Meet My Friends, Takashi

An interview to a friend I met during my trip to Japan.

Welcome to Meet My Friends, a series of interviews with people I met during my trips, special people who became my friends. I enjoy meeting new people while travelling, which is why I often volunteer during my trips. I think it is important to meet local people to know more about the culture of the place you visit, and sometimes you meet people with fascinating stories. In these interviews, I want you to know a bit about my friends and their countries, their stories and why they are special to me.

This interview is with Takashi. In 2019 I spent a month in Japan, volunteering and travelling the country, and he hosted me for two nights in Osaka, we had okonomiyaki together and we shared a lot about our cultures.

Please meet my friend Takashi, I hope you enjoy this interview.

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Please introduce yourself, where you are from, where are you right now what you do, and how your typical day is.

My name is Takashi Hasegawa, I’m from Hyogo, Japan but, I have been living in Osaka for about 5 and a half years.

I have been working as an occupational therapist for 7 and a half years. Nowadays, I have 3 jobs, so my days are really tight and tough. Usually, I work in my hospital 5 days per week except Tuesday, but I also have night work for outside patients on Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesday, I have a part-time job in a daycare facility.

Plus, I do online English lessons for children as a part-time job, 3 days per week.

What means travelling for you?

It means a lot. Travelling can create unforgettable moments and make our time brilliant. I think that’s my treasure in my whole life.

What is your favourite destination? Why?

Wakayama prefecture in Japan. I can go to Wakayama about 2 hours from Osaka, and it has a beautiful ocean! I can enjoy watching the ocean because there are many sightseeing points! I can also enjoy eating fresh fish at the fish market! My favourite place!

On your experience on couchsurfing what did you like the most about meeting travelers?

For me, it was a great experience to meet many people from different foreign countries where I have never been, I could get to know their countries a little more and I could make many friends overseas!! That’s the most important thing through doing Couchsurfing.

I remember that you had a book where your guests were writing something for you in their native language, Why did you start to do it? How is this book now?

One reason is I am interested in their mother languages, I thought it was a very nice opportunity to know them and loved to see it. Also, other couchsurfers, who are from the same country, can read it. I thought it was an interesting and intercultural thing, they might get close to their own countries. I have these books in my house!

I regretted not spending enough time in Osaka, why someone should visit this city?

Osaka has a lot of good spots, foods, attractions, nature, and history, maybe that’s a reason.

I still have the origami you made for me. Can you explain the relationship between Japanese and origami?

Relationship? I can’t explain the relationship clearly, but origami is a traditional Japanese culture, and many people know and do it in childhood.

One or two dishes you shouldn't miss while visiting Japan.

You should eat Sushi, takoyaki, and Okonomiyaki.

Your next trip is already paid for, where would you go?

Spain! I am interested in Spanish culture, they are very passionate and I like the architecture, food, and sports. Actually, I am taking Spanish as my second foreign language at my university.

Could you recommend a unique place or activity to do in Japan, away from the usual tourist spots?

I would suggest Kochi and Shiga prefectures. Shiga has breathtaking nature and also modern architecture. Kochi has great nature too, Shimanto River is very beautiful and worth visiting. They have a lot of natural spots and you can have great experiences watching good views.

If you could be a character in a movie what would you be and why?

Ironman, I would like to experience that suit!

Thank you to Takashi for participating in Meet My Friends. If you enjoyed it, please consider subscribing, updating to a paid subscription, or buying me a coffee. Also, you can share it with people you think might like this content.