James Penn studied Japanese at a private language school in Tokyo then completed the Diploma in Japanese at AUT in Auckland. He found studying Japanese stimulating, challenging and mind-expanding. James’ interest in Japan and the Japanese language began when he joined the aikido club at the University of Auckland in 1987. His interest grew while studying Japanese government and politics in the final year of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies and History. He did not think of actually going to Japan, until shortly after he graduated, when a friend suggested it would be an option for him to teach English there, and thus to support himself while learning aikido and the Japanese language.

Expecting to go only for a year (the duration of his working holiday visa) he stayed in Japan for a total of six and a half years returning to New Zealand in January 1997. For the first thirteen months he lived in Iwate Prefecture and then after a six-month spell on a homestay in Saitama, he moved into a small apartment in Shinjuku, Tokyo, only 10 minutes walk from the aikido dojo where he trained four or five days a week. During his stay in Japan, his Japanese skills helped him to secure teaching jobs requiring the ability to speak Japanese with beginner students, and to make part of his living as translator.

After he returned to New Zealand, his Japanese language skills enabled him to pick up some part time jobs such as translating, tour guiding and interpreting. Then, after working for a business research firm for eighteen months, he was appointed to a full-time job at the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland as a public relations officer.

The work of a public relations officer is very varied and requires communication skills in English and Japanese. His ability to read Japanese comes in handy reading e-mails from Japan and other consulate staff. The public relations section at the consulate administers the official programmes of the Japanese government related to education and organises cultural events such as film shows, performing art concerts and exhibitions. Most of the functions he performs involve assisting the cultural attaché to implement directives from Head Office in Tokyo and other key organisations such as the Japan Foundation. He has been working at the Consulate for six years and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He had been interested in Japanese bureaucracy since the late 1980’s, so it was a welcome surprise when the opportunity arose to work for such an organisation in his own country. He considers himself to have been very fortunate in this respect.

A few years ago, he completed a post-graduate diploma in international business and he has developed an increasing interest in the trading relationship between Japan and New Zealand. Now he is hoping to work for a New Zealand based organisation either actively engaged in trade with Japan and other Asian countries or in the promotion and facilitation of trade.

Update

In March 2005, James began work at the JETRO Auckland office as Trade Promotion Manager.

(compiled by Miyuki Tanabe, 2004)