Yin & Young Episode 63 - Sam Sakamoto - Writer, Traveler, Former English Teacher in Japan

Yin & Young Podcast

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In this episode we have the privilege to chat with Sam Sakamoto! Sam is a writer, traveler, rock climber, avid Rams fan, and former English teacher in Japan.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• James and Sam met during social hour in quarantine in Tokyo for an English language teaching program.

• Japanese demeanor still shows up in her family, even though she is 4th generation Japanese American.

• Wanted to go back to Japan to get in touch with her roots.

• Was stationed in Nara, but also spent a lot of time in Kyoto.

• Currently applying to MFA programs and masters in teaching programs.

• When first arriving in Japan, adjusting to day-to-day life took a couple of months. Coworker helped a lot.

• Misses food in Japan: omakase, katsu-don, tsukemen, and much more.

• Rock climbing/bouldering gyms in Japan are way more technical.

• Misses the appreciation of the little things in Japan. For example: holidays and events for changes in the season, the blooming of certain flowers, wind chimes, etc…

Language corner:

Japanese

• 渋滞 (jyuutai) - traffic jam

• 仕様がない (shouganai) - can't be helped

Mandarin

• 懷才不遇 (huai2cai2bu2yu4) - to have talent but no opportunity

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