The Maiden Journey
It was the JPOP era in the 90s, and Google was only in its early years.
The memory of my first encounter with Japan is vague. I was in my teens, wasn't overly fanatic over the JPOP frenzy, but definitely was at the age of into the lovey-dovey story line.
Those were the days when buying the box set was the only way to watch J-drama. My collections were purchased from Wisma Fui Chiu's underground, which is located across from Chinatown. (The following is my own favorite sets from the Y2K.)
Journey as a Japanese Student
I began self-studying Japanese in 1997 and "officially" began attending language school in 1998. Until now, every Sunday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, rain or shine, it's just me, myself, I, and Japanese.
Nothing can stand in the way if you've discovered something you're truly passionate about.
My then-"bf" was assigned to work in Tokyo, and I was thrilled to tag along.
While residing in Tokyo, I continued to study the language. The Sensei are retired and have offered their time to teach at Mita IkiIki Plaza 三田いきいきプラザ, a Minato community centre.
After having lived in several countries, being happily married with a beautiful daughter, and being a housewife for nearly 6-7 years.
The turning point occurred on April 27-30, 2017, during a cousin trip to Lombok, Indonesia.
During one of our conversations, I asked them for advice on what I should do with my life. Everyone has a degree; I've been out of work for nearly 8 years; what can I still do?
I am extremely fortunate to have a strong family support system. I shall not want. But, as we all know, things happen that we have no control over, but we can prepare.
"Continue your Japanese Language studies," was my cousins' accord response.
I recognise that one of my strengths is that I am an action-taker. Almost immediately after returning home, I enrolled in my third Japanese school.
The Diversification of Yvonne Sensei
1) a Japanese teacher, specializes in teaching and preparing children for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N5).
2) organizers Japanese grammars webinar for Japanese learners around the world.
3) invited speaker on Japanese language and cultural subject.
4) a Japanese-English-Chinese translator for the past 20 years.
5) currently authoring a series of Japanese children book.
6) practices 2 out of 3 of the traditional Japanese arts of refinement: 茶道Chadō (Japanese tea ceremony) and 花道Kadō (Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement).
7) a regular contributor to Japanese Playgroup Malaysia (Facebook and Instagram, 2017) and Japanese Playgroup (YouTube and LinkedIn, 2020).
8) the creator of the "A Night in Tokyo Virtual Tour Series", and she has collaborated with companies such as Estée Lauder, EASI, and 100x Connects.
9) hosts interviews and podcasts with Japanese people living in Malaysia, such as Panasonic's country manager.
10) engage her students in more Japanese cultural activities, such as Furoshiki, Japanese cuisine, in order to introduce them to the rich Japanese tradition and culture.
