Tobias Bieker, 31, has always loved telling stories, whether through his podcast, "Unpacking Japan," or in his own fiction. European by birth but a proud Osakan by choice, he works to promote cultural understanding by platforming the voices of foreign residents in Japan.
1. Where did you grow up? I was born in France to German parents. At 18, I moved to Asia, starting in Shanghai. After moving around for a few years, I eventually settled in Osaka in 2018.
2. Where did your interest in Japan come from? It began with a general fascination with Asia sparked during my time in China. But Japan drew me in more deeply, especially through its literature, music and art. I found myself reading Japanese novels and dreaming of understanding them in their original versions.
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