
What motivated you to come to Japan and what was the purpose of your stay?
I’ve always dreamed of stepping foot in Japan ever since I was a child. Captivated by the scenery and lifestyle depicted in the anime “Doraemon,” I harbored a strong desire to live out those scenes in reality. After graduating from high school, I took the plunge to move to Japan, driven by the urge for a fresh adventure that would challenge me and allow for personal growth, something decidedly different from my life at home.

How long have you lived in Japan?

I first came to Japan in December 2015, so I’m now in my eighth year. I started out as a technical intern doing machine work in Fukuoka, which was a great learning experience. After my internship ended, I moved to Tokyo a little over two years ago and have been living in Japan ever since.
Why did you choose to live along the Seibu Line?
I chose to live along the Seibu Line because it’s convenient for my job at Waseda Station; I wanted to be close to Takadanobaba. After looking into it myself, the Seibu Line emerged as the clear choice. The rent along this line is relatively affordable, and I found that many properties were open to renting to foreigners. From my own experiences, finding an apartment as a foreigner can be tricky due to the requirements, like needing a guarantor. However, the Seibu Line area seemed to have a lot of foreigner-friendly options, which made things easier for me. nitially, I lived near Toritsu-Kasei Station, but I’ve since moved to Araiyakushi-mae Station.

What do you like about the station near where you live?

I live near Araiyakushi-mae Station, which is just an 8-minute walk from my place. The area around the station is dotted with supermarkets and shopping streets, providing all the essential facilities and shops I need for everyday life. While I haven’t come across any Vietnamese restaurants right here, it’s a quick 6-minute train ride to Takadanobaba, where I can enjoy a variety of Vietnamese eateries. The neighborhood around Araiyakushi-mae Station is very peaceful, without any issues with noise, offering a tranquil living environment.
Any favorite spots around the station where you live? (Shops, places, etc.)
In my neighborhood, my favorite places are the Super Maruetsu supermarket, the candy store “Gifuya,” and Araiyakushi Park. “Gifuya” has a quaint, old-timey feel that I find really comforting and I’m quite fond of its nostalgic charm. Araiyakushi Park is a go-to spot for me, especially on those scorching hot days. It’s so relaxing to sit on a bench by the park’s pond, enjoy a gentle breeze, and take in the serene views.

You likely use the Seibu Line to commute. How convenient is it for you?
The Seibu Line is incredibly convenient, serving well beyond my work commute. From my home, it’s an easy walk to Araiyakushi-mae Station. From there, I take the Seibu Line to Takadanobaba Station and catch a bus to my workplace. The whole trip takes just 30 minutes. This level of convenience is vital not just for getting to work but for my personal life too. When I’m going out for entertainment or meeting friends in areas like Shinjuku, a quick, direct 10-minute train ride from Araiyakushi-mae Station makes it very efficient and practical.。




