I lived and worked in Japan from 1986, returning to the UK in 2000 having spent some 14 years in Japan. During my time there I established and managed a private English school and immersed myself in the language and culture – studying not only language but also tea ceremony, flower arrangement and history. After completing my MA in 2004 I established my translation business, MHM Translation, specialising in Japanese to English translation. I also began teaching Japanese, working initially for York Adult and Community Education and, from 2006, here at York St. John. Working in both in the translation industry and academic world enables me to understand what employability skills students will need in the world of business. At present I am responsible for the development and delivery of Japanese language modules of all levels, and also teach practical and business skills on the Translation in the Workplace module. I am actively involved in the university’s "widening participation" programme and regularly go to schools and colleges to give taster sessions etc.