Interview with seniors studying abroad! What is a culture manager?

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(Interview March 2019)

Introducing Japanese seniors who are active overseas!
Mr Taku Yamane!

Introduction

Born in 1991.
I am currently studying daily at the College Görlitz to work as a"culture manager" in Germany.
Before entering university, I studied German at a language school and enrolled.

Mr Yamane is also a violinist

What did you do before going to Germany?

After graduating from Kobe University's Faculty of International Culture, I worked as a high school English teacher and public service personnel at the city hall. I had hoped to work on cultural and regional development at the city hall and applied but I was put in the tax department.

I worked in a field that had nothing to do with what I learned at university or music, which I have been doing since childhood.

Why did you choose to go to Germany?

I have been playing the violin since I was a child. I was interested in Germany because I was doing music, and when I became a college student, I chose German for the second language subject (selection of foreign language subjects). As a university student, he studied abroad in Austria (a German-speaking country in Central Europe; capital city Vienna; known as the city of arts) for one year. From that experience, I started thinking that I wanted to work in arts in Germany.
In some studies, I found that Germany was a good place to work with the arts. (Working conditions and many occupations related to the arts.)

How did you find a university in Germany?

I talked to my university friends who study art management and went to university professors to ask questions and searched for a university that was strong in the field.
I learned that Germany leads the world in terms of “Culture Manager education”, and I believe that gaining experience and learning in areas where Germany is strong also becomes my strength.

What is a culture manager?

Culture managers are those who are responsible for policies and projects related to cultural arts. They need a lot of knowledge to work. Not only art-related knowledge, but also law, funding/budget management, history, marketing, sociology, and more. You need to work with people from different job categories.
Also, it plays an important role in keeping traditional art and culture alive.

What do you need to enter a German university?

I had a TOEIC score of 785 (intermediate to advanced) in Japan and a B1 level (intermediate) in German. I studied at a German language school because I needed a C1 level for a German test to enter a German university.
Click here to learn more about the German language test

Please tell me about studying at university.

We study European cultural arts and history, German law, etc. A recent test required a geographic, cultural and linguistic description of Central Europe. I enjoy learning a lot with new friends in a new environment, but I have to read a lot of materials and books.
My knowledge of German is still weak compared to other students from Germany, so it takes time to read and understand. I will improve my German language skills through study and work hard to graduate without repetition. 

Mr Yamane's university campus in Germany. College Görlitz

Is there no Culture Manager in Japan?

I think that some people are assigned to departments in companies and government offices, in charge of planning, negotiating and running events for cultural arts and arts through work.
However, there is no educational system in Japan like in Germany, and there is no system in Japan to learn "Culture Managing" professionally.
In Japan, what you learn at university is not linked to employment. Instead, you can do any job. In Germany, almost all occupations have educational programs. The downside is that it is difficult to change course, but once you complete the curriculum you will have the skills and qualifications you need in that area.
People who have studied and gained experience as a “culture manager” in Germany often work outside Germany. I also want to work in Japan as an expert (culture manager) in the future.

Those who go to college in Germany are excellent students. Those who work with crafts seem to get the necessary education while working. So all my College friends in Germany are extremely smart, I'll work hard to get over the language barrier.

How is it, if you compare life in Germany and Japan?

In Germany, I think the administrative support on the cultural side is generous. There is always a theatre even in a small rural town, and club activities by working people are also active. Local orchestral activities can be done at about 2,000 yen for half a year. It cost about 50,000 yen in Japan. 
Using my violin skills, I deliver violin performances to customers at restaurants about twice a week.
However, the sales tax and insurance burden are higher than in Japan (German sales tax is 19% !!). Also, I don't have a TV, but I still have to pay for German state broadcasts. I'm still not convinced about the reason (Lol). However, you can watch all Football World Cup games on the National Broadcasting website.

School route to university. Beyond the river is Polish territory.

What kind of person were you when you were a child?

I have been playing the violin since the age of five. But I enjoyed not only the violin but also sports such as swimming. As a third-year junior high school student, the city government participated in a plan to send children to New Zealand for two weeks. I had the opportunity to go abroad when I was a child and maybe that was what made me look overseas. I think that I enjoyed music, sports and study.

Message to Japanese elementary and junior high school students

You never know what will happen in life. When I was a student, I never dreamed of studying in Germany.
Adults around me say a lot about the future, but I don't think I need to worry too much.
Japan has a wonderful education and career system. First, do what you are doing and what you want to do. If you work hard, I think there is a place to reach yourself. My motto is, "Every day, no matter how little, go forward." If you pile up little things, you can get big things! !

If you have any questions about the violin or studying abroad, please click here:

Cafe talk profile of Mr Taku Yamane
Mr Yamane's G-mail: datsu.divide1031＠gmail.com

Conclusion

I interviewed Mr Yamane and learned that there are many more unique jobs out there than I think! To achieve the results like Mr Yamane, I learned the importance of keeping the motto "to keep moving forward little by little every day". I will keep working hard.

Thank you very much.