Tapestry of Cultural Influences

Julia Okuyama spent most of her life in Japan, but whenever she goes to Poland, she finds that she can express another side of herself that usually stays hidden in Japan. These multiple parts weave their way in and out through various aspects of her life, from learning languages to raising children. 

We discussed: 

• Julia’s father’s move to Poland in the 70s to start a business while the country was undergoing an economic crisis
• Childhood in Tokyo and being raised by a mom who didn’t speak Japanese 
• Avoiding speaking Polish during school years to blend in

• How meeting Julia’s future husband in high school helped her become more open and upbeat
• The ways in which Julia approaches language learning with her children
• The Japanese-Polish community in Tokyo 
• The differences between Tokyo’s mixed children and international-school children 

• Julia’s most recent trip to Poland, during which she saw her grandmother for the last time

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