How it all began ... watching Oshin changed my life!
People often ask me what inspired me to pursue a Master's in Japanese Studies, especially since I hadn't set foot in Japan until after I graduated. It's true—my journey started with Oshin!
At just 10 years old, I fell in love with the sound of the language (no dubbed TV series in Flanders), the aesthetics, and everything else that this series showcased about Japan. It first aired in Belgium around 1984, so it might seem a bit dated now, but it remains vivid in my memory. You can find some subtitled episodes on YouTube—definitely worth checking out!
I was captivated by this story of a little girl who grows up to become a supermarket chain owner, embodying the perseverance and grit that I still see in many of my Japanese friends and my spouse today. I often wonder how my life would have turned out if I had never watched Oshin!
What is your Japan story?