Kugawa Michitake teaches Japanese to Chinese students. [Photo/WeChat account: ecnuiso]

Kugawa Michitake, a Japanese participant in the 2021 "Chinese Tour" Online Summer Program organized by Shanghai's East China Normal University, shared his story of learning Chinese.

Michitake is now a Japanese teacher at a university in East China's Anhui province. He cites his love for Chinese food, language, culture, and people for what lead him to his current position.

Due to his fondness for Chinese food and characters while growing up in Japan, Michitake chose to study Chinese as foreign language at Japan University of Tsukuba.

During a business trip to China after graduation, Michitake was warmly welcomed by local Chinese colleagues. "I had already liked Chinese culture and since that trip, I have liked Chinese people too."

He decided to further study in China with the hope of getting a job related to his Chinese studies. A year later, Michitake was admitted to Tianjin University of Commerce in North China's Tianjin.

Through constant learning and practice, Michitake passed the HSK level 6 test, the Chinese Proficiency Test's highest level, after two years.

Michitake said that he had really good memories of studying, living, and travelling with schoolmates in China.

"For me, the charm of China lies largely with its picturesque landscapes," he adds, noting that he enjoys travelling and has been to 35 cities in China so far.

After graduating from Tianjin University of Commerce, Michitake decided to work in China. He first taught Japanese to Chinese employees at a Japanese company in Tianjin and then became a Japanese teacher at a university in Anhui. He said that he most enjoys seeing the progress of his students.

This summer, Michitake participated in the online summer program of East China Normal University. "I made the right choice," he said, adding that teachers in the program are patient and the courses are interesting.

Michitake said that he has benefited a lot from the program. In addition to improving his oral Chinese proficiency, he also learned about a wide range of cultures and has made friends with people from other countries.

Kugawa Michitake (L) and his friends climb Huangshan Mountain in East China's Anhui province. He said that he watched the sunrise in a sea of clouds, which left a deep impression on him. [Photo/WeChat account: ecnuiso]