Beach Pigeons

As part of the series “Social Misfits: Portraits from Japan”

Social Misfits: Portraits from Japan is a photo series and collection of interviews exploring what it means to stand outside the norms of Japanese society. Japan is often described as a country of harmony, order, and tradition — yet within that structure are individuals who choose a different paths or choose to express themselves in ways that resist social norms.

This story introduces Maya, who spoke to us about what drives her to learn new languages, live abroad and her goals for the future. While working in Japan she felt that she was living for society rather than for herself, and her time abroad introduced her to new people and experiences.

Scroll to view the full gallery and read our interview.

Full Gallery by Isabella Fowden

“I love listening to others’ experiences or stories of their lives. It’s so fascinating to me, everyone’s stories are like a movie.” 

– MAYA

Have you grown up in Japan?

Maya: Yes. Fully. I was born in Japan, grew up in Japan, with parents who are fully Japanese from the mountain side. 

I studied in New Zealand and then stayed for 4 years accidentally, thanks to corona virus. I was totally fine in New Zealand, I met lots of beautiful people. 

I also did a working holiday in Germany for a year. Learning German was by accident, I didn’t go to language school. 

What pushed you to study abroad?

Maya: I’m just interested in knowing people with different backgrounds. What if I speak other languages? I can meet many people, not just English. It’ll make my way of living different.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Maya: Joyful, optimistic, curious 

How would you describe traditional Japanese society?

Maya: It’s quite conservative, very conservative. 

They stick to their traditional way. They don’t want to change to new things. They struggle to live with new diversity.

But it’s not only negative. I like the way they appreciate ancestors and history. We don’t really have a big change with spiritual things. 

How do you feel that you fit into Japanese society?

Maya: It’s weird, after studying abroad and after experiencing working abroad, when I was in Japan as an employee it was still okay but I was working as part of the society, it wasn’t about my life. I realised – what am I doing? I wanted to live my life so I wanted to go abroad.

How do you see your future?

Maya: It’s up in the air. I’m going with the flow

Do you hope to live and work in Japan forever?

Maya: My family wants me to stay here, but depends on who I will meet or who I want to meet.

So do you feel like you fit into Japanese society?

Maya: It’s a good question. No.

When I speak to Japanese friends they’ve already designed their life, especially at my age. Sometimes it’s hard to adjust what they expect.

My life depends on who I meet, people are the base of my life. Connections and everything.

What are your favourite things to do?

Maya: Singing! And listening to others experiences or stories or their lives. It’s so fascinating to me, everyone’s stories are like a movie. I imagine scenes from movies when people tell me their stories. 

I like learning languages. Languages are kind of an interest you can never finish, it’s really good. 

What do you think makes you, you?

Maya: What should I say?

I need to describe myself as chocolate. I like eating chocolate of course.

Describing myself like chocolate, I could be very dark chocolate, but could be very milky as well.

Sometimes I could be strong like dark chocolate, which  some people think is very sour.

In one sentence, what is your favourite thing about Japanese culture?

Maya: Appreciation. Gratitude.

Japanese people normally have gratitude for everything; food, nature, people. That’s why they’re known as respectful people.

If you could change anything about Japanese society, what would it be?

Maya: Even though we learn English since we’re young we don’t speak it. Learning languages should be more open. For everyone, not just Japanese people. 

What is your favourite Japanese word or phrase?

Maya: Komorebi.

It’s hard to translate in English.

It’s like a shower of light through the leaves of the tree. When there’s a breeze the light is moving around, the atmosphere is komorebi. It’s hard to describe but I love it.

Photography by Isabella Fowden

To reshare images, please contact isafowden@gmail.com