[Why I Chose Taiwan ep.3] The Life Path Decided at 14: Studying Abroad in Taiwan

The third installment of the "Why I Chose Taiwan" series. Today, we welcome Mr. Nakamura, a student in the Department of Physical Education at National University of Tainan.

While many Japanese students choose Taipei for their studies, he deliberately chose "Tainan." It is even more surprising that he decided to "go to university in Taiwan" when he was just a second-year junior high school student.

The catalyst was a chance encounter at a massage parlor. What is the surprisingly unexpected story that changed the life of a young boy?

Overcoming conflict with a teacher who said, "I won't write a recommendation letter unless you take the test"

Mr. Nakamura's drive is extraordinary. To fulfill his dream of studying in Taiwan, he passed the highly difficult "TOCFL C1 (Advanced)" Chinese proficiency test in just a year and a half.

However, the path was by no means smooth. His high school career counselor in Japan could not understand his unprecedented choice and even told him, "I cannot write a recommendation letter." Still, he stuck to his guns.

We delve into the true nature of the "passion for Taiwan" that drove him to such lengths.

Passing C1, but the despair of not being understood at all. The turnaround from there.

"I've passed the test, so I'll be fine." What awaited him when he landed in Taiwan was the wall of "real Chinese" that isn't found in textbooks.

"At first, I was truly in despair."

What saved him was the gritty interaction with his peers in the Department of Physical Education at the National University of Tainan. The "closeness to seniors" that is unthinkable in Japanese sports clubs. The "rebellion" vibe of pinning down a senior's stomach with all his might in the training room.

What he learned in that environment wasn't perfect grammar, but "laji hua" (trash talk/jokes) to connect with others.

8,000 followers in half a year. The future he looks toward now that he has "become too much like a Taiwanese person."

Just half a year since arriving in Taiwan, Mr. Nakamura now blends in so well as a "Taiwanese person" when joking around with his classmates.

His authentic self has resonated deeply on social media, with his Instagram followers surpassing 8,000 in just six months.

"In the future, I want to bring the enthusiasm I learned in Taiwan back to Japan and use it for regional revitalization."

A new self and future dream found by a 19-year-old boy in Tainan. Please watch the full story of his challenge in the YouTube video.

Full YouTube video:https://youtu.be/PVXodZRTaFY

Nakamura's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/s0mq__twryuuuu__/