James first started to study Japanese at University. His decision to study Japanese influenced his entire life, and he considers the decision to study Japanese as a major point in his life.
Teaching English in Japan
After graduating from University, he went to Japan as part of the JET program (sponsored by the Japanese ministry of Education) and taught at a public high school for 2 years. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching and would recommend JET to anyone who wanted to teach in Japan.
Studying Japanese in Japan
From there he decided to study the Japanese language a little more, so he moved to Kyoto and studied at a Japanese language school for a year. During this time he also taught childrens English classes for a company called Shogakkan.
More English Teaching
James then moved to Tokyo and taught at a public Junior High school for 2
years. Once again, he loved the experience. By now, James had decided that
teaching was something he was not only good at, but also enjoyed.
Working
for a Japanese Company
Yes, the photo to the left is James at work. Well, on a business trip to
Tahiti actually. While still working as a teacher, James was offered a job
in a regular Japanese company as a "Business Analyst". This sounded
interesting so James finished up teaching and became a "Salary Man". His job
responsibilities included coordinating the computer software development
between the Japan office and the main office in America, which meant he
worked with the Japan office to find out what software changes they needed,
and then worked with the American office to get the changes made. The best part was going on business trips to Okinawa, Fukuoka, America,
and "Tahiti".
Back to New Zealand
So after 10 years of living in Japan, James decided it was time to head back to New Zealand, where he is currently studying to get a diploma in teaching so he can become a high school teacher. And you guessed it, he wants to teach Japanese, Computers and Mathematics.
Self-profile of James Murfitt, 2005