My Third Interview

My Third Interview

 

How did you approach people? When, where, and how did you conduct and record the interview? Whom did you interview? What did surprise you? How did the interview unfold?

 

I was really excited about this task and I really looked forward for the interview with Junichi.L a Japanese guy. I was nervous but eager and excited at the same time. The interview went on really good and it was fun. I learned a lot about Japan, its culture and how people of Japan hold their culture close to their hearts. I recorded the interview on tape so that I could replay it earlier and also because I wanted to focus on the interviewee and give him my full attention, I did not wanted to be seen as preoccupied as it gives a bad impression.

I started my task with formulating a questionnaire. I was really very careful when framing the questionnaire. I made sure to frame the questions in such a way that it did not get too personal or even a little bit offensive. I kept the questions simple and open ended. For the interview I made a list of fifteen questions which are as follows:

1-Do you like the weather in St.Cloud? Please explain
2- What do you do for leisure?
3- Could you please tell me about yourself?
4- How often do you communicate with your family back at home?
5- What is the biggest holiday in your country? Please explain about the holidays (Activities, Food, Date, Origin, and etc,)
6- In what ways might it be difficult to practice your religion here in the U.S?
7- Tell me some important things from your culture?
8- What is the biggest difference between the American culture and your culture?
9- What are your goals for the future; after you graduate, what are you going to do?
10- What is your favorite sport?

11-What is your major? Why you chose this major?

12-What is your language? How many languages do you speak? How many languages in your country?

13-What do you like to do when you hang out with your friends and/or family?

14-Where do you prefer your home country or here? Why?

15- Do you have any questions for me? I have asked so many of you!

I went to St. Cloud University and found a shy but eager to help Japanese boy name Junichi.L. He was really passionate and a true patriot. He just loved his country, people, family and his culture and traditions. He was really religious but open minded as well. I informed the candidate about the interview and explained him about the survey that I was doing. He discussed about his culture and family in great detail. He was open and friendly though a bit shy. He was eager to help me and answered in detail. He told me how Japanese value their culture and how they have preserved it over the years.

 

 

Interview report on how the interviewing went

 

I met with Junichi.L on the 11^th of November 2013. The interview went on for around 40 to 50 minutes.  I taped the interview so that later I could easily put it in writing later on. I taped the interview so that I could give my full attention to the candidates. The interview went on quiet well and I learned quiet a lot. As the interview unfolded I observed that the candidate was a true patriot and had high regards for his country, cultures and traditions. I also found out that all Japanese value their culture a lot and have preserved the Japanese culture over the years.

He was really patient and kind and gave me his full attention. He gave me a lot of his time and discussed everything in detail. It was really nice talking to Junichi.L and in my interview with him I learned a lot and I really admire his patriotism and love for his country.

 

Report on country/region and culture

 

Japan has quiet a rich cultural with numerous ancient festivals and traditions. Japanese, Korean and Chinese are the languages widely spoken in Japan, but the official and the national as well as the most widely spoken language is Japanese. The national and traditional dress of Japan is a Kimono for both men and women. Kimono is a long and flowing garment which is tied with a belt, it is usually decorated elaborately. The designs, patterns have evolved over time but the main design still remains the same thus even though it has modernized a bit still it has not lost its traditional touch.[1-3]

 Japanese are hard and diligent workers, they are really focused and innovative. They are very courteous and punctual and set high regards for their culture and traditions. Japanese people are really positive and polite. They are shy yet alarmingly intelligent. They respect everyone. Also Japan is a country immune to stereotyping. They have all the good qualities and this is the reason for their success.[2]

Martial art is one of the most prominent and widely practiced Japanese traditions, since childhood children learn this art. It is good as it makes one able to defend himself /herself at all times.  It comprises of defenses in numerous ways like using techniques of combat, using weapons such as swords or staffs. The most famous and widely known types of martial arts are namely judo, aikido, karate, jujitsu, and sumo. Also it is not something you can learn in a day, it require years of training and strict discipline. In order to master this art you have to be really diligent and focused, it is not at all easy to learn. Martial art is a development of both mind and spiritual.[2-3]

Japanese music has also evolved but even here the traditions remain intact. Often even the modern performers use the traditional instruments like taiko which are basically drums contemporary music and compositions Japanese manages to keeps its traditions and traditional music alive.[4]

Apart from this Japan also has a history of really good and spectacular paintings, woodcutting sand carvings which inspires artists and art lovers from all around the world. Traditional Japanese pottery and porcelain have a long history and go years back. Japanese art is considered as one of the earliest form of arts. Also Japanese calligraphy is also widely known and appreciated all over the world for its extravagance. Japanese even pack their gifts really artistically and in a very beautiful manner.[1-2]

 

 

Work Cited

[1] "Japanese Holidays." Japanese Holidays. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2062.html>

 [2] "Culture Japan - Your Portal to Japan." Culture Japan - Your Portal to Japan. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.

[3] "Languages of Japan." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Feb. 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.

 [4] "Japanese Festivals." About.com Asia Travel. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://goasia.about.com/od/Events-and-Holidays/tp/Japanese-Festivals.htm>.

