Narumi Komiya

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Narumi Komiya majored in English communication from Aso college. Her hometown is located on Tsushima Island (Nagasaki prefecture). Her hobbies include watching Hollywood movies and Cafe hopping in different countries.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favourite travel memory was my Honeymoon trip to Paris with my husband. As I mentioned in my biography, I particularly enjoy cafe-hopping. Paris was the ideal place for that as we enjoyed delectable French food and desserts such as Crêpe. The picturesque architecture of Paris and the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Louvre Museum were simply astonishing.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

There are many takeaways from working with Meiji Academy. Firstly, I was able to put my English communication skills to good use; interacting with students from different countries was rewarding as I can assist them in settling down in Fukuoka.

Before working at Meiji Academy, there weren’t many opportunities to interact with foreign students and it has significantly improved my confidence in the English language and interpersonal skills. Learning to work as a team was also a big takeaway from working with Meiji Academy, people of different backgrounds working together to achieve a common goal.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

It is most rewarding to witness students that were initially nervous about living overseas integrate into the local culture such as interacting with the local community, visiting shrines and even going to karaoke together. A strong sense of satisfaction is achieved when a student appreciates what we have done for them and sometimes even give us memorable gifts.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

It would definitely be the Japanese Business course we offer, even as a Japanese. I feel that the Japanese Business world is completely foreign to me and broadening my knowledge in this field would benefit me in a positive way.

The Japanese business language is also known as Keigo; it is an endless, but fulfilling learning journey.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The teachers at Meiji Academy come from many different backgrounds and are well experienced at teaching international students. They pay special attention to practical conversations in daily life situations and sometimes go the extra mile to bring the students out to put what they learn in the classroom setting into practical use such as visiting the convenience store, train stations, departmental stores, etc. Teachers joining in for activities and meals are a normal occurrence here at Meiji Academy.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe a successful company is built on good relationships. It is crucial to provide a work environment where employees can grow as individuals and more importantly as a team. Without the foundation of good relationships, the company will not be able to operate to its optimal potential. I strongly believe a strong team relationship is a low-cost high-impact investment that will bring any company to greater heights.