Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2010

Where are you from?
Actually, I am from Saitama.

How did your English get so good?
As an ordinary Japanese student, I studied English for six years in junior high and senior high school. After graduating, I realized the importance of communication skills—not only the skills to pass exams—so I decided to go to an American college in Tokyo. I also lived in guesthouses here in Japan for three years, where I made many foreign friends. And I went to Australia on a school trip and have traveled through several states in America. My dream is to travel around the world with the children from my day camps.

Tell us about your day camps.
SRIA day camps provide Japanese and international children with the opportunity to make friends and acquire language skills in a unique and fun way. Our main focus is to allow children to learn Japanese or English in an interactive bilingual environment, where they not only learn from the camp counselors, but also from interacting with other children of various backgrounds. Weather permitting, SRIA day camps are run outdoors so that participants can experience nature and cultural exchange at the same time.

Why did you start this business?
I wanted to provide more opportunities for language and cultural exchanges between Japanese and international children. When I was in high school, I studied a lot to pass entrance exams for top universities, but I realized that what I learned was good for passing exams but not for learning to speak English at a native level. That’s why I couldn’t even introduce myself in English for my first class at university! I believe the best way to learn a language is by using it in real life with friends. Unfortunately, there are very few opportunities for Japanese and international children to get together and have fun here in Tokyo, so I guess my vision for SRIA is to provide children with a unique opportunity I missed out on while I was growing up.

What kinds of kids would be interested in the camps?
SRIA day camps are for children of all cultures and backgrounds who have an interest in improving their Japanese or English. The camps are open to children from 3 years and up. What’s your recipe for a perfect day in Tokyo? I think it would be to have a fun spring picnic in one of Tokyo’s beautiful parks with some friends enjoying the famous cherry blossoms.

For more information about SRIA day camps, see www.sriacamp.com or email ayaokubo@sriacamp.com.