Month: February 2026

After quitting my first job in Chiba, I returned to Hiroshima and went on my next journey as an interpreter for factory training assigned to Indian technicians. I joined a group of over 10 interpreters, assisting the technicians with their health checkups, safety training, hands-on training of aircraft parts assembly ✈️ and more. But as the work environment changes, so do the terms used, and there were many things I was encountering for the first time, so I learned a ton together with them.

My fellow interpreters from back then—we still keep up our friendships, getting together for meals a few times a year and such. The interpreting project was in 2010, so it’s been 16 years since then. Last Saturday, we had our annual New Year’s potluck party. It’s the style where everyone brings one or two dishes. This time, I made stewed hamburg steaks which I learned from my mother, and scones using an authentic British recipe. The menus we bring are different every time, so it’s always something to look forward to.

Once we’d eaten our fill, we connected a remote call with the friends who live far away and can’t meet in person, and it was time for the “This Year’s One-Character Resolution” session 💻 We reflected on last year’s character and shared our picks for this year. Mine is “読” (read), which I posted about on LinkedIn the other day. My goal this year is to tackle my pile of unread books… 📚

After wrapping up the call, we continued enjoying the food while chatting about work and personal updates, including some pretty private and deep topics like retirement savings plans 💡 It was a really fulfilling time. Connections formed outside of schools, and being able to maintain such deep friendships—it’s truly a precious bond, I think.

Up to now, I’ve met all sorts of people in both my professional and personal life. Clients I’ve gotten to know through interpreting and translation work, international students I met at my previous university job, fellow professionals connected via industry groups like DVÜD e.V. or JAT, and through LinkedIn or X—I want to cherish all these ties. And I hope to meet them finally in-person or see them again 🙂

I’ve always wanted to show a smile with confidence. When I studied abroad in Germany back in my early 20s, every person I met had a bright smile and well-aligned teeth with confidence, and I remember that wish becoming stronger and stronger. It is said that Japan has a lower rate of orthodontic treatment compared to Germany or America: while it’s 50-60% of the population in Germany and America, in Japan it’s estimated to be only 10-20% 🦷

The orthodontic treatment is however expensive in Japan; far more than that of Germany. It was tough to get everything ready, so I’ve been putting it off for long 😅, with the feeling smoldering that I want to do it someday. But… finally, I started mouthpiece orthodontics last week 💸(←)

At home, my mom loves cooking, and she often asks me to try how it tastes, when she makes new dishes or food to give to others. This morning she asked again, but I realized that taking off and putting on the orthodontic appliance is a hassle, so I can’t do it casually for the time being, and I felt a bit sad. But, being motivated by the hope that my future will have more smiles, I’ll do my best to accomplish the orthodontic treatment. The simulation results show that by the end of the year, my front teeth will be reasonably well-aligned, if things go smoothly. That really motivated me a lot. I hope, next year, I can have a profile picture with a big, beaming smile that also reflects and conveys my sincerity in my work 😊