Here is the story from AUNG PHYO WAI san, a 4th year Ph.D. student from Myanmar. He belongs to the Department of Microbiology.

●What was your first impression when coming to Izumo?
The campus in Khon Kaen University in Thailand, where I got a Masters, was located in the countryside but always had a vibrant atmosphere because of a big population of students. Compared to that, Izumo campus seemed much quieter. Maybe it was all the more so due to the pandemic, which started to widely spread in Japan almost the same time as my enrollment.
Another thing which had a strong impression on me was the garbage separation system. Thailand had a similar system, but it was much looser. It took some time for me to get used to it. Now, I can say I can do it in the right manner. I think this is something Japan should boast about to the world.

●What has been your biggest culture shock since coming to Japan?
It may not be called a culture shock, but I had a significant problem with the language barrier at first. I went to buy a bottle of shampoo by myself one day soon after coming to Japan. I had believed I made it until I learned how to read Katakana and recognized what I bought was actually conditioner. I just hope it didn’t affect my hair. This is just one example. Thanks to the online Japanese class from Matsue campus, I have achieved a certain level of Japanese skill. Even now, however, I sometimes have difficulties in putting myself across. For example, when I place an order for my lunch in the campus cafeteria and want to know if the dish has some pork or beef in it, the communication with the staff doesn’t always go well. I judge it just from the appearance in such a case.

●What’s your favorite Japanese food?
I love tempura and soba, especially Izumo soba with three bowls stacked on top of one another. My first encounter with it was when I went to Izumo Taisha (Grand Shrine) for the first time. I think it is fun to have soba in separate bowls instead of one big bowl. If I am served with Izumo soba accompanied by tempura, I am tremendously happy.
I also love hotpot stews. My Vietnamese friend, who is also an international student, invited me to share his hotpot the other day. We enjoyed the tasty nabe (hotpot stew) and of course, lively conversation.

To see more, please go to “Hello, Friends!! Vol.24”
 

by AUNG PHYO WAI, April 2023