On Monday I was summoned to work a little earlier than usual to do an interview and photoshoot for a Japanese magazine called Keikotomanabu which is for people who want to learn a new skill and they carefully handpicked me as the man to help out their thousands of readers. Or maybe I was just in the right place at the right time in terms of being sat next to my boss when she got the call and being in Shibuya on the day that they wanted to interview a teacher or two!!

Preceedings began with a short interview which was conducted by a rather nervous looking Japanese man and all my answers were relayed to him by a very nice woman. Whether she actually translated what i said i don’t know for sure. I just hope I don’t get misquoted! Unlikely as the typically dull questions were answered by myself in a standard cliched way. The usual stuff like how long had I been in Japan, why did I come to Japan, whats the most rewarding part of the job and what advice would i give to their readers.

Next was the photoshoot. I had thought it would just be a few photos and was quite surprised when I was directed for dozens and dozens of shots which inevitably were the most unrealistic stances and poses ever. This included standing with my hands on my hips in an almost-superhero type manner as well as trying to look intellectual while looking in a dictionary, pointing a pen, waving and holding a fake cheesey smile for what seemed like an eternity. Unfortunately my moment of fame will not be on their website for you to see until late next month but fear not as I will of course send the link when its up there.