Overcoming Language Barriers and Resolving Cross-Cultural Friction

Dialogues narrowing the cultural gap of "15 hours of time difference" between Mexico and Japan

León is a city in Mexico’s state of Guanajuato, where many Japanese automakers operate. At the Consulate-General of Japan in León, Momoko Kurihara acts as a bridge between Mexico and Japan.

"Many Japanese companies struggle to find a way to get along with local workers. Only a few Japanese people here understand Spanish, making it difficult for them and local workers to understand each other's cultures. So, they need people like me, as I can act as a liaison between the two groups, because I understand both cultures."

The beginning of Kurihara's journey to study Spanish was the founder's speech at her entrance ceremony. She was inspired by the founder's words: "Work hard on languages. In this day and age, being able to communicate in English is nothing special. Learn a second foreign language." And Kurihara's destiny began to move forward when she started to learn Spanish.

"I came to Guanajuato to study Spanish, and I fell in love with the city and its people to the extent that I got a job here. Since then I have lived here for 10 years, I can now use my experience to help many Japanese people living here."

Kurihara's desire to learn a language brought her to Mexico, and she found her mission there.

"I want to support others as much as I can, starting from the people around me and from where I am now. I would be happy if the accumulation of many small steps can help solve social issues."

Note: This interview was originally published in the 101st issue of SUN.