Date of publication: Mar 25, 2019
Milena Osika
- Senior Manager
- Amaris Japan https://www.amaris.com/
Date of birth: June 29, 1989
Hometown: Val-de-Marne, France
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 5 (as of March 2019)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
It all began when I was around 5 years old.
My older brother used to be a huge fan of Japanese culture, anime and J-pop.
Later on, I followed his passion and studied Japanese by myself.
In 2013, I got the opportunity to be an exchange student at Nagoya University of Commerce and Business, which was my first real encounter with Japan.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
“We never go as far as when we don’t know where we go,” said by Christopher Columbus.
I believe uncertainty can bring out the best of our capacities.
When I arrived in Japan, I barely knew anyone and had little knowledge about the market. However, I have been able to build a strong network by developing contacts, stepping out of my comfort zone and taking opportunities some would have seen threats.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
Setting up the office of Amaris in Japan almost from scratch. Being an entrepreneur and intrapreneur had always sounded attractive to me and I am grateful for taking that chance through Amaris at the young age of 27. Working in startup mode is not easy every day. However, it is a very rewarding experience.
So far, with our team and customers growing, we can say it has been a success.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
Continue to grow the Amaris office and accompany our customers through imminent changes, such as technology, organization and strategy by partnering with them with project engineering resources.
As for personal objectives, they are climbing Mount Fuji as well as learning Chinese since I obtained N2 certification of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test last year.
As for personal objectives, they are climbing Mount Fuji as well as learning Chinese since I obtained N2 certification of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test last year.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
Stay true to yourself and don’t systematically adapt.
Have a circle of friends from similar backgrounds or nationalities in order to exchange cultural differences and share advice.
Enjoy what Japan can bring at its best, choose your fights for the rest. Don’t spend to much hope and energy in trying to change things.
Have a circle of friends from similar backgrounds or nationalities in order to exchange cultural differences and share advice.
Enjoy what Japan can bring at its best, choose your fights for the rest. Don’t spend to much hope and energy in trying to change things.
Last updated: Mar 25, 2019