June 2025 (VOL.212)
Yunping Hung
- Home country/city: Taiwan
- Occupation: Data Analyst
- Duration of living in Japan: Around 6 years
- Why do you live in Japan?: Currently for work and experiencing lives here
- Instagram: @kuishinbou_yupi
Why did you want to come and live in Japan？
I came to Japan because I admire its culture and environment, and I wanted to further enhance my Japanese language skills. Working in Japan also gives me the opportunity to experience the country’s unique culture and its beautiful seasonal landscapes firsthand.
Which places in Japan do you recommend that foreigners see?
For foreign visitors, I recommend exploring Japan’s historic sites and natural landscapes.
For first-time visitors, Kyoto is an excellent choice due to its accessibility and the variety of cultural experiences it offers in one location. In Kyoto, you can explore historic temples, shrines, and traditional wooden townhouses, all of which showcase the beauty and depth of Japanese culture.
On the other hand, as a person who loves outdoor activities, I thoroughly enjoy traveling around Japan, especially hiking in Japan’s mountain ranges, like the Japan Alps. Hiking offers a perfect opportunity to experience Japan’s natural beauty. These places are great to appreciate Japanese aesthetics and the deep respect for nature. I love immersing myself in nature, breathing in the fresh forest air, and admiring the expansive views after a challenging climb. It gives me strength and motivation to overcome difficulties in life.
What do you miss about your maternal country living in Japan?
While I enjoy many aspects of living in Japan, I miss Taiwanese food and my family. I often find myself gravitating toward restaurants that offer Taiwanese cuisine and sharing these experiences with friends. Even when cooking at home, I tend to use Taiwanese flavors and often make dishes that remind me of home, like steamed buns, dumplings, and other foods that are unique to Taiwan. Preparing these foods helps me feel connected to my roots and brings a comforting sense of familiarity.
Regarding my family, although they occasionally visit Japan to travel with me, and I usually return to Taiwan once a year, I still feel a sense of loneliness during traditional holidays. These occasions especially highlight the experience of living abroad and being far away from loved ones. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the distance between me and my family.
After moving to Japan did you have any funny experiences?
After moving to Japan, one memorable and heartwarming experience was when I started taking pottery classes a few years ago. I was fascinated by Japan’s traditional crafts and wanted to explore them more deeply. Attending the class once or twice a month allowed me to meet some lovely Japanese. While language barriers and age differences often made it a bit difficult to have deep conversations, they were incredibly kind to me. It was particularly funny and endearing when they would ask me to help with things like operating their smartphones or computers. They were always so curious about Taiwan too, asking for tips on cooking Taiwanese dishes or even requesting that I translate Chinese for them.
One of the most unique experiences was our pottery class held its very first pottery market last year. It was a lot of fun preparing for the event together, selling our creations, and sharing that special moment as a group. Their warmth and inclusiveness made it a truly unforgettable experience. I couldn’t imagine that I sell my pottery creations before, especially in Japan.
Would you like to continue to live in Japan for the rest of your life, or you think you will return to your home country? If so why?
I do enjoy living in Japan and appreciate the lifestyle it offers, especially the experience of Japanese seasonal landscape, foods and activities. However, if possible, I would love to move closer to the nature in Japan to live a quieter life eventually. My long-term goal is to create a more self-sufficient lifestyle here and to open a small cafe, where I could welcome like-minded travelers and serve meals made with vegetables and fruits I’ve grown myself.
However, I also understand that life is full of changes and challenges. For now, my focus is on making the most of each day, embracing experiences that I can only have in the present, and continuing to learn and grow. I trust that wherever my journey takes me, it will lead to a fulfilling future..
Writer: Minobu Kondo
Photojournalist in Tokyo, writing for Japanese and American magazines. Publishing an essay “101 of green stories” with the other Japanese artists such as Kosetsu Minami. Languages: Japanese, English and French.
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