Tom Knowles

We are thrilled to bring you the next piece in our Sempai Spotlight series! Today, we are catching up with Tom Knowles, whose journey takes us from the vibrant port city of Yaizu in Shizuoka Prefecture to a brilliant career transformation back home. From hilarious cultural mishaps to designing outdoor spaces, Tom shares how his time on the JET Programme reshaped his outlook and career.

The Placement: Yaizu City, Shizuoka

Picking a favourite memory is hard, as with time, even the things which weren’t so great back then tend to pop up in my mind just as favourably as the obvious good moments! I won’t tell you then about going to the konbini and buying yogurt instead of milk in my first week – only realising the error of my ways when I tried putting it in my tea. Or the time, attempting to buy something ‘Japanese’ for my friend back home, I walked into a funeral parlour on seeing a Buddha statue in the window – queue some very awkward but rather amusing interactions with the elderly owner.

The Post-JET Journey: From Higher Education to Landscape Architecture

I’ve had a few different careers since JET. For the first five years I worked at several universities as a Study Abroad Officer... Like many, I decided to change course during the pandemic. I went back to study a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, and am now one year into my career as a Landscape Architect!

Certainly, JET had a big impact, both in terms of career as well as personally – it has made me more resilient to change, self-sufficient and given me the confidence to follow my own intuitions. It has also made me a better public-speaker and instilled an unshakable commitment to seeking new experiences.

Tom’s Top Advice: Appreciate the Normal Moments

In terms of advice, I think the key would be to not overthink it. I think having the pressure from social media, and to some extent from fellow JETs can sometimes make it harder to be present and focus on your own enjoyment.

I think the best thing then would be to think about what makes you content at any given moment... Ultimately, life in Japan is still just life, and I think it’s important to appreciate the normal moments, be that going to the supermarket, a walk in the hills or looking at second hand stuff in Book Off!

Are you a JET alum with a story to share? Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Senpai Spotlight.