I am interviewing my student Masaki Nakagawa. Masaki is a musician from Japan who has fallen in love in Latvia and Latvian language.
Masaki, when did you first hear about Latvia?
I heard about Latvia for the first time in 2014 when my university professor invited me to join a university visit to Jelgava.
How has your life changed since you first came to Latvia?
My life has changed completely. By that time, I had already been to many countries, but Latvia was totally different. I felt that this was my home. Even today, I have a strong connection to Latvia and cannot imagine my life without it.
Which was the first song you sang in Latvian?
I covered Mana dziesma by Prāta Vētra (Brainstorm) in 2017, which was the first song I sang in Latvian.
How would you describe Latvians?
From a Japanese perspective, Latvians and Japanese have very similar personalities. At first, they are very shy. However, once they engage in conversations, they open up and build very strong relationships. Additionally, Latvians are very polite and humble.
Did you have any culture shocks in Latvia?
Not really, to be honest. The thing that surprised me the most was that Latvia has a similar personality and culture to Japan's. For instance, both care about people very deeply. Reading the room and atmosphere is one of them. Both cultures have traditional costumes (Japan has Kimono), traditional ceramic craftsmanship, and respect for nature.
Was there anything you found strange or was difficult to get used to?
It’s not a culture difference, but Latvians are very tall, especially ladies. I remember that during my first visit in Latvia, it surprised me so much!
Can you tell us more about the language learning journey?
I was an exchange student in Latvia in 2014 and lived in Rīga for 7 months. I tried to study Latvian at that time, but it was too difficult for me, so I began to focus on my experiences in Latvia. However, my motivation to study Latvian in my mind was never lost, then my fiancée found Dace on the Internet in 2021. I signed up for the online
classes immediately, and it’s already been 3 years (Wow!) Now, thanks to your lectures, I have realised how logical, beautiful and exciting the Latvian language is.
You are fluent in Latvian. What advice would you give to people who are learning Latvian? Any tips and tricks?
Thank you. Compared to my native language Japanese, Latvian is totally different. Honestly, I was about to give up on studying many times. But in my heart, there was always respect for Latvia, and motivation to study Latvian. Now, my financé is Latvian, I am a musician/influencer in Latvia. My life has changed completely.
My advice to people who are learning Latvian, is to find your motivation and keep it in your mind. Anything is ok. As long as you hold on to that motivation and respect for Latvia, your life will change completely.
Do you see your future in Latvia?
Yes. On the contrary, Latvia is my future. I will never stop studying Latvian in my future, at least until I can fully understand Latvian culture!
