Introducing the newest member of the Otsu team: Eric!

Hi everyone!

My name is Eric Walker and I am a new coach at Smith’s School of English in Otsu. I feel at home in Shiga because there is a close relationship here with my home state of Michigan, USA. I came to Japan in the autumn of 2010 as an exchange student at Ritsumeikan University. I was always fascinated with Japanese history and culture, so, naturally, Kansai was the perfect place to come. After finishing my year in Kyoto, I decided that I didn’t want to leave yet, so I sent my credits home, graduated, and entered Ritsumeikan’s Graduate School of International Relations. I finished my Master’s degree last September.

I have a plethora of hobbies and interests. This winter, I’ve been enjoying some novels while snuggling under my kotatsu. I also enjoy hiking the various mountains and hills of Kansai when it isn’t too cold or too hot. I also love taking photographs with my Nikon D5000 when the opportunity arises. The photograph on the right shows me at Daimonji Mountain after a recent climb. The view there is unforgettable. I also like to watch sports of all kinds. Recently, I enjoyed seeing Stan Wawrinka win the Australian Open men’s tennis final. Next, I plan on watching the NFL Super Bowl with my friends.

I hope to remain in Japan as a lifelong resident. I am comfortable living with the excellent transportation, education, safety, and healthcare that Japan provides. Someday, I plan to perfect my Japanese and teach ancient Japanese history at a university in Kansai. I would like to one day write a history on the life of the first female Emperor, Suiko; as well as Takiyasha-hime, the legendary daughter of Taira no Masakado.