Date of publication: Jul 24, 2018

Tony Andriotis

President: Greek Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Date of birth: April 16, 1973

Hometown: New York

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 10 (as of July 2018)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

I went to Stuyvesant High School, a majority Asian public school in NYC. My interest in Asia was sparked by friendships I developed with my Asian-American classmates. This interest later led me to Osaka where I studied at Kansai Gaidai University for a semester, and back again in 1995 on the JET Programme, where I taught at Seifunankai Gakuen, a private boys Buddhist school, for two years.

Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. This opening line of Constantine P. Cavafy’s poem, “Ithaca,” acts as a constant reminder that the journey is often far more important than the destination. It also serves as a reminder that home — in Odysseus’s case, Ithaca — is nothing more than an idea; and a malleable one at that.

Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?

I have been very lucky in my life and my career. I am particularly grateful to the wonderful mentors that I have had — and continue to have. It is my family, friends and mentors that have pushed me forward my entire life. I am also grateful that I have had the opportunity to start the Greek Chamber of Commerce in Japan, to clerk for a federal judge in New York, teach at both Temple and Keio law schools, and represent my law firm in the Japanese market.

Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?

To bring the world a little closer together through the encouragement of international trade and commerce. Nations that are tightly connected through commercial and financial ties are far more likely to allow for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?

Travel more and learn another foreign language. Be flexible and open minded. Step out of your comfort zone (pop that expat bubble), and meet as many different people as you can. Be humble and grasp that teachers come in all shapes and sizes, and that failure is one of those shapes.

Last updated: Jul 24, 2018