ (possibly the cheesiest name for a show in cable television history). I loved every minute of it but never suspected anyone actually watched it. One day I went to visit the gorgeous temple Yamadera, and as I climbed the last of the 1000+ steps, windswept and puffed out, a monk came up to me and said ‘Besu-san? I love your show’?! I nearly fell off the side of the mountain!
NAJET: What kind of impact did your time as a CIR in Yamagata have on you? In terms of your future career, personal growth, or anything else.
Beth: My year in Yamagata was a formative one. I lived with a wonderful couple who were jazz musicians, with a studio in the house and parties most weekends. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and I felt an incredible sense of possibility. The experience gave me real confidence in my Japanese ability, and an understanding of the responsibility you have as an interpreter. I had many wonderful experiences – interpreting for athletes at the World Ski Jumping Championships, hosting my own TV show (see above!), being Chief of Police for a day, interpreting for dignitaries like the Governor of Colorado and the Thai Ambassador to Japan. I was frequently terrified but always gave it a go anyway, and as a result expanded my comfort zone massively. I went on to get a Masters’ degree in Japanese Interpreting and Translation, and although I don’t use Japanese much in my current endeavours, it was a crucial element of my path to here.
NAJET: From the ‘About Me‘ on your blog, it looks like you’ve had some amazing adventures so far. Can I hear a little more about one? Either one that stands out above the rest or you can choose at random (I’m voting for meeting the Prince of Bhutan, but I’m not picky). I’d like to hear how it come about, any highlights, and lasting impressions.
Beth: Every single adventure has come about as a result of seemingly random connections, and being a combination of curious and brave. When I was writing my MA dissertation, which specialised in interpreting for elite athletes in a competitive sports environment, I requested an interview with one of Japan’s most famous ever football players, as he had played for several teams overseas and worked both with and without an interpreter. Somewhat bizarrely I ended up teaching him English and we became good friends, meeting up and travelling together in places like Ghana, South Africa, China and Bhutan. When we were visiting Bhutan we were invited to a special dinner as guests of the Bhutanese FA, and our host was one of the Princes of Bhutan, who had studied at Oxford University. We had a wonderful evening discussing football, fashion, food and relationships! We dined on yak curry (which actually gave me really bad food poisoning), and laughed into the early hours.
