Within Japan, Kyoto is a place that’s rich in history and culture. As the birthplace of Japanese culture long ago, it greatly influenced the rest of the country, and so I figured if I went to Japan it had to be to Kyoto.

Studying abroad provided many opportunities to meet people. Making lots of friends, visiting many different places in Kyoto, and making lots of wonderful memories have become experiences that I treasure.
 

To be honest, job hunting was really hard.
At first I went to a large group information session with lots of companies, but there weren’t any other students like me, a student from Sweden, so I felt a bit out-of-place.
Surrounded by these perfectly suited-up working people, I really felt like the time had come for me to become an adult like them, too.

Kyoto has an extremely long history, but it’s also at the cutting edge of technology.
There are many pioneering companies, like my own Nidec Corporation, that are creating new technologies. I wanted to work at such a place, and contribute not only to Japan, but to creating a new world.
 

I’ve come all the way to the other side of the world, so I want to give my all to my work.
I want to have a lot of experiences, grow personally, and become someone who can contribute to the company, certainly, but I also want to create opportunities for my future.

I have different experiences as an international student, so I’m often given unique work opportunities.
Last year, at an overseas meeting of subsidiary managers, I was given the chance to get up in front of everyone and present the policies of our PR website.
I was a bit nervous, but I was also really grateful to receive an opportunity to be at the forefont so soon, and I think it’s an experience that’s helped me to grow.
 

Kyoto is an extremely beautiful place, even known as the city of 800 temples. You can find World Heritage Sites anywhere you go in Kyoto, and there are so many temples and shrines and other historical sites.
It’s the perfect place to go out for an adventure on your days off, and to enjoy exploring different places.
Kyoto’s also very well known for its autumn colors in the fall, and its cherry blossoms in the spring. The city is truly full of beautiful places, so I love to take my camera out and explore.
 

I have two favorite places.
The first is an okonomiyaki restaurant I visit with my coworker after work.
The second is an onsen I visit often, and that’s a place I love, too.
I’ve only been in Kyoto for about three years, but there are already a few places that have become mine. I really think Kyoto’s become my second home.

Some of the friends I’ve made at work are a bit older than me, but I went on a trip to some hot springs with them. We all wore yukata and ate crab together.
As an international student, my real family is overseas, so my department has become my family. We’ve become extremely close.
I have no regrets about my life; I’ve been able to meet so many new people.
 

Kyoto is a beautiful, unique city with a history of 1,200 years.
At the same time, it’s also the global center of cutting-edge technologies.
In many ways, Kyoto is a kind of cultural melting pot of many things old and new.
In my experience, Kyoto is the most incredible place to make memories. I recommend Kyoto to anyone who wants to study in Japan.