Name: Anneka H. Zixin
Major: Contemporary Japanese Studies – Social Sciences
Home School: Warwick University, the United Kingdom
Q. What is your passion?
“I love poetry.
I have been writing poetry since I was 11 years old and haven’t stopped since. It’s the reason why I’m pursuing a major in English literature and creative writing back in the U.K. Poetry is probably the most important outlet of expressing emotion to me; without it, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I write about virtually everything – most of the time it’s about the difficulties of living or growing up (it’s really dark and depressing…) but sometimes it’s fun and silly, like the time I wrote about a chair (shout out to my university professor!).”
Q. What is your inspiration?
“I am inspired by everyday life and people!
Everyone has such unique stories and you really only scratch the surface with most people, but if you’re fortunate enough to really know a person you get to see a glimpse of how life is like for them and how they see the world. Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds especially opens up new perspectives on life you might have never considered before, which I find fascinating to no end.”
Q. Where is “home” to you and why?
“I don’t really see any specific country as my set home; I’m half Singaporean and half HongKonger but stay in the U.K. for university… and now I’ve ended up in Japan for an exchange year abroad! I’m quite literally always traveling and have family and friends all over the world so I’m never really anywhere without missing someone.
Because of that, I really think that wherever I end up at the moment becomes home. It’s about the company and attitude you have.”
Q. What do you like about Japan?
“My favourite thing about Japan… I have so many, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be Shintoism. I really admire the religion for how peaceful and respectful it is. There are no specific strict rules to follow; From what I’ve seen, I understand it’s more about respecting the world around you and hoping in a better future.”
“The shrines are beautiful and the idea of omamori are also testament to how people never stop having faith. Most of the time it really isn’t about a particular kami, it’s about having faith that no matter what things will get better and I love that optimistic mentality.”
Thank you very much, Anneka, for sharing your inspiring stories!
Check here for more information about “Humans of Waseda” campaign.