 

Website Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Japan

http://www.dannychoo.com/

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2062.html           

http://goasia.about.com/od/Events-and-Holidays/tp/Japanese-Festivals.htm

 

 

Interview transcription of my interview with Junichi.L

 

Interviewer: Zaid Bugshan

Interviewee: Junichi.L

Location: University of Saint Cloud, USA, 11.00AM

Z- Zaid Bugshan

J: Junichi.L

Z:  First, I would like to thank you for giving me your time and for letting me do the interview with you.

J: That's Ok. I am glad to hear from you.

Z:  So do you like the weather in St.Cloud?

J: Well yes I like the weather here, it is pretty much good and like that in Japan. I do not like the winters though, as I find it somewhat dry and sad, but yeah I immensely enjoy summers, I love summers and enjoy a lot.St. Cloud City is very hot in summer and very cold with snow in winter and as I like both weathers I love it here.
 

Z: And what do you do for leisure?

J:  I am an introvert; I like to keep to myself most of the time. I do have a lot of people but I am shy around new people. I like to read and paint, I am poet and I love to write. Writing is my passion and also an outlet to express and vent out my feelings. Also I love baking an I am always in the kitchen trying new recipes, my friends love my cooking and they often ask me to cook up their favorites.

Z:  Could you please tell me about yourself?

J:  Hmm well I am Japanese my name is Junichi.L which means the obedient one. I am an introvert kind of a person I like keeping to myself most of the time, though I love my friends and like spending time with them too. Apart from that I am a diligent and a hard worker. I love challenges and meeting tough deadlines. I am a team player and posses good communication skills also I have a power to persuade people, you can say that I am really persuasive.

Z:  How often do you communicate with your family back at home?

J: Well ours is a really closely knit family, I love them a lot and I get really homesick at times. So I talk to them once a day. We share even the tiniest bits of things and have no secrets. We are really close to each other and frank too.

Z:  What is the biggest holiday in your country? Please explain about the holidays (Activities, Food, Date, Origin, and etc,)

J: Matsuri is the work we Japanese use for what you people call festivals. We have a lot of Matsuri’s in Japan. We have Shogatsu which is the New Year, Setsubun which is the bean-throwing festival and is a lot of fun. Than we have Hanami which is the cherry blossom festival, and we also have Golden Week,Obon, Lake towada Snow festival etc. We have a lot of festivals. My favorite one is Setsubun. It is really fun but kind of bizzrre. It starts off with the Haru Matsuri  which is the Spring Festival. Setsubun is a really old tradition but with time it has evolved, now it is telecasted on televisions, events include performances etc by national celebrities on stages etc around the country. The main and the fun part of the festival is that people throw beans in mame maki ceremonies so as to drive away evil spirits that could cause trouble later. Candies and money is thrown out towards the crowds, and people rush forward to collect the small gifts. It is celebrated on 3^rd Feburary at all the major temples and shrines in Japan. I am really religious that is why I love this festival.

 

Z:  In what ways is it difficult to practice your religion here in the U.S?

J:  It is not at all difficult to practice my religion here. Religion is something that lies within us and no matter what the situation is or the place is. Religion is all about faith and believes, and faith is something that resides within. Also god is in our hearts and is always with us to help and guide us.

 

Z:  Tell me some important things from your culture?

J:  Hmm Well Japan is known for its very unique culture and heritage. We Japanese have preserved our culture over the years and it has remained unchanged. Japanese traditions and customs give uniqueness to our lifestyle. Our families are closely knit, with high regards for the elders. Also we have a custom of exchanging gifts for almost everything.

 Z: What’s the biggest difference between the American culture and your culture?

J:  Well our culture differs from American culture in all ways. There is no comparison as they are like two ends.

Z:  What are your goals for the future; after you graduate, what are you going to do?

J:  Well I would like to improve myself using education, making me a better well known individual. Apart from this I would like to graduate and get a job as a marketing head at a reputable multinational.

Z:  What is your favorite sport?

J:  Hmm well I am not a fan of sports, though I like watching baseball but that too only sometimes.

Z:  What is your major? Why you chose this major?

 J:  My majors is Advertising. I choose this major because I am very creative, innovative and open to new ideas, in short all the skills necessary to make a good marketer. Also since childhood I was really clear on what I wanted and what I wanted to be .I find myself really luck that I have the skills, abilities and all the things needed to achieve my goals and dreams as creativity is something you are born with one cannot simply learn to be creative. Also we Japanese are really innovative and so I think this is the right carrier field for me.

Z:  What is your language? How many languages do you speak? How many languages in your country?

J: Well our national language is Japanese, though Korean and Chinese is also spoken, but the main language is Japanese. I speak Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French and English.

Z: What do you like to do when you hang out with your friends and/or family?

J:  I just like to relax and eat and talk. I like to sit back watch movies, play board games or X box etc.

Z: Where do you prefer your home country or here? Why?

J:  I miss my country, I miss being there and I love everything about Japan. I love it back there as my family is there, I like the lifestyle in Japan, the way people know each other care about each other and all, over here in United States everyone minds there own business and do not care much about anyone else except themselves.

 Z:  Well that’s all from my side, do you have any questions for me?

J:  Well Yes, Thank you. What do you think about Japan?

Z:  I think Japan is a great country, I wish I can visit is sometime and experience the life there. Also we all use Japanese products and I am absolutely impressed by the way you people work so hard.