Smith’s Otsu Teacher Profile: Chris Mungioli

 Hi!  My name is Christopher Mungioli, but please call me Chris.  I have been living in Japan for 14 years or so and I really love it here.  I first came over in college as an exchange student to the Japan Centre for Michigan Universities in Hikone.  At that time I fell in love with Japan, it’s beautiful scenery, appreciation for nature, food and most of all the friendly people.  After graduation I knew I wanted to come back so I signed up for the Jet Program.  While on it I was stationed in Keihoku Town, a small rural town an hour north of Kyoto City.  Adjusting to life in the country was hard, but by the end of my three year term I had come to enjoy it very much. 

 Still not wanting to leave Japan I moved to Kusatsu to teach at a junior high school.  Over ten years there I had the pleasure of working with many wonderful students and teachers, helping to coach the school ice hockey team and setting up a sister school in my hometown.  During that time I also met the love of my life, Aki, to whom I am happily married.  

 However I couldn’t forget my time living in the country, and with the birth of our first daughter, Amelia, we moved out to Shigaraki to start farming and living a rural life.  Now we are living in an old Japanese house, growing our own vegetables and rice and trying to be as self-sufficient as possible.  I enjoy my days working outside in the fields and in the forest and spending time with my family.  I love nature and enjoy hiking, camping, cycling and being outside.  I also enjoy playing ice hockey, drinking Japanese sake and listening to music!   I look forward to having class with you!