*What is the work ethic like in your country? Do people work hard, or is there a good work-life balance?
→As far as she knows her parents and her generation have a strong work ethic and work very hard. Sometimes they don’t have a good work-life balance. (From my most mother)
『I felt that the issue of work-life balance is a concern in all countries. I think this problem is especially big in Japan. Since I came to Canada, I had thought that Canadian workers have more freedom than those in Japan. However, I was surprised to learn that my host mother still felt that there was no work-life balance. I also found it interesting that the way of thinking differs so much from country to country.』
*What kind of rights to the citizens have?
→We have the right to vote and free speeches. It is a privilege to be a citizen of Canada. (From my host father)
『When I conducted this interview, the host father said he was very happy that he was able to live in Canada. I also felt that my host father was very proud of it. I thought it was very good that he can think his country is wonderful and have confidence in that idea like he did.』
*What are your country’s cultural values? Why?
→It is a freedom. To allow all Canadians the freedom to respectfully hold opinions and ideas that may be different from each others. This is a privilege we must carefully protect. As for having life balance, he says the some people work to live while others live to work. He tries to only work to live and to love and care for his family. (From my host father)
『I found it amazing that he could clearly say, as he did, that he does not work for money, but for his family. Also, I have been with him for the past three months and he has always acted in a way that deeply convinced me of this statement. I also found it amazing that he is able to take action.』