Why I Left My Career in Tokyo for Australia

Before moving to Australia, I worked as a fashion designer in Tokyo for many years.

One of my previous employers was Donna Karan Japan, where many of my colleagues spoke English. Watching them communicate confidently with the New York office inspired me. I often thought, "I wish I could speak English too."

After leaving that company, I continued working as a fashion designer while using my annual leave to travel overseas alone. My passion was Formula 1, and I visited countries including Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia to watch the races.

Although I could communicate with the English I knew, I always felt that speaking the language fluently would allow me to experience so much more.

As the years passed, I began asking myself an important question:

"Do I really want to spend the rest of my life repeating the same routine in Tokyo?"

One moment stayed with me forever.

While visiting Montreal, Canada, I watched people relaxing in the park, reading books, enjoying picnics, and simply slowing down. Their lifestyle was very different from the busy life I knew in Tokyo.

That day planted a seed.

I decided not only to leave my job as a fashion designer but also to leave Japan.

I had hoped Australia's Working Holiday age limit would be extended, but it never happened. Instead of waiting any longer, I chose a student visa and moved to Australia to finally study English.

This was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking back now, that decision changed everything.

Without Australia, there would be no ENHANCE.

Australia didn't just teach me English—it changed the way I see life, creativity, and sustainability.