Japanese Women in Canada Vol. 31 Ai Gomita

What do you like about Canada? 

Despite issues with healthcare and cost of living, I really like Canada. In a strange way, I feel like I can live comfortably thanks to the lower expectations in Canada. Tokyo, my hometown, is an attractive city where you can get anything you want and enjoy excellent services. However, as a result, there is an excess of everything—goods, services, and people’s expectations—which creates a hyper-sensitive environment. For example, even though there are many convenient products at 100-yen shops, I feel that many of them are unnecessary. There are also numerous services that cater to specific needs, such as 24-hour stores, but sometimes it feels like it’s too much. While it’s not to say that striving to meet those specific needs and going the extra mile is a bad thing—rather, it’s part of what makes Japan great—Canada has a different attitude. In Canada, people accept delays in public transportation or inconveniences in services with a “it can’t be helped” mentality. Even when cashiers talk to customers while scanning items, nobody complains. Lowering expectations and living in Canada allows me to be free from pressure both in relation to others and myself, and I find that liberating.

Moreover, I think Vancouver strikes a perfect balance between nature and city life. In all my travels, I feel like there are few cities like Vancouver. You can enjoy the benefits of urban living in your daily life while also experiencing nature by having a picnic in the park or going to the beach after work. This luxury is not easily found in other cities.

How long have you been living in Canada? Please tell me the reason you came.

I have been living in Canada since 2020. The reason I came was to study English when I was 20 years old. I utilized a program at a vocational school for a short-term study abroad in Vancouver. At that time, Vancouver didn’t leave a particularly special impression, but I didn’t dislike it either.

In 2017, while traveling around the world, I developed a desire to settle down in a different country. It was during my travels that I met a friend who was living in Vancouver, which prompted me to visit Vancouver again and utilize a working holiday program. Afterward, I switched to a work visa and obtained permanent residency (PR).

Why did you decide to travel around the world?

I had always been considering the idea of having overseas experiences, so after I started working, I consistently saved money. As I was reading blogs of people who were traveling around the world, I learned that it was possible to achieve a round-the-world trip within a budget of 10.000-15.000 dollars for a year. I realized that this kind of journey is something that can only be done while young, so I decided to take on the challenge while I still had the physical stamina for it.

What was your travel itinerary like?

I traveled to 32 countries in a span of 14 months. It began with the United States and Central and South America, then I moved on to Europe. From there, I journeyed southward along the eastern side of the African continent, starting from Morocco. I continued traveling through various countries in Africa. After reaching South Africa, I flew to Turkey and explored Iran. However, due to the need to return to Japan, I didn’t have the opportunity to travel through Asia.

Were there any countries that left a lasting impression on you?

Every country I visited was a wonderful and enjoyable experience, but some countries, like Morocco and Iran, were particularly memorable. These were countries that I had only seen on television before, and actually experiencing their cultures made me realize how different they were from the images I had received from the news. The people were incredibly friendly and kind, treating me to juice, sharing food, and even suggesting taking photos together. It was heartwarming to have these experiences.

Africa presented some challenges, such as long journeys, unexpected delays in bus schedules, and missing a bus at the border. However, these chaotic events added to the excitement of the trip.

Did you experience any unexpected events during your travels?

In Guatemala, I unfortunately contracted dengue fever and ended up bedridden with poor health for about a month. It was the most severe illness I experienced compared to influenza or other diseases. Since it lasted so long, I decided to be admitted to a local hospital. However, unlike in Japan where I expected to be served rice porridge or something similar, they brought me tortillas, which I couldn’t eat at the time.

In Argentina and Brazil, I had some scary moments, but I was never involved in any crimes or accidents.

While not exactly a mishap, my visit to Iran caused some inconvenience when entering the United States as I needed a visa and was called into a separate room for questioning. It became quite bothersome. However, Iran was a wonderful country overall.

If you have any thoughts or reflections from your travels, please share them with me.

Traveling has been truly an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to meet various people and encounter different perspectives, allowing me to learn about diverse cultures. The interactions with fellow backpackers were also enriching, as we traveled together and shared information. I still maintain close relationships with some of them to this day.

One unforgettable memory is my birthday in Georgia. While I was trying to buy bread at a bakery, an unknown man unexpectedly gave me a loaf of bread as a gift. He had no way of knowing it was my birthday. This experience reminded me to always carry kindness in my heart and treat others with generosity.

Through my travels, I have come to appreciate the beauty of spontaneity and the joy of embracing new experiences. It has broadened my perspective and taught me to cherish the connections we make with people along the way.

How are your experiences like since moving to Vancouver.

Since arriving in Vancouver in 2017, I have been working as a massage therapist. Later, during my second working holiday visa, I had the opportunity to work at a company, and I continue to work there to this day. The pandemic presented challenging circumstances as international students and foreigners were unable to enter the country. However, since Australia had implemented a long period of lockdown, many people chose to immigrate to Canada. I have also noticed an increase in the number of families interested in studying abroad together. It seems that more people in Japan are becoming anxious about the future and seeking diverse options for their lives.

