Interview with Ms. Xiaolin Yanzi

Ms. Xiaolin Yanzi, whose very poetic name means “swallow in the woods,” is also from Heilongjiang, which she describes as “the coldest place.” She has been at ASIJ since 2009.

Why did you first come to Japan?

My grandmother was Japanese. Due to the Japanese government’s policy to repatriate Japanese war orphans left in China, I was able to apply to come here because of my grandmother’s Japanese heritage.

Before coming here, what did you do?

Before I came here, I was a farmer. I planted crops.

Why did you choose to work at ASIJ?

The school is close to my home, and the environment is quite nice.

What do you enjoy doing during your free time?

I like to go shopping and or cook things at home. I love to garden, too. I especially love flowers. I plant flowers, but they’re not that pretty.

Is your family here?

Yes, they are. My daughter and I. She’s 16.

Does your daughter speak Chinese?

She can speak Chinese and Japanese. She’s been going to Japanese school since 2nd grade, and we’ve always spoken lots of Chinese at home.

What hopes/expectations do you have for her?

I don’t have any particular expectations, I just hope she’s healthy and happy!

What do you think the most difficult thing is about living in Japan? How does it compare to your hometown?

I think the hardest part, especially when we first came, was doing things like going to see the doctor. My Japanese isn’t that good, so it was quite difficult. Compared to my hometown, Japan is much better. My hometown is only a small farming village. Tokyo is a cosmopolitan city! The environment and lifestyle here is all different. Now, my daughter can help me translate at the doctor’s, but I usually go by myself.

How do you think the students here at ASIJ compare to the Chinese students you went to school with?

You guys are all really polite and friendly. Sometimes kids say Ni-Hao (hello), and chat with us in Chinese! You don’t look down on as and think of us as “cleaning people.” Some little kids bring us pen and paper and ask for autographs!

If we were your children, what would you like to tell us?

I always tell my daughter, as long as you like what you’re doing, then it’s okay. Because my Japanese isn’t that good, I can’t help her that much, so all her ideas and accomplishments are her own. I think she’s the real hard worker.

When you were a student, what was your favorite subject?

Whichever class had the strictest teachers! It didn’t matter whether I liked the subject or not,  I always did the best in those classes because I was scared of the teacher. I didn’t like to study; I’m not a good role model [laughing].

What is the strangest thing you have come across during your duties?

Oh! One time, you guys were all on the field, and had tents all over [in reference to the Relay For Life]. It was raining so hard but you kept walking and laughing for hours. It’s so nice to be young, being able to do whatever you like.