Erkki T. Lassila – Researcher interview

Erkki T. Lassila – Researcher interview

Q1 Please introduce yourself briefly.

A Finnish educational scientist and teacher trainer who has become “Japanized,” working at Kobe University. A true native Finn, father of two wonderful children, and a lover of good food, music, and board games.

Q2 Could you tell us what your research is about?

My research mostly takes place in the interdisciplinary spheres of teacher research and gifted education, and at cross-cultural intersections.

Q3 What can your research help us to understand and what is its aim?

The research will contribute to our understanding of how to make teachers’ thinking about their own work, and about giftedness in particular, visible and accessible as part of their initial and in-service teacher education. In particular, it aims to increase teachers’ self-awareness and ability to work in the midst of diverse and sometimes tense relationships, thereby supporting teachers’ well-being and ability to work across a range of challenges.

Q4  As a Finn living in Japan, what can you tell us about the challenges, benefits or just interesting things about living in Japan?

There are so many, but let’s highlight how, as a result of the developed service infrastructure, fewer Finns with a do-it-yourself mentality might find living here easier. On the other hand, this increases costs and takes away the enjoyment of doing many things yourself. Bureaucracy is challenging and burdensome, as information flows poorly between authorities and many things have to be done by in an manual way, as opposed to digitally. Things get done and you can trust the service, but patience can sometimes be tested. Similarly, it is slow to start working together, with many levels of verification and careful relationship building.

Q5 What advice would you give to Finnish researchers who want to come to Japan to do research?Adequate Japanese language skills for research: in the humanities and social sciences, it is difficult to find longer-term positions without at least N2-level language skills. It is worth investing in language and cultural studies, but not at the expense of your own specific skills, which is what you will ultimately be competing for resources. For shorter visits, it is worth investing in finding a good mentor/contact person; without this, mobility and research opportunities can be quite limited. Even with a lighter command of the language and culture, you can get by with sincerity and courage, but you should be able to laugh at yourself… Finally, networking and sharing know-how with researchers from neighbouring Finnish regions (both physically and scientifically) who are already here is recommended. For such consultations, please feel free to contact me.