Ai-san is a designer of “agnit Handmade Jewelry”. Please tell me about agnit.

It has been 11 years since we started the activity called “agnit”. It all started when I learned the techniques of jewelry making from a friend and found joy in creating pieces. As the number of my creations grew, I developed a desire to share my work with others. Together with my friends, we held a solo exhibition in Tokyo and then started “agnit” as a team of three. Currently, the three of us, including myself, sell our pieces in Taiwan, Tokyo, and Vancouver.

The name “agnit” is a combination of our three names and takes the initials from the phrase “All Girls need treasure.” However, now it represents a broader sentiment that anyone, regardless of gender, can freely wear and enjoy our accessories.

Where can I purchase agnit accessories?

In Vancouver, we sell our accessories at various events, including Japan Market. We initially tried street vending on Robson Street and were pleasantly surprised by the high demand. This prompted us to participate in different events for sales. When we first joined the craft fair at Nikkei Centre, we had no understanding of display techniques or the preferences of Canadian customers. It was a surprise to us that we didn’t sell a single item. However, looking back, it has become a valuable learning experience.

Check out her Instagram→agnit_

Regarding the future of agnit, I have mixed thoughts. On one hand, I would like to continue as long as I don’t get tired of it. However, I’ve started to feel a sense of unease about creating more waste from a perspective of environmental conservation. Recently, I’ve been incorporating 14k gold and stainless steel into my designs to make them more durable. I’ve also been experimenting with using finely cut Saran wrap in resin to create unique pieces, which has led to a change in my artistic style. By using plastic that doesn’t end up as waste and reducing the amount of resin used, I’m trying to be conscious of minimizing environmental pollution. I’ve also started accepting repairs for previously sold items and considering the option of taking back unwanted pieces to dismantle and recreate them. It’s something I’ve begun to see as a positive approach.

Ai is also working for a study abroad agency.

I work as a study abroad advisor, and I find my job fulfilling. It’s a rewarding position where I receive gratitude from clients. I particularly enjoy working with high school students as clients because I get to witness their long-term growth and development, which brings me joy.

What do you like to do?

I enjoy lounging on the grass or relaxing at the beach during the summer. I think many people work with the intention of being able to do those activities, but what I particularly like here is that they are a part of everyday life.

I also enjoy making accessories. I used to have a lot of free time, but I often found myself fiddling with my phone or doing something else. However, when I engage in the process of creating something, I can truly focus on myself. It becomes a time for me to contemplate work-related matters or think about my future direction. It’s a meditative and soothing experience. And when I see the finished products displayed together, I feel a sense of accomplishment and increased self-affirmation.

Do you have any future plans or things you want to do?

While I continue to enjoy making accessories, I have recently experienced some doubts regarding my personal beliefs. To address this, I reached out to individuals who create accessories using sea glass and microplastics and shared my dilemma with them. They advised me to prioritize knowing where my own convictions lie. They emphasized the importance of being aware of the direction I want to take and the feelings I hold, and encouraged me to find a path that aligns with my own values.

Additionally, I have developed an interest in the IT field and am considering pursuing learning opportunities in that area. The pandemic has made me realize the importance of having strong skills and being prepared for the future. I believe it is necessary to acquire multiple skills to equip myself for what lies ahead. I aim to be in a position where I possess several strengths that I can rely on.

If you have had any difficult experiences since coming to Canada, please share them with me.

Rather than saying I haven’t experienced any challenging situations or struggled to overcome them, I would say that even if such situations arose, I didn’t let them bother me too much. I understand that overthinking doesn’t lead to solutions. I believe that no matter what happens, I have faith in my ability to handle it in the moment.

Please deliver a message to those who aspire to go abroad and work.

I believe that if you have the desire to do something, especially when it comes to your life’s aspirations, you should definitely go for it. It’s important to pursue what you personally want to do. After returning from Canada, you may find yourself pondering about job prospects and facing various uncertainties, but in the end, life has a way of working itself out. Regardless of age, I think there are things you can accomplish, but considering that there are limits to physical stamina and health, I believe that when you feel the desire to do something, that’s the time to act.

It’s a common saying, but “regretting after doing something is better than regretting not doing it.” I encourage you to gather your courage and take that first step forward.

Editor’s note

I met her at an artisan market in Vancouver, and I was instantly captivated by her sophisticated jewelry and Ai’s charming personality. As I listened to her story, her solo travels around the world left me deeply impressed. The stories she shared about her adventures were incredibly fascinating and sparked a newfound wanderlust within me.

It felt like Ai was embarking on a new stage. Her desire to prioritize the environment and cherish objects will surely result in creations that align with those values. She continues to carve her own path and evolve in a way that reflects her unique style and vision, just as she has done so far.

You can find her at VHS, a market in New Westminster, and the Powell Festival this summer! Make sure to visit her booth; I’m confident you’ll discover something that suits your taste.