Meet Mr. Takamizawa, our School’s EAL Teacher and Middle School Counsellor 8 February 2018
“You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you will feel and do about what happens to you.” Viktor E. Frankl
“The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain
Where are you from and how long have you been living in Japan?
I’m from Tokyo, Japan, and that is where I have always been living except the time I studied and taught abroad.
What did you study, why, and what did you like the most?
Without “The Beatles,” I probably would not have learned English or how to play the guitar. And without huge obstacles to overcome in my life, I would not have become a teacher or a counselor.
How long have you been teaching or working in Education?
What are the achievements you are most proud of?
Although I have been teaching for 28 years in Japan and abroad, I was one of the worst students in high school. I am not proud of the way I was back then, but I AM proud of myself for making a positive difference in my life.
What do you like most about teaching or working in Education?
Education certainly has a huge impact on all of us in various ways. I’m excited to help young learners realize that learning is an eternal gift they can never get tired of.
What are your roles here at A-JIS?
I teach MYP EAL, and I counsel MYP and DP students. Also, I am one of the core team teachers of Grade 9.
What do you do for fun?
I love playing the guitar, riding a motorbike, going for a drive, and creating stories.
Do you have any special sayings or expressions? Can you share them with us?
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to DANCE in the rain.
Is there something interesting about yourself you would like to share?
I sometimes have to pretend that I am a foreigner here in my home country, not because I personally enjoy tricking people, but because they just believe that I am from another country. When I find myself in a situation where they try very hard to communicate with me in English, what can I do other than acting as a foreigner for them?
