Morgan Wilson Dilks

BBS (Marketing), Japanese Proficiency Test (Grade 2)

1986-1987 Started to be interested in Japanese culture at Monrad Intermediate School. Morgan’s interests while at intermediate school were bonsai trees and karate.

1988-1992 Studied Japanese for 5 years at Palmerston North Boys’ High School. Morgan was one of three students who diligently continued studying Japanese till the Seventh Form.

1992 Went to Tokyo on a scholarship funded by Tokyo Korakuen Foreign Language Institute. For 10 months, studied Japanese 20 hours a week at the institute, while working 20 hours a week at Korakuen Amusement Park.Acquired Grade 3 of Japanese Proficiency Test.

1994-1996 Acquired Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) at Massey University. All his elective papers were Japanese, one of which was named “Toyota”.

1998- 1999 Went to Miyazaki on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). Taught English at a junior high school and a primary school. Took up karate and Zen Buddhism meditation. Acquired Grade 2 of Japanese Proficiency Test.

1999-Today Working at Manawatu Toyota, being in charge of marketing. Morgan’s role includes overseeing all new vehicles, Signature Class cars, Daihatsu parts and service marketing, as well as website development and marketing.

2000 Became a member of Manawatu Japan Society. Actively participated in events and functions.

2002 Was elected as the President of Manawatu Japan Society. Organised various events and activities to promote the Society. Future Aims to acquire Grade 1 of Japanese proficiency Test.

What are the most rewarding outcomes of learning Japanese for you?

  • Great contribution to who I am now
  • Lots of opportunities
  • Communication with Japanese people

What opportunities do you think learning Japanese will give to Japanese language students?

  • Travelling in Japan
  • Scholarships to Japan
  • Studying in Japan
  • Various job opportunities
  • Learning about another culture
  • Improving your first language

Studying Japanese at high school will give you many great opportunities. So, don’t give up! がんばって。

profiled by Taeko Kiminami 2003