Date of publication: Dec 17, 2018
Antony Tran
- President
- LIFE.14 inc. www.life14.com
Date of birth: Nov. 20, 1981
Hometown: Paris
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 12 (as of December 2018)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
I started practicing karate in elementary school and that was what gave me the opportunity to visit Japan at 18. Respect and dedication had always been really concrete notions in martial arts, but Japanese practitioners were on a whole other level.
That was just for two months, but it was so inspiring I decided to come back two years later for a working holiday.
That was just for two months, but it was so inspiring I decided to come back two years later for a working holiday.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
Very simply, “Be good people.” I think the most important part of the give-and-take process is giving first. Good deeds attract similar positive-thinking people. Instead of working against each other, I believe that collaboration is a much more effective and beneficial strategy.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
I always think the best is to come and your best day is tomorrow. At LIFE.14, we have successfully completed some very prestigious assignments, but what I am most proud of is being with my team and partners. Each one has such a unique career and personality; it is so inspiring. Being around them really gives meaning to, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
LIFE.14 is already involved with several nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations; I hope to be able to help even more. Visual communication plays a critical role in our connected society, but oftentimes, professional photo and video production is out of reach for smaller entities. We are working hard to make LIFE.14 a leader in global visual production so we can empower those who are trying to make the world a better place.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
As much as possible, try to learn Japanese. Not only the language, but also the culture. You cannot expect people to spontaneously understand you if you don’t try doing the same initially. Each extra language is an extra key to a wider world.
With different backgrounds, we have much to share, but also first and foremost, a lot to learn, too. Be open-minded, don’t be afraid to ask for support and, as much as possible, lend a helping hand. That will connect you with people and opportunities much more than anything else.
With different backgrounds, we have much to share, but also first and foremost, a lot to learn, too. Be open-minded, don’t be afraid to ask for support and, as much as possible, lend a helping hand. That will connect you with people and opportunities much more than anything else.
Last updated: Dec 17, 2018