When it comes to new experiences, Sr. Recruiter Amy Kinoshita certainly doesn’t shy away from embracing change. Her ability to accommodate and acclimate in various circumstances can be largely attributed to her multicultural upbringing. Born to parents of Japanese-Korean descent in the United States, Amy was immersed in her cultural heritage while growing up in a Japanese household. This eventually led her to plant her roots in Tokyo when she was just 18 years old. Amy shares how making a move to a new country, combined with her appreciation for her heritage, proved to be an enlightening and empowering chapter in her life.
Tell us about your heritage and family background.
"I grew up in a Japanese household and was taught Japanese culture from my parents. In return, I taught them about American culture."
I'm half Japanese and half Korean. Both of my parents are from Osaka, Japan. My parents immigrated to New York after a few years of marriage, and I was the first in my family to be born in the United States. I grew up in a Japanese household and was taught Japanese culture from my parents. In return, I taught them about American culture.
What are your hobbies and interests? How did you get started?
My hobbies include drawing, watching anime/reading manga, and karaoke. These hobbies stem from my roots in Japan as I grew up watching Japanese cartoons. When I was in elementary school, I had a difficult time speaking English and often took separate language classes than the rest of the students. However, a notable moment occurred during that time when Pokémon was first introduced to America. It was the first time where my Japanese and American cultures collided as Japanese animation was beginning to gain popularity in the States. I felt excited knowing I could connect with my friends about an interest that held a cultural significance for me. This experience greatly contributed to improving my English-speaking abilities and enabled me to create new friendships by sharing my heritage with others.
What is something you are proud of?
When I was 18 years old, I moved to Tokyo, Japan on my own. At that age, I couldn’t foresee the magnitude of packing up my life and moving to a new continent. Now I look back and feel proud of myself to have quickly acclimated to life there as a young adult and kickstart my corporate career.
I later made another international jump by moving to Los Angeles from Tokyo. The experiences I’ve gained living in different countries have changed my life for the better. Not only did I learn how to embrace change, but I also gained valuable life and cultural lessons that I carry with me to this day.
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