JUNE 2019 (VOL.142)
Tiffany Rossdale
country/state/city: Manila, Philippines
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Occupation：Entrepreneur
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Duration of living in Japan: More than 20yrs.
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Why do you live in Japan?
Half of my family lives here in Japan.
What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan?
I have a few jobs that I currently do here in Japan.
One is organizing events which I have been doing for more than 10yrs.
Another one is PR for hotels, restaurants and bars.
I also run a concierge service where we take care of travellers from abroad catering private tours and providing their needs while in town.
Do you have a dream than you want to realize in Japan?
Yes, I have a dream that sharing all my experiences like for example in health and wellness which I’m more focus now and to be able to share it to everyone.
What is the distinctive difference between your country’s and Japanese lifestyle?
There’s a massive difference between my country’s lifestyle and here in Japan. Philippines can be easier and laid back while Japan can be very busy and always advance in technology. Both are amazing places that I’m grateful that I have the chance to live and experienced.
What do you miss about your maternal country living in Japan?
I miss all the exotic fruits and delicious Filipino delicacies. As well as the gorgeous white sand beaches that you will find many easy access from the city.
What do you find different about living in Japan over the term compared when you first arrived or come as a tourist?
The first time I moved out here, it was a little tough in the beginning as I never thought Japanese people can’t speak English at all. So I had to learn the language as well as reading and writing in order for me to survive in this city and be accepted in the communities.
Which places in Japan do you recommend that foreigners see? I still have plenty of places on my bucket list here in Japan.
I think to visit the not so popular cities. I personally recommend you to check out my concierge service “Omakase Tokyo VIP Concierge” for the best cater tour advices.
What parts of Japanese culture do you recommend that foreign people try to experience?
I think they should definitely try the tea ceremony classes available. Not the ones that only showcase the traditional style but also to know more about the ritual. I have been doing it for six months now and I love it!
Are there any aspects of the Japanese culture or its people that you find bizarre or unique?
There are so many but this one I am going to mention is one of my favorite. Japanese people can sleep everywhere anytime they want to or if they need it. They tend to recharge as we call it power napping. And once they’re up after a little bit of nap, they’re back like nothing happened. I still have to learn that. I also think that it’s because it’s too safe here in Japan that you don’t have to worry sleeping in public places or transportations.
After moving to Japan did you have any funny experiences?
Japanese people running away from me when I intend to talk to them. I thought they were scared at me before. Then when I found out after that they don’t want to be embarrass in front of a foreigner not be able to communicate in English so they just ran away from you which I found still polite in a way.
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 love Japan and I always think I was lucky and blessed I’d like to live in this amazing country who taught me a lot of experiences in my life.
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