I am a 24-year-old student from Korea preparing to study abroad in Japan.
I have visited Japan many times for travel,
and I have also traveled while working for a year on a working holiday.
I gained valuable experiences then and was satisfied,
so I want to seriously study Japanese when I go to Japan next time, but
I am worried about it.

I am currently on leave from university in Korea.
Next year or the year after, if I pass the entrance exams, I will re-enroll in university.
My family doesn't have much financial余裕, so I'll have to "attend university while receiving a scholarship and working part-time."
That's what it comes down to.
Someone told me that it's difficult to find employment with just language skills.

Also, when I graduate in 4 or 5 years, I'll be 30.
My only motivation is "I just love languages. I want to do translation. I want to study more."
Is a 4-year study abroad experience worth the investment of time and money?
Professor, is it okay for me to proceed like this?

Why I Feel Uneasy

Hmm. If you want to do it that badly, you have no choice but to do it.
This person seems to be worried, but worrying means you're not fully committed. If you put more effort in, the anxiety should disappear.

If I answered your question, "Should I proceed like this?" with "You should quit," would you quit?

You already know the answer!
Isn't that right?
Just do what you love with all your heart.

Everyone is Pathetic!

Recently, I've had many opportunities to meet students in Japan, and honestly, they're all pathetic!

When I was young, I thought adults were "ridiculous," and indeed, many adults were (laughs). Today's students lack the rebellious spirit towards the older generation or the energy to change things themselves.

At a symposium held at a university, one student actually said, "Please push us forward..." So I lost my temper and told them off.
At 18 or 19, when you're most rebellious, don't be so soft! Don't expect anything from above!

Short-sighted People

For my part, when I was young... every day was fun, and I never thought about tomorrow. I'm a short-sighted person (laughs). My perspective has broadened a little recently, though.

I never thought I'd become a musician back then. The awareness of being a musician came only after I unexpectedly became famous with YMO, and people started saying, "Oh, that's Sakamoto" when they saw me on the street. I had no choice but to accept it.

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Styling by Kenji Sakurai
Grooming by Mayumi Fujita (Vitamins)
Wardrobe courtesy of Lanvin Japan (Tel. 03-3289-2782) Knit jacket ¥215,250, Polo shirt ¥128,100, Tie ¥45,150, Trousers ¥217,350
Location courtesy of TIME & STYLE EXISTENCE (Tel. 03-5464-3205) VALLE high chair ¥39,000

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