The reason I joined the company:
After graduating from university, I came to Wellington with the intention of staying on a year long working holiday. While its a little embarrassing, my english level was pretty much zero… when I first came, I couldn’t even use the words “can I have”...
Through a friend in Japan, I was introduced to this company, where I joined as a part time worker. Around the point when my Visa was coming to an end, and I was thinking about going home to Japan, I was asked whether or not I’d give full time work a go. I was already captivated by New Zealand, and not really wanting to go home, of course I said yes.
Memories at work:
I started work at Kazu Sushi Go Round (which at the time was called Wasabi Sushi), a rare sushi train restaurant in Wellington. While working part time jobs in my school years I had never experienced what it was like to work in a kitchen before, but that's where I started.
By nature, I really enjoy interacting and serving customers, but due to the fact that at the time I couldn’t speak english I couldn’t really serve anyone directly.
After a few months, the shop manager at the time asked if “I wanted to try working the front?”, and the sudden responsibility thrown on me, and the nerves that I felt that day are a memory that even now I can’t forget.
At any rate, in order not to overlook any orders from our customers, I put all my effort into straining my ears, and with pretty poor english went ahead doing my best to serve customers.
Ordinarily, it wouldn’t really be a strange occurrence for someone to get mad, but the people in this country truly have open hearts. Knowing I was struggling, they spoke slowly, and even when I made a mistake they would laugh, smile, and tell me not to worry about it. The other kiwi staff as well, they would explain things kindly, and until I understood, really helping me a lot.
It was because of that environment that I wanted to stay in New Zealand, and now as a restaurant manager able to communicate quickly and without trouble with both customers and staff, I am full of gratitude. Of course, there are still plenty of times when I worry about my english ability, but even now, being able to work surrounded by broad hearted customers and staff is truly my treasure.
Staff instruction points:
Regardless of whether you are kitchen or front, I make an effort to communicate why things are done the way they are, and the meaning behind the process.
By simply saying, “do it like this”, it is hard to convey the purpose of the action. While in most cases it will get done, it tends to become a mindless process with no real goal associated with it. When the meaning is properly conveyed, and staff know exactly why they are doing what they’re doing, I think that the result of that flows into much better service towards customers, and provides staff themselves with a good experience.
The charm of New Zealand:
I would say New Zealand's main charms are that the people are kind, and that no matter where you go, everywhere is beautiful and overflowing with nature. That said, I have only ever lived in Wellington so I’m not too knowledgeable on other places…
After coming to New Zealand for about two years, I didn’t go back to Japan, but when coming back from holiday and seeing Wellington from the plane window I felt like “Ah, I’ve come home”. I often hear from the people around me that they feel the same, and I really think that Wellington has a hometown-like sense of safety and security. Now, I’ve lived here for over eight years in total, and without a doubt, it has become like a second home for me.
The reason I joined the company
I joined the company as a part-timer when I was studying my final year at university. I started working because I wanted to learn about the hospitality industry and Japanese culture in my free time. Before I started working here, I was a regular customer and loved the feels and atmosphere of the restaurant. After I graduated university, I decided to stay to work full-time because I like the culture and the work at the restaurant. I learned a lot of skills and knowledge when I was a part-timer and am looking forward to learning even more as a full-time staff.
Memories at work
As a full time staff, I have been working both as a front of house staff and kitchen staff here in the restaurant. I have a lot of memories learning how to work in the kitchen and the front. I have had senior managers teaching me many skills and how to do many tasks. Some are more difficult than the others, but when I look back, it was a great experience especially in the kitchen preparing food and prepping the ingredients. They are great mentors and I enjoy learning from them. Another favorite memory at work for me has to be recommending and introducing our special sake to our customers and playing the taiko. I like to create an uplifting atmosphere and have fun conversing with customers and making sure everyone is happy every time they come visit our restaurant.
How I spend my days off
I usually spend my day off relaxing at home watching Youtube and cooking Thai and Chinese food because I miss food from my hometown sometimes. I also like to go for a walk around town and enjoy the scenery along the waterfront because Wellington has many great views on a sunny day. My favorite thing to do on a day off has to be trying out new cafes or restaurants around the city. I like to expand my perspective on food and culture and am always looking forward to trying new things and maybe can add to the idea for the restaurant menus.
Why I came to NZ
I came to New Zealand back in 2010 as a high school student to study as a full-time international student. Before I started studying, I visited New Zealand on a holiday with my family and was captivated by the calm and beautiful atmosphere. People I interact with are friendly and I enjoy the lifestyle of quiet and relaxing here in New Zealand compared to Thailand where I come from. After I finished my highschool I decided to stay because of the people and the lifestyle here.
I want to work with this sort of person
I am quite open to all kinds of people and personality but I think I would love to work with someone who is open to learning and not afraid to make mistakes. I think when you are learning something new, it is normal to make mistakes. As long as that person is willing to try new things or give something a best shot before trying something else, I would be happy to work with them.
The Charm of New Zealand
New Zealand has many things to offer from beautiful nature, friendly people and diverse culture. I think the best part of New Zealand is how diverse the culture is. We have so many kinds of people from all over the world here and everyone is very welcoming. New Zealand also has amazing environments and beautiful nature here. If you love to explore outdoor activities or traveling the country, I think New Zealand would be an amazing place for you.
The reason I joined the company:
For the purpose of pursuing my future goals, I decided to move to New Zealand in my late thirties. For that purpose, a work visa was essential. My work experience in Japan caught the eye of this company (KAZU), and they recommended that I join them. The idea that I would be able to positively contribute to the company while engaging in the Japanese culture of yakitori was very attractive to me, and so my entry into this company was decided.
Memories at work:
Even as someone who can’t speak English, the kiwi staff here were exceedingly kind in how they interacted with me, and I became full of a sort of gratitude that I had never been able to experience in Japan. When we broke a new sales record all of the staff got really excited and praised each other, making me realize that even though the words we use might be different, we are all thinking and feeling the same thing. Different to Japan, there are lots of times when customers directly communicate their thanks, and it fills my chest with warmth every time.
How I spend my days off:
If there are days when I’ll be resting my body, there are also days when I’ll be drinking beer from morning to evening, having a proper holiday. Why I came to New Zealand: I was working in the world of wine in Japan. During that time I developed an interest in New Zealand, and came once to visit on a holiday. From there my dreams of living here continued expanding, and without being able to give it up, while it may have been a late start I decided to move here.
I want to work with this sort of person:
A forward facing positive person. Someone who properly and carefully thinks things through.
The Charm of New Zealand:
It similar to Japan in the sense that it is an island country, though there are lots of different types of people with a huge variety of different backgrounds that live here, and Kiwis are very kind in how they interact with immigrants. It is also a very calm and peaceful place. The whole country is covered in nature, and lakes in colors I have never seen before, night skies packed to the brim with stars are things that you can see here.
There is also a lot of delicious wine!