Nationality: American
Time Living in Japan: 25 years
Employer: Okayama University
Current Job Title: Associate Professor
Area(s) of Expertise: Foreign language education, academic writing, EFL textbook writing, editing
Education: Master of Arts in Teaching (School for International Training), BA in English (State University of New York at Oswego)
Language Ability: English (Native), Japanese (Intermediate)
Recently Published Work:
- A Passion for Japan: A Collection of Personal Narratives
- Working in Japan: Further Explorations (National Geographic Learning)
- Deep Japan – John Rucynski
- All About Japan – John Rucynski
Bio:
John Rucynski is currently an Associate Professor at Okayama University, where he teaches a range of English language and content-based courses. He is particularly interested in developing courses that offer opportunities for intercultural collaboration between Japanese and international students.
John’s writing and editing work focuses on serving as a bridge between Japan and the outside world. He has co-authored four textbooks for use in university-level English language courses, including the Surprising Japan! and Working in Japan series. His latest project involved editing A Passion for Japan: A Collection of Personal Narratives, in which 30 long-term residents of Japan share their love for the country. He also writes about his favorite people and places for websites such as All About Japan and Deep Japan.
When not busy teaching or writing, John spends as much time as he can exploring Japan by bike or on foot. He can also frequently be found at Koshien Stadium cheering on his beloved Hanshin Tigers.
Favorite Thing About Living in Japan:
The sports culture (especially baseball and sumo); hiking and cycling across the country, followed by wonderful food, drinks (beer or sake), and hot springs.
Favorite Place to Visit in Japan:
The Kumano Kodo in Wakayama, Nara, and Mie Prefectures (hiking, eating, drinking, and soaking in hot springs), as well as Koshien Stadium in Hyogo Prefecture (praying for my Tigers to win).
What Has Kept You in Japan:
I used to joke that I had to continue living in the Kansai region until my Hanshin Tigers finally won the Japan Series. Now that this has happened, the real truth is that I’ve stayed for the hiking and cycling opportunities, the wonderful public transportation system, the amazing food culture, the public order, and the hot springs.
Favorite Place to Visit Outside Japan:
Nepal.
What Changes Have You Noticed During Your Time Living in Japan:
It’s more a case of Japan changing me. Japan honestly hasn’t changed THAT much, which is why I have stayed!