(Update) What are you doing now…..? Vol.018 – Kazuki Yamamoto (EIC 2014)
First Posted: May 27, 2020
Hi everyone, I’m now studying in high school. I have one more year to graduate. I’m studying especially math and physics because I’m going to take an exam for university in May and November. And I practice Kendo which is martial arts at school. I practice it in order to participate in Kanto competition.
Tohoku Trip
What are you doing now?
Last year, I was in New Zealand for 10 months to level up my English skills. At first 2 or 3 months, I couldn’t make myself understood and I couldn’t understand what people say because they speak so fast and I couldn’t say what I was thinking at that time. And everything was new to me. I didn’t know what to do and was very frustrated. But I never gave up challenging because I wanted to master English. Finally, at the end of the year, I learned to say what I think and understand what people say. When I was in NZ, I made friends with not only New Zealand people but also many international students. And I talked with them as much as possible. I’m still keeping in touch with them.
At Waiheke Island 
Eating sea urchin. 
This is picture was taken on ferry. On the way back home from Waiheke island.
Also, I learned a lot of things of New Zealand. There are lots of immigrants in NZ. For example, African, Asian, European, etc. So everyone respects other culture. Furthermore, my host family was South African family so they speak Afrikaans when they talk with each other but when they talk with me or English speakers they speak English. It was so interesting for me. These experiences broadened my horizons.
Why did you choose the things you are doing now?
I was home staying in NZ because I want to become a pilot and to get new experiences. Pilots need to be able to speak English. Also, I thought that it’s difficult to master English in Japan because there are almost no opportunities to speak English. So I stayed there for 10 months.
This is my hosr family. 
He is my best friend Martin. 
After surfing at Muriwai beach.
How EIC influenced your life?
EIC has changed my life. In EIC, I cried because I didn’t know how to say in English. But NUNU who was camp leader of my group helped me. I was encouraged by him. I really appreciate it. After then, I became positive and active. I think EIC allowed me to grow. Every time, after joining EIC program I learned a lot of things. For example, I thought Japan is very clean and rich country when I went to 2nd OST in Indonesia. So EIC is part of my life.
OST before depart for Thailand 
Pic with Shi and Camp Leaders 
In the temple in Thailand
Next challenge?
My next challenges are ① I will join exchange program again, when I’m in university. I want to learn technology in the US. To do, I should level up my English. So now I deeply learning English. ② I will travel around the world to see, feel, learn a lot of things. Also, I want to see my friends who live in South America, Europe, etc. It won’t cost a lot because I’m going to stay my friends’ house. I only need to pay flight cost. I think it’s a very good idea. ③ I will become a pilot and a rich man. So I’m learning physics, math. Also I read many books and get the way of thinking of rich people to become rich. Those are my next challenges.
Message to EIC family:
I want to say “Don’t be afraid of making mistakes! Don’t be shy! Don’t give up! Be positive! Challenge what you want to do!!! You can do it!!!” to you guys The people I want to know what they are doing now…Nunu, Kay, Hibiki Terao
Thank you for reading!
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Kazuki, it’s so nice to read your blog and also witness your growth. Please continue to take up more challenges! the sky’s the limit!
PS. Great picture with Mt.Fuji 🙂
Hi Jane! Thanks for your comment.
Yeah, I’ll take on new challenges!
It really looks like Mt.Fuji but actually not Mt.Fuji. It’s Mt.Yotei in Hokkaido haha.
HAHAHHA oh noooo 🙂 hahahaha dayone!! Not all mountains are Fuji san!
So sorry, I should have guessed from when you said “I worked at a ski resort in Hokkaido called Niseko”, but in my mind i just thought the picture was from another part near Fuji san.
Anywayssss 🙂 great picture! please teach me how to Ski! Hahahah, falling all the time laaa!