Hellooooo there!

What does an average day look like for you?

My day is very flexible. I haven't decided when to wake up in the morning. Some days I get up early in the morning and go for a walk, and some days I get up slowly and check my cell phone in bed. 
 

AM: Usually I work with a computer. Sometimes I work as a dietitian.
 

PM: There are one or two karate lessons. The schedule has a break so that I have time to think.

What turning point in your career do you consider your "big break"?

I studied nutrition at university, got a registered dietitian qualification, and worked at a hospital for two and a half years. The job was rewarding and fun, but a little boring. So I quit my job in 2015 and decided to go on a journey around the world.
 

I visited branch dojos around the world and taught local children karate under the sky. They are respected me as a "Japanese karateka" and I got a lot of bouquets. I was also featured in local newspapers and I was surprised at the greatness of karate seen from the world.

What advice do you have for striking a work/life balance?

I cherish my private time. I'm not alive for work. I want to enjoy my life.

What anxieties, if any, do you hold about your life/career? And how do you deal with them?

Nobody knows the future. Instead, I prioritise "living happily now" and taking good care of my body.

How has the current COVID-19 situation affected your industry, and your work personally? How have you dealt with it?

I think tough times bring opportunity. If you don't give up, the road will continue. I never give up!! We couldn't practice Karate in the dojo and I had to give up going abroad. It was very sad, but we shared practice menus online and gave private lessons.

How do you deal with procrastination?

I don't mind a little procrastination. I think it's more important to have some space in my heart.

What do you consider your biggest failure? And how did you persevere and grow from the experience?

I couldn't speak English when I started my trip. I read English textbooks, but I didn't improve and decided that it was impossible for me. It was very stressful and I had a lot of bad experiences because I couldn't understand what the people were saying and I couldn't say what I wanted to say. But Finally, I decided to abandon shame and face it. I asked until I understood. The grammar was messed up, but I spoke anyway. I gradually became able to understand English and find fun in the conversation.

Do you have any rituals that help with your work or mental health?

Karate helps me to control my breathing and refresh my mind. I think this is really an ideal job for me!

What's the best and worst advice you've ever been given?

"You go your way, I go my way": this is the best advice I got when I was overwhelmed by the opinions of others and almost lost my way. I will decide on what I do with my life. Neither God or anyone else will decide. I remember this when I am at a loss.

I don't remember the worst advice. Because I say goodbye to the words that make me feel negative.

How do you navigate social media, any rules or guidelines you set for yourself?

Social networking is a very effective means and has become a part of my life. However, it can also cause mental damage. I say goodbye to loveless and malicious comments or followers!

L+A xx

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