Moving to a new country is an adventure filled with opportunities and challenges. For someone like me, who was deeply rooted in the humanities in Japan, the transition to life in South Korea has been both transformative and enlightening. My journey here has led me to consciously avoid reading and writing, activities I once cherished, and instead focus on business and investment—a path driven by the universal language of numbers and money.
The Shift from Humanities to Business
In Japan, I was what you would call a “humanities person.” I spent my days immersed in literature, philosophy, and the arts. However, upon moving to South Korea, I quickly realized that my proficiency in the Korean language could never match that of a native speaker. This linguistic barrier posed a significant challenge in expressing my thoughts and ideas with the same depth and nuance as I could in Japanese.
Recognizing this, I made a deliberate decision to shift my focus. Instead of struggling to convey my thoughts in imperfect Korean, I turned my attention to something more universally understood: money. Numbers transcend cultural and linguistic barriers; they are a global language that everyone understands. This realization sparked my interest in business and investment, areas where success is measured not by eloquence but by tangible results.
The Universal Language of Money
Money, unlike words, does not require translation. Its value is recognized and understood universally, making it an ideal medium for self-expression in a foreign land. Through business ventures and investments, I discovered a new way to assert my presence and prove my worth. My achievements in these areas speak volumes, far more than my broken Korean ever could.
By immersing myself in the world of business, I found a sense of empowerment. Every successful venture, every wise investment, became a testament to my abilities and my determination. It was no longer about the words I could not find but about the numbers I could generate. This shift in focus not only helped me overcome the language barrier but also allowed me to thrive in a new environment.
A Journey of Self-Assertion
Choosing to pursue business and investment in South Korea was not just about avoiding linguistic challenges; it was about finding a new way to assert myself. In a society where I struggled to express my thoughts and emotions through language, I discovered that financial success could convey my message just as effectively. Each business deal and investment return became a statement of my capabilities and resilience.
This journey has taught me that adaptability is key to thriving in a foreign land. By embracing a new path, I found a way to overcome the limitations imposed by language and cultural differences. My story is one of transformation, from a humanities enthusiast in Japan to a business-driven individual in South Korea. It is a testament to the power of numbers and the universal value of money.
Conclusion
My experience in South Korea has been a profound journey of self-discovery and adaptation. By shifting my focus from the humanities to business, I found a new way to express myself and assert my presence in a foreign land. This journey has reinforced the idea that success and self-worth can be measured in various ways, transcending the boundaries of language and culture.
As I continue to navigate this path, I am reminded that the true measure of success lies not in the words we speak but in the impact we make. For me, that impact is best represented by the universal language of numbers and money, a language that connects us all.
Atsushi's Life in Korea 