Kana A    japanese

What is your favorite word in your language and why?

I love the Japanese word " 弥栄 ." It is pronounced ‘IYasaka.’ It carries the meaning of both oneself and others flourishing more and more together. This word is often used at Shinto shrines and festivals in Japan. For example, at the close of a festival, people shout “Yasaka! Yasaka!” with strong voices. It’s a heartfelt wish for the continued prosperity of the entire community and land. I’m deeply drawn to beautiful words like this that embody the concept of harmony.

What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?

There are so many delicious local foods in Gunma Prefecture, where I live. Among them, konnyaku (konjac) is especially famous—Gunma is actually the top producer in all of Japan! The konnyaku made from fresh konjac potatoes, which is commonly eaten in Gunma, is absolutely exquisite. In most Japanese supermarkets, however, the konnyaku you find is usually made from dried and powdered konjac rather than the fresh root. Konnyaku made from powder is also tasty, but the kind made from fresh konjac potatoes is truly exceptional! We often enjoy it with miso or add it to miso soup. It’s incredibly delicious. There are a few places I can recommend, so if any of my students ever want to visit Gunma someday, I’d be happy to share them!

Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?

I study basic French conversation.

What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?

I enjoy watching Japanese anime ( a wide range of genres like isekai, adventure, romantic comedies, and coming-of-age stories—lately, I’ve been really into dungeon-themed anime!), reading Japanese manga, living a minimalist lifestyle, and growing plants. I’m also interested in learning about the history of Gunma Prefecture, where I currently live in Japan.

What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?

I was born and raised in Gunma Prefecture. Although I spent my university years in Tokyo and UK, I returned to Gunma because I love its natural environment and way of life. It’s an incredibly nature-rich region, with about 70% of the land covered by forests. Gunma has many mountains and nearly 100 unique hot springs! From Kusatsu Onsen, one of the most famous in Japan, to Shiriyaki Onsen where the river itself becomes a hot spring, to Takaragawa Onsen with its massive open-air baths along the river, and Ikaho Onsen, known for its iron-rich waters—there’s so much variety to enjoy. The food is also wonderful, especially the vegetables, which are incredibly fresh and flavorful. One of my favorites is konnyaku ( konjac ), a healthy and delicious local specialty. Handmade konnyaku ( konjac ) made from fresh konjac potatoes is something truly unique to Gunma. This rich natural environment and the abundance of delicious local food are the reasons why I love my hometown so much.