【Profile】
Fourth-year student at Tbilisi Free University, Faculty of International Relations (Japanese Language Major). Completed a one-year exchange program at Waseda University (2024–2025).Instructor of Japanese and Georgian for Japanese speakers. Freelance translator. Since April 2026, actively working as a Japanese-speaking tour guide in Georgia. Her goal is to become a bridge between Georgia and Japan. At present, she is working on her bachelor’s thesis, which explores how the structures of both languages influence social cognition and the perception of reality. In the future, she wishes to contribute to bilateral relations as a professional translator and cultural mediator..
① What inspired you to start learning Japanese?
I started learning Japanese when I was 17. It was during the COVID pandemic and quarantine, when everyone began trying something new. Since I had always been passionate about learning new languages, I decided to take up Japanese this time. Everyone said Japanese was the hardest language, and when I first started studying, I felt exactly that—but that difficulty drew me in even more. The more I studied, the harder it became, and that challenge was what attracted me at first.
Later, I realized that Japanese was no longer just one of the languages I was fascinated by—I wanted to connect my future profession with it. So, when it came time to apply to university after graduating from high school, I enrolled in the only faculty that offered a Japanese major at the time. During my first and second years, I truly felt the difficulty of the Japanese language. It transported me into a completely new world, and there were many moments when I wanted to give up, because the more I studied, the more difficult the learning process became.
It was around that time that I first came across the works of Yukio Mishima, translated into Georgian by Tatia Memarnishvili. I first read Confessions of a Mask, and then Spring Snow. For the first time in a long while, I felt the joy of encountering truly unique art. I couldn’t tell whether I liked Mishima’s writing itself more, or the beautiful sound of Tatia’s Georgian translation—but eventually I realized that both were essential. The book and the translation complemented each other perfectly. First, I was captivated by Mishima’s philosophy, and then by the beauty of the translation. These two could not exist without each other.
That was when I understood how powerful and important translation can be. From that moment, I began studying Japanese with renewed determination—this time with a clear goal: to become a translator myself. This new purpose gave me a clear direction for my future. I think that’s why, when the time came to make a big decision, it was easy for me to choose to go to Japan for a year. I already knew about the MEXT program from university, and in my third year, after completing the application and successfully passing the interview, I was able to go to Japan for one year with full funding. It was the best experience of my life.
② Where did you learn about the MEXT Japanese Studies Program? How did you prepare for it, and what kind of test was held on the exam day?
I first learned about the MEXT Japanese Language Program through my university and later via the internet—specifically from the official website and social media pages of the Embassy of Japan. Since I have always been deeply interested in the Japanese language and culture, I regularly kept an eye on such opportunities.
I began preparing quite early. I mainly used online resources, searched for past exam materials and practice tests on the internet, and watched informational videos where other students shared their experiences. I also paid attention to their advice on what to focus on during both the written test and the interview stages.
However, I believe the most important factor was strong motivation and a genuine interest in the language. That inner passion gave me the strength to work on myself with clear purpose and face the exam well-prepared.
Naturally, I felt a bit nervous on the day of the exam, but the test itself wasn’t overly difficult. It mainly assessed Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension at various levels. Since I had previously practiced similar formats—such as JLPT-style materials—the questions felt familiar to me. My preparation and confidence in my abilities allowed me to complete the exam successfully.
③ How was your study-abroad life in Japan? What did you learn from living there?
The time I spent in Japan helped me grow not only linguistically but also personally. Japanese society and culture are full of both written and unwritten rules—for example, maintaining social harmony and respecting others’ personal space—which can often be difficult for foreigners to understand or accept at first. Living in Japan was a great yet fascinating challenge for me. Everyday life and social structures in Japan are radically different from those in Georgia. This environment showed me many positive aspects, though there were also cultural elements that were initially hard to grasp.
I think what stands out most in Japan is how carefully people protect shared spaces and respect others’ opinions—whether on public transport, in the streets, or at university. This taught me to be more attentive, disciplined, and responsible toward those around me. I also learned to respect the so‑called “invisible boundaries” in human relationships and to understand the depth of Japan’s communication culture—something that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.
This experience made me realize that before going to Japan and starting life there, it is essential to become familiar with and internalize not only the language but also the country’s cultural nuances, social customs, and behavioral norms. When you understand in advance what expectations society has of you, cultural shock is much less severe, and the adaptation process becomes far more productive and enjoyable. Ultimately, living in such a different environment taught me to view events from multiple perspectives and to appreciate my own culture more deeply.
④ What advice would you give to Georgian people who are thinking about studying in Japan?
My main advice for Georgian students who wish to study and live in Japan is to define their goals clearly and answer the question “Why?” — First and foremost, it’s essential for each student to articulate precisely what their main purpose is and why they specifically want to go to Japan. Whether it’s to gain a deeper understanding of the language, to research a particular aspect of Japanese culture, or to pursue academic and professional development — once the goal is clear, overcoming any difficulty becomes much easier.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations and not to view Japan only through an idealized or “romanticized” lens. In reality, going alone to a foreign country thousands of kilometers away from your homeland, with a radically different culture, is inherently challenging and emotionally demanding. Being mentally prepared for that is crucial.
I would also advise others to see difficulties as challenges rather than obstacles. Regardless of whether the barriers are linguistic or cultural, they should be embraced as interesting and rewarding challenges. Such experiences are unique opportunities for personal growth, independence, and gaining a completely new worldview.
My advice would be: stay strongly motivated, learn about the country before you go, and be ready for the fact that this experience will completely change your life.
⑤ What kind of activities are you planning to pursue using the Japanese language in the future?
As I have already mentioned, my primary and ultimate goal is to become a highly skilled professional translator who can contribute to making Japanese literature, academic works, and cultural texts more accessible in Georgian—and vice versa. However, my plans in this field go beyond translation itself.
Alongside translation work, I plan to continue research in linguistics and intercultural communication. Specifically, I am interested in studying how Japanese linguistic structures influence social behavior and perception, and in sharing this knowledge at an academic level.
I also want to apply my knowledge in practical contexts—for example, by assisting in organizing meetings and events in Georgia for Japanese-speaking tourists, delegations, or specialists. I hope to serve as a facilitator who helps them understand our country’s history and culture accurately and deeply.
Furthermore, I aim to actively participate in various cultural and educational projects. This includes organizing informational sessions, workshops, and presentations in Georgia about Japanese culture, traditions, and social characteristics, helping young people gain a better understanding of the country.
Ultimately, my goal is to become a cultural mediator who brings Georgian and Japanese people closer together. Both nations are unique and fascinating, and we have much to learn from each other—and through that mutual learning, we can grow together.
Thank you!
