Meet the team! Sayaka - her thoughts and actions after living in various countries
MarMar is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing childcare support for foreign residents in Japan, aiming to "create a more diverse and inclusive society so that everyone can express their individuality, accept each other, and shine together". The group hopes to make a difference in the world by realizing diversity and inclusion in child-rearing, which is directly related to the future. We also provide various consultation services and accompany people going through procedures at city hall and other places in Japan.
Our organizing members are the drive and fortune of the group.
Meet our members and know their backgrounds and charms!
Sayaka
Born in Canada and raised in Japan. Researcher of education and applied anthropology. Lived in various countries including the U.S., New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Turkey.
[ What she likes ] Listening to her favorite radio program on FM Yokohama
[ What she speaks ] Japanese and English / Turkey in progress!
First Contact
Q: What was your first contact with MarMar?
I found an article in a local newspaper in Kamakura City, which featured Yuka and MarMar. It was exactly what I wanted to do, I thought this is it. And I contacted her.
NOTE : Facebook address and email address have been changed.
Facebook Email: marmar.japanwithkids@gmail.com
"Counter culture shock"
Q: What do you remember from your childhood, when you lived in foreign countries from early ages.
When I was five years old, I spent a year in San Diego, and after returning to Japan, I entered in "nencho" class at a kindergarten. Now that I think about it, I may have experienced "counter culture shock" at that time and have been somewhat aware of the world outside of Japan ever since.
Life and pregnancy, giving birth abroad: "Looking back at it even now …"
Q: Were you aboard in youth?
Yes. For my study and research, I lived in the U.S. and Bangladesh. After that I married to a Turkish man and gave birth to my daughter in Istanbul, Turkey.
Q: How was your delivery in a foreign country, and in a foreign language?
It was my first time to live in Turkey. And I did not understand the language. A lot of things remained unknown to me from pregnancy to delivery. Even looking back now, there are things I still do not understand (laughs).
Moms with different backgrounds and Japanese local moms
Q: That is the same situation as a pregnant woman who gives birth in Japan and does not understand Japanese. Are you making use of such experience at MarMar?
It may be a little different from "making use" of it. I am attracted that mothers from various backgrounds, such as place of birth, language, culture, can come together and we are all equal. I feel that by gathering and communicating to the society together, it would be to help Japanese local moms parent without being bound by restrictions.
Magical mood？
Q: So you have been with the group for 7 years since the foundation. What do you like about it?
Everyone is working with their own "character" and "strengths. It is comfortable to be able to be just as we are. MarMar has a somewhat magical mood, or air, where anyone can feel warmth. I hope you will come and see us. If you come to see us once, you will know :)
Thank you for your read!
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