Q1. What is your name?

A. Mike Michaud

Q2. Where are you originally from?

A. I am from Southeast Virginia. I've lived there my whole life, until coming to Japan. Its a pretty quiet city with lots of nice people, but not much to do at night.

Q3. How long have you been in Japan?

A. I just celebrated my 5 year anniversary on May 11th! I lived in Shizuoka for 3 years and then moved to Osaka in　2004


Q4. Tell me about your business in Japan.

A. I'm a private english teacher. I don't work for an eikaiwa or a dispatch service. I developed my own curriculum and I go out on my own to find students and teach english.

Web Site: Mike's English School

Q5. Why did you start a private english teacher?

A. Most eikaiwas in Japan have the same problems. Teachers have very little input in curriculum development, and companies make business decisions that are bad for the students. By going out on my own I could offer an educational curriculum that was fun and focused on things I believed were important. Also, its less stressful for me and gives me more freetime to enjoy being in Japan!

Q6. Any funny stories about your business in Japan?

A. Not much really. I've become a regular at several cafes in Osaka and get recognized by lots of baristas. I've also burned through millions of cafe point cards!

Q7. Good part or bad part about doing business in Japan?

A. The good part is the relaxing atmosphere. On nice days I can teach outside and that is the best feeling possible! Also, I can wear whatever clothes I want. No more suits and ties in the summer! The bad part is that cafes can get crowded sometimes and it cuts down on the privacy of teaching. I don't mind people looking at me, but my students are probably shy. Also the commuting is tough. I am on the subway all day.

Q8. Any advices for people who wants to start business in Japan?

A. Do it! The best things in life are not easy to get. So get to work on your good idea, get motivated and get free from the rat-race!

Q9. What are your goals for your business for 2006?

A. This is my final year in Japan, so I am working on taking my teaching business online so I can run it from anywhere in the world. It won't be easy and it won't be cheap. But I truly believe it will be a revolutionary step in the english-teaching industry and I'm going to do whatever it takes to make it happen!

Q10. Message to WhyNot!? users!

A. Register and post on the site. Come out to the parties. Go to the open mic nights. Build a community beyond the internet. It is important for all of us (foreigners and Japanese) to stick together and share a little bit of culture. And have a lot of fun!