Introduction
Привіт всім! (Hello, everyone!)
My name is Philip Iwasaki, and I'm a third-year student majoring in Spanish at the Faculty of Foreign Studies, Kansai Gaidai University.
At university, I specialize in Spanish, but my interests go far beyond just one language. I independently explore different language-learning methods, and my personal motto is to create value for everyone I connect with through languages.
Growing up, I frequently moved back and forth between different countries, which gave me all sorts of unexpected (and sometimes downright confusing!) opportunities to encounter different languages. Before I knew it, I had somehow picked up around five languages.
I'm particularly good at learning languages through conversation. Even when studying a completely new language, I tend to pick up accents and develop listening skills quite quickly. I guess you could call it the linguistic equivalent of having perfect pitch in music!
Grammar, on the other hand... well, that's a different story.
At university, I've been involved in organizing business competitions. Drawing on those experiences, I founded a Spanish language study club, where I work with fellow members to organize language-learning activities and cultural exchange events with international students.
In the future, I hope to pursue a career where I can make full use of my language skills.
Work Experience
My professional journey has been... quite an adventure.
I started working at a takoyaki shop during university, where I somehow managed to get fired. Then I tried working for a moving company, but the secondhand smoke nearly killed me. I also worked as a bartender, but eventually realized that the food and beverage industry just wasn't my thing.
On a more serious note, I've also provided interpretation support for Ukrainian evacuees at the request of Japan's Immigration Services Agency.
Eventually, I found my way to The DECK, where my language skills turned out to be a much better fit. I've been working here for quite a while now, and it's been a great opportunity to put my strengths to good use.
Hobbies & Interests
I love staying active! Some of my favorite activities include cycling, swimming, and airsoft.
I'm absolutely terrible at ball sports, though, so I tend to stick to activities that rely more on physical strength and endurance. Brute force is more my style!
When it comes to cycling, I occasionally go on long-distance rides of 100 km or more!! 🚴
I'm also a big fan of video games, movies, and TV shows. Recently, I've been hooked on the new ACE COMBAT 8! I especially love gritty, industrial-style works that practically smell of steel, oil, and machinery.
As for movies and TV shows, some of my favorites are Narcos and A Street Cat Named Bob.
Closing
"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."
— Ludwig Wittgenstein
To me, learning a language is about much more than simply memorizing words. It's about discovering new values, perspectives, and ways of seeing the world.
I believe that languages open doors to different cultures and ways of thinking, and I always try to approach people with curiosity and an open mind.
I hope to bring this same mindset to my work at The DECK, connecting with people, embracing different perspectives, and creating value through communication.
