Robert works as the Japan Trade Manager for Aozora New Zealand Ltd, an exporter of fresh produce to Japan and greater Asia.
Robert studied Japanese throughout high school and university. He believes that being immersed in the language and culture was ultimately the best way to improve his Japanese skills.
Japanese Language Education
Secondary school:
- Five years of Japanese study in New Zealand
- 8 months exchange while still at school, living with a Japanese family
Tertiary:
Conjoint Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Auckland, majoring in Japanese and International Trade. Robert has also passed Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
Motivation to begin Japanese Studies:
Initially Robert travelled to Fukuoka on a school trip. This trip motivated him to continue learning Japanese until the end of Year 12. At this point he won a scholarship in Year 13 to study in Japan for a further 8 months.
Robert says the structure of the Japanese classes at university encouraged participation, and, alongside the weekly informal conversation classes, enabled him to build on the language he had developed at high school. Robert is grateful for the support received from the Sasakawa Fellowship Fund for Japanese Language Education in the form of an undergraduate scholarship.
Use of Japanese language skills and knowledge in current employment:
Robert works as the Japan Trade Manager for Aozora New Zealand Ltd, an exporter of fresh produce to Japan and greater Asia. In this role he negotiates and manages supply contracts with Japanese importers, overseeing the shipping of cargo and maintaining customer relations. In the future Robert can see himself continuing to work in a role where he can add value to NZ-Japan business relationships through his Japanese ability.
Skills gained as a result of studying Japanese:
Developing trust and relationships with Japanese customers have been the main benefits of Robert’s Japanese language skills in his current role and have helped him to increase sales.
Time spent in Japan and benefits gained:
Although the longest time Robert has spent in Japan is only 8 months, he has been on numerous business trips and short vacations to Japan, which have allowed him to be immersed in the language and culture over a long period of time.