In TM’s Atelier – Episode 10: Japan
TM, Kakemono IV, 2025, digital visual composition When I completed my business school in the UK, I received a job offer from a German company. The thought of continuing my life in Europe after graduation was deeply appealing. In the early days of business school, I struggled a lot — the so-called language barrier. But being good at mathematics became a kind of weapon, and I gradually found my way. It wasn’t that I was exceptional; rather, it made me realise how remarkable Japanese education is. In that sense, I felt saved by being Japanese. Yet, as I wrote elsewhere, I am quite atypical within Japanese society. I don’t think I grew up in a particularly unusual environment — and yet. People often assume that Japanese are polite, disciplined, and fairly strong in mathematics. But I like doing things differently, and I’m not fond of belonging to a group. By nature, I’m not cautious but rather optimistic. As an adult, I can talk endlessly with someone I meet for the first time. ...
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