Oita Prefecture = Famous as a hot spring tourist destination, Oita is actually one of Japan’s top prefectures when it comes to the ratio of international students to local population. Many companies are accepting technical interns, actively preparing a suitable environment where they may work whilst enrolled in school or with a job.
To promote the charms of working in Oita Prefecture, Myanmar technical interns Aye Aye Aung and Yin Mar Win appeared in our 「大分県の魅力発信動画」“Conveying Oita’s Charms Video”. In this interview, we ask them many things from why they came to Japan, what are Oita’s charms, and how they feel about the video filming.
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
「A World of Fun」Enjoying Day-Offs in Oita Prefecture
What made you come to Japan as a technical intern?
Aye Aye Aung：I wanted to learn sewing in Japan. I originally ran a clothing store in my home country of Myanmar. After knowing that I could learn sewing techniques at a Japanese company, I thought of wanting to pick up more sewing skills in Japan, so I came to Japan.
Yin Mar Win：Me too. I heard that Japan excels at sewing so I made up my mind to polish my skills in Japan. Before coming to Japan, I worked as a seamstress for 2 years in Thailand before running a clothing store in Myanmar, my home country. “I want to design more clothes, make and sell them,” was what I thought which led me on a search for a good learning environment.
Did you know about Oita Prefecture before coming to Japan?
Aye Aye Aung：When I signed the employment contract, I knew that I would be working at Oita Prefecture but I didn’t know what type of place it was. I hadn’t heard of it, so I was really worried at first.
Yin Mar Win：I also found out that I would be working in Oita Prefecture when signing the employment contract in Fukuoka. Until then I did not know about Oita Prefecture, only learning about its charms at a facility where I was training for about a month.
What do you like about Oita Prefecture after actually living there?
Aye Aye Aung：Oita Prefecture’s charm is the many attractions to visit and have fun. There’s also hot spring places like Beppu and Yufuin. I especially like Kyushu Natural Zoological Park’s African Safari. There were so many animals, so it’s a lot of fun. Besides that, Oita Prefecture has mountains and the sea, so there are many places with beautiful scenery.
Yin Mar Win：For me, Oita’s charm is in its delicious food. Before coming to Japan, I was worried whether the food would suit my tastes but was surprised at the many delicious foods. The most delicious was prawn tempura. On top of that, fresh fish and vegetables are plentiful, and more importantly prices are cheap - that’s one of the most attractive things.
Were there any concerns before coming to Japan?
Aye Aye Aung：Since I was self-employed in Myanmar, I was anxious about finding a job and working in a Japanese company. Besides that, “Can I work properly in Japan?”, “Can I speak Japanese properly? Will they understand me?”, and other worries plagued me. However, when I actually came to Japan and started working, everybody at the workplace kindly guided me and I was able to work with peace of mind.
Did you experience any culture shock after coming to Japan?
Aye Aye Aung：How cold winter gets was shocking. It just so happened to be mid-winter when I came to Japan and I saw snow for the first time. Winter was super cold and it was difficult to get used to Japan’s climate. Besides that, I was very impressed by Japan’s greeting culture. In Myanmar, we greet our acquaintances but don’t talk to strangers. In Japan, politely greeting, “Ohayo gozaimasu (good morning)”, “Konnichiwa (hello)”, etc. are part of the culture which impressed me.
Yin Mar Win：I also felt surprised at the difference in temperature and that there were four seasons. It doesn’t snow in Myanmar so I was surprised at seeing snowfall. Japan’s winter is cold but it is now my favorite season. Also, Japan has proper rubbish separation rules, and traffic rules are properly in place. There were many things that my home country didn’t have, and I felt the “gap” or difference between it and Japan in a good way.
How was the video filming?
Aye Aye Aung：It was very fun going to African Safari Park, to actually touch the animals, and see animals that I had never seen in Myanmar. Besides that, I enjoyed the trip to Beppu Onsen area. We were able to see the steam and colourful hot springs, and enjoy the food to the fullest.
Yin Mar Win：Experiencing and capturing on video the lives and work environment of technical interns aside from us is something I will always remember. I think that we have created a video that makes it easy for others aiming to become technical interns to imagine working in Japan. From watching this video, I hope you’ll be interested in Japan.
Writer's Pick
「Using Acquired Skills」What is the appeal of technical intern training?
Where are you doing your technical intern training?
Aye Aye Aung：I am currently working at Techno Co. Ltd. I mainly do sewing, and right now I’m working on the surface of school uniforms.
Yin Mar Win：The same for me; I’m at Techno Co. Ltd doing sewing work.
What do you like about the workplace?
Aye Aye Aung：When there’s something I don’t understand, someone will teach me kindly. When I first came to Japan, I didn’t know Japanese and worked by trial and error. My seniors would watch whilst I sewed, guiding me in easy-to-understand Japanese. Now that I’m used to the work, I’ve been entrusted with lots of work.
Yin Mar Win：Since I had done sewing work in Thailand before, I thought I was experienced to an extent; however there were things that I wasn’t used to it at first. Even so, my seniors kindly taught me and I was able to learn quickly and gradually got to work on and be in charge of new things. I’ve been working for about 5 years now, and I think I’ve gotten a good hang of Japanese sewing techniques.
What are your future aspirations after the technical intern training is completed?
Aye Aye Aung：I learnt many sewing techniques at my workplace so I want to get a job that makes the most of my experience. Also, I want to support my family after returning to my home country.
Yin Mar Win：I am thinking of spreading the knowledge of the Japanese sewing techniques I learnt in my home country after returning. I would like to start a fashion school and teach students whilst working on my own fashion designs. I want to work a job that makes full use of my experience.
ーーThank you.
