Against all odds, Indian woman lands up in Japan; fulfills her mother’s dream to become a radio artist

An alumna of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri in Haryana (India), Prachi Sharma (29) is currently working in an IT infrastructure firm in Tokyo, Japan. As a Team Lead – Project and Operations Manager, her role is to drive a team of talented engineers. Prior to this stint, Sharma was a well-known radio artist at the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (also known as NHK) for a period of three years.

She moved to Japan in 2017 as was awarded Senior Monbukagakusho (MEXT) National fellowship by the government of Japan, as a researcher of the Cultural Anthropology Department, University of Tokyo. Later, her curiosity to learn more about the Japanese language and culture led her to call the country her home. Read on, as she shares more about her journey. Edited excerpts from the interview. 

Please tell us more about your educational background.

I studied at Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri from classes pre-nursery to 10. In school, I was quite involved in various cultural activities. As far as I can remember, I was always on the stage. From morning assemblies to annual days, the school never failed to provide an opportunity for me to showcase my talent.

In +2, I decided to opt for Commerce. Hence, I had to change my school. Interestingly, I come from a community who believes, ‘it is only doctors and engineers who succeed in this world.’ So, for them my choice of subjects was very shocking!

Then after completing my schooling, I pursued a degree in English Literature from the University of Delhi. During that time, I actively participated in debates, conferences and other public-speaking events. These events allowed me to garner more knowledge about India’s International relations. And in no time, I realised that I loved to speak and interact with people from different geographies and backgrounds.

Later as part of post-graduation, I chose East Asian studies at the same university. In the course, I learnt about countries such as Korea, China and Japan. Eventually, I started picking up on the Japanese language too.

So, how did a Haryana girl reach Japan?

This was due to the National fellowship I received. But even after that, things weren’t as easy. It is known that the state of Haryana has a conservative streak. The same impacted me too. We were two sisters in the family, and growing up we were made to feel that not having a brother was our handicap. Society’s obsession with a male child often puts me down.

With such a backdrop, my idea of settling in a different country was revolutionary for everyone! Amidst it all, my mother was a powerful force. She kept fighting it with me. She pushed me to do my best. Later, when I entered Japan, I spent about two years learning the Japanese language. Luckily, I got an opportunity to work as a radio artist at NHK. Until recently, I did not know that it was my mom’s dream. She wanted to become a radio artist, but was married and sent off to her husband’s home. Through me she has now lived that dream.

What were the challenges while settling in?

The biggest was to stay away from my family and to start another life in a different country. Then, after moving out from Charkhi Dadri to Gurgaon and eventually Delhi, my English wasn’t that perfect. I struggled but learnt on my way. With that, I also completed some management-related certifications on top of my studies. I have been quite on top of new trends and demands in the job market.

Your role at NHK? What were the learnings?

I worked in the Hindi Seva at NHK. It caters to a small Indian community in Tokyo. During my stint there, I understood voice modulation amongst other related techniques. I would say that the most memorable experience for me was when my mother visited. My producer was so very welcoming that day! While we were recording in the studio, she was sitting out and listening to the programme. However, in trying to deliver my best, I was goofing up while reading out the script. But the producer encouraged me. At the end of the show, my mom was extremely proud of me.

At NHK, I would often receive letters from people across the world. It was heartening to see that kind of support!

What are some things that are common between the East-Asian countries?

Often, we tend to think that these countries are quite different. But we share religious beliefs such as the sect of Buddhism. The interpretation is varied, but the values that are shared are similar. In Japan, Shintoism is as animistic as Hinduism. People firmly believe in the power of plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena. Some of the idols too look alike, and that’s very intriguing!

What makes Japan unique?

The Japanese are extremely humble. I have observed that they are taught to become self-sufficient early on. These are crucial values for them.

The country also enjoys a slower pace of life. It is great because one tends to gradually learn and value small things. From watching the birds chirping in the morning to people going to their offices, there is something different here. I would say that I have become more minimalistic in my sensibility since I have lived in Japan.

Your corporate learnings?

Have the correct attitude and learn to solve problems. The Japanese are very meticulous and detail-oriented. One must learn from them.

How was your experience at Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri?

I realised my creative pursuits in school. My teachers brought out my potential and also identified my love for language early on. I have always wanted to fly and have my own sky. The most important lesson I picked was to trust the process.