The special series to put a spotlight on our international staff, “Eyes, JAPAN employee interview” is back! We have finally reached our 30th volume. Our interviewee for this month is Morten Olsen from Germany.

He did an internship in Eyes, JAPAN for around 6 months. We wanted to ask Morten about his life in Japan and his internship experience in Eyes, JAPAN.

(Interviewer: Angie)

Takes Pride in Personal Growth and Journey

What is your favorite thing about your home country or home town?

Morten: Düsseldorf offers a good mix of natural beauty and urban amenities, with a sizable population that supports a number of restaurants, sports facilities, and more. Still, the city maintains a manageable size, avoiding the overcrowding often found in larger cities. Additionally, Düsseldorf is home to one of the largest Japanese communities outside of Japan.

Why did you come to Japan and what do you like about Japan?

Morten: Well. It is a combination of reasons. In the end there was the wish to go to Japan and through the friendship between Eyes, JAPAN and my university I was given the opportunity. My interest for Japan was sparked the most through food, Samurai(history) and visual appeal, as well as the fact that it is rather far away from Germany.

What do you think about life in Aizu?

Morten: I really enjoy the opportunities for sports and good food along the historical sights. For a longer stay in Aizu I would probably like to own a car. Especially with snow, life can get a bit more complicated in Aizu. About the people living in Aizu I would say that I didn’t have a single bad encounter.

What is your hobby and how do you usually spend your free time?

Morten: My hobbies are reading and sports. In my free time, I also join some events with the company and friends. When I am back in Germany, I also like boxing and meeting friends.

What is your favorite way of spending the weekend or holidays in Aizu?

Morten: The ultimate thrill is triumphing over Zeke in football. Along with engaging in other sports and traveling with coworkers and Yamadera-san.

Do you have any things or skills that you are proud of?

Morten: Yes, I take pride in the personal growth and journey I’ve experienced.

Loves the Connection Between Work and Free Time in Eyes, JAPAN

How did you know about Eyes, JAPAN and why did you decide to join Eyes, JAPAN?

Morten: I knew about Eyes, JAPAN through an event held at our University (Thanks again Tom🤝). I then decided to join because I wanted to collect working experience for my skill set as well as my resume and live in Japan. Also, the experience report of previous German interns had good things to say.

What kind of projects did you work on in Eyes, JAPAN?

Morten: The two major projects I worked on where the project for the new website of Eyes, JAPAN and the project which uses the double3 robot. But there were other smaller projects as well.

Could you let us know your most memorable project in Eyes, JAPAN?

Morten: The website and double3 robot projects where the biggest ones. But very memorable was the “project” were us the interns created the summary video for the presentation of the year, which was played at the end of the year party.

What customs in Eyes, JAPAN that you like the most?

Morten: The connection between work and free time. It is very enjoyable that, so many people have lunch, dinner or events together.

What do you think about your colleagues and working environment in Eyes, JAPAN?

Morten: I really had a good time and enjoyed the combination of being able to laugh but also work hard together with my colleagues. As for the working environment, it’s good. You work and get things done. While not being overwhelmed. I believe everyone can have a good time here.

What kind of problems or challenges have you faced while working in Eyes, JAPAN, and how did you solve it?

Morten: The biggest challenges were related to certain tasks which turned out to need a bit more time or a different approach. But they got solved in the end by continuing to work.

Dream: To Have a Fulfilling Career

Can you give some pros/cons of working at a Japanese company?

Morten: The only Japanese company I worked for is Eyes, JAPAN. So, I don’t think I should talk about Japanese companies in general. But I believe that Eyes, JAPAN does a good job of combining the Japanese way of having a connection between work and free time while keeping a good work-life balance.

How do you balance your working and private time?

Morten: Doing the week, time really flies. As a contrast to sitting all day at work I like to do sports like going to the gym, playing volleyball or football. There isn’t too much time left after that but it is time well spent.

What kind of projects do you want to work on in the future?

Morten: I want to become an expert in one field of IT. At the moment I am kind of all over the place and collect general knowledge. My future interests are Data Science and AI, but also Cyber Security, which for some reason I can’t get it out of my head.

Any advice for people who wants to work in Japan?

Morten: I don’t know why Eyes, JAPAN shouldn’t work out for you.

What motivates you to keep working or studying, and what is your dream?

Morten: I want to take my education serious. So that I earn more money for the time I work and being fulfilled by my results.

Lastly, what is your dream?

Morten: I aspire to have a fulfilling career that not only brings me personal satisfaction but also allows me to support and provide for a loving family.

Thank you!

If you are interested in Eyes, JAPAN and would like to hear other stories, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following contact form.

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Everyone welcome.