Sailor Tutor Interview

Q. Hi Sailor! I heard you’ve been living in Tokyo for 7 years! How is your life?: A. It’s been great!
I don’t know that I ever intended to live here so long, but life in Tokyo has always offered so many unique and interesting experiences that the years have just flown by. I have met so many wonderful friends since moving here and have had so many great opportunities both professionally and personally that it’s almost impossible to ever imagine leaving.
Q. Do you have any favorite places to go in Tokyo?: A.I love to explore all around Tokyo. I don’t have a favorite place in particular, but I am very fond of a lot of “shitamachi” areas. They have such a uniquely local Japanese charm and offer a lot of great photo opportunities. I love the difference between all these small town ares within Japan. I think having lived in Katsushika-ku for many years may have helped me form this opinion. When I was younger and new to Tokyo, of course I loved Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku and all the usual “happening” places. But time has proven me to be a shitamachi girl.
Q. According to your profile, you have worked as a translator! Do you have any forgettable story? If you have, could you share with us?: A. Working as a translator has been an amazing experience. I have gotten to travel all over Japan (and abroad) assisting on tours and have met a lot of interesting people. Though there have been a lot of funny events and I have made a lot of really embarrassing mistakes in my translating, I think what sticks with me most is how kind everyone is. Often the musicians I’m working with are great big hairy tattooed guys that can look pretty intimidating, but they have all turned out to be some of the most friendly, funny, humble and sweet people I have ever worked with.
Q. Please tell me the main feature of your lesson.: A. I like to keep my lessons as easy-going and conversational as possible. I think if you can create a friendly and comfortable environment people feel more willing to express themselves and less worried about any mistakes they might make. Being willing to make mistakes is one of the biggest parts of learning!
Q. I’m interested in your lesson, “Game lovers”, what do you talking about?: A.“Game Lovers“, as well as “Music” and “Movie Lovers” are simply conversation based lessons with a bit of a suggested topic. They are topics that I personally have a lot of interest in and think make for great conversations with students who share the same hobbies and interests. From Pacman to GTA V, from Beethoven to Lady Gaga, from Charlie Chaplin to Die Hard, I have a wide and varied interest in all eras and genres of music, movies, and gaming.
Q. Before we finish, would you like to give our students a message.: A. I think the most important thing for students to remember is to relax and have fun. From personal experience I know that being nervous or afraid to make mistakes is the greatest barrier to learning. I know it’s easier said than done, but learning to enjoy the process of making mistakes and learning from them will greatly help your studies.