Expat and emigration interviews: the story of Non from Japan who emigrated to the USA and the Philippines

Meet Non, and learn more about her emigration story and way of life. How she feels at home everywhere. She emigrated from Japan first to the USA and after to the Philippines.

What was your motivation emigrating to the Philippines?

Knowing more about Asia.

What should people know about you to understand your emigration story?

I had been to the US for almost ten years, having a lot of American friends. I thought I should know about Asia as I am a part of it. I think I am a so called a traveler or an employee. There was not any definite plan when I was in Manila at the time. I thought to settle a place to live and find a decent job then.

Why did you choose this work?

I had a referral from a friend of mine and got a job at a travel agency to assess Japan Visa for three years plus. Then, I decided to start a business.

How did you choose your destination?

I had a Filipino friend.

How did you prepare?

I cleaned up all my belongings, packed some into four suitcases.

What have you learned?

I have moved to overseas multiple times. I just go on.

What makes you feel like you are truly ‘at home’ in the Philippines?

If you have your own bed or bedroom every night, it will be your home, regardless of its location.

How is your daily routine different from in your home country?

The daily routine is set by yourself, doesn’t it?

Do you already have an idea about the future?

I just live today or this moment. I don’t expect future any hope or wish but without any desperate feeling. No one knows what happens next moment.

Are there things you appreciate more about your home country now ? How do you deal with homesickness?

In my days in abroad I had never had homesickness. I missed food in Japan though hence it doesn’t mean I missed Japanese style food, but food in Japan which has plain taste it’s umami with less fat.

How are your social interactions in the Philippines?

What was your first encounter with a local resident in some of the places you stayed?

I had met many Americans or Filipinos in Japan before I moved there. I had basic idea of them.

What is the funniest or most painful misunderstandings you have experienced due to cultural differences?

Filipinos switch (i) and (e), and (u) and (o) when they read out. It is hard to understand.

Have you adopted any local customs?

No.

What is your favorite local tradition/holiday? 

Well, opposite though. I hated their Christmas.

Are there habits in social interaction that you found difficult to understand or get used to?

Filipinos weigh their family a lot. They often say “pinsan” as their member of their family. Pinsan means cousin. When they say it, you have to understand he/she is not a cousin you understand. They say pinsan as even third cousin which is considered nobody in our culture.

What was the biggest culture shock?

They consider foreigners are all richer than they are.

Do you have any tips for meeting people?

Filipinos are overall very friendly.

How do locals react to you living and working in their places?

I could blend into them easily.

How does friendship here differ from how it is experienced in your home country?

Some well educated people are now very good friends of mine now. My employees are I feel like still my family.

How are the practical things arranged in the Philippines?

Did you learn local languages and if so, how?

I signed up a Tagalog language school for a while. I was the worst student.

What was the most difficult rule to understand/follow?

When my coworker or employee made mistakes, I couldn’t scold them. They are so fragile, they can’t tolerate from the warnings by others.

How did you find a suitable place to live?

I just bought a condo unit in a mall area.

Was it difficult?

Under Philippine business style, it was hectic process for me, however for Filipino it was smooth. The price was super reasonable.

What have you learned about insurance, taxes and other financial obligations abroad?

Taxes are pain in a butt everywhere.

Have you used local healthcare (GP, specialist, dentist etc.) and what do you notice?

I often went back to Japan. I got my medication there, received medical checks.

What is useful for others to know?

I have no idea. The price is not easy everywhere.

Have you developed new hobbies or interests since living abroad?

I had learned freediving.

Are there any projects or activities that you are involved in that give you a sense of fulfillment? What do you do in your free time to feel connected to yourself and your environment?

I supported the poor. Invoked with SDG’s as well. Still sponsoring a working law college student.

What local traditions or rituals have inspired or touched you?

Vets do a lot of volunteering work, catching stray animals, feeding.

For you, what was the best thing about your choices?

My employees are all from extremely poor environment. Through the employment, their life turned better. I met them a few years ago about three years absence, they grew more. They looked more stable and economically settled.