Q1. What is your name?

A. Antoinette Sarpong.

Q2. Where are you originally from?

A. Toronto, Canada.

Q3. How long have you been in Japan?

A. 10 months.

Q4. What do you do in Japan?

A. I write features for Kansai Scene magazine.

Q5. How did you get a writing job in Kansai?

A. I was a journalist back in Canada so I emailed the editor, sent him some of my previous work and then he asked me to write. I guess the story turned out alright, so he kept asking me to write every month! I also pitched them story ideas.

Q6. Any funny stories while writing about Kansai?

A. Not yet....I guess it's kinda funny that I have been working there for months and I have never actually met my boss!

Q7. How do you find topics to write everytime?

A. Look around you at things that are happening in my own life, your friends lives and of course I always get the urge to write about things that I see that bother me...it's a good outlet to vent or make people aware of what is going on right infront of them!

Q8. Any advices for people who wants to get a writing job in Kansai?

A. Pitch stories to various mags and don't be discouraged if the first few are rejected. Also, keep your eyes and ears open...mind your own life......what interests you? Do you know interesting people? If so, write about it.

Q9. What are your goals for 2006?

A. Obtain a reasonable level of Japanese and see more of this beautiful country!

Q10. Message to WhyNot!? users!

A. Have fun while you're here and take this great opportunity and embrace it. Roll with the punches, be open to a COMPLETELY different culture and if you ever start to become bored, move